Family Reunion in Packwood

Last weekend, I got another chance to drive through some small Washington towns to which I’ve never been before. It was our family reunion weekend, an annual event, that was scheduled this year for Packwood, Washington. We always try to find a somewhat centralized location so all family members can at least make an effort to attend. Packwood seemed to be easy for us and for the Campbells in the Yakima area, doable for my parents in Ocean Shores, but too far of a drive for the Fentons and Zandofskys in Spokane.

Still, I was looking forward to seeing some new parts of Washington about which I had only preconceived notions based on stories from friends with negative experiences. We headed east from Lacey, as if we were going to Mt. Rainier, took the 702 in McKenna to the 7 south through LaGrande and past the Pack Forest about which I recently blogged. In Elbe, instead of continuing toward Ashford and Mt. Rainier, we headed south on the 7 to Morton and then east again on the 12 through Glenoma, Randle and finally Packwood.

On the way back, I wanted to take a short detour through Mineral so I could add it to my list of places, but we had to pick up the dog from the boarding place so we didn’t have time. Maybe I’ll get to see the picturesque settings of Mineral, Washington, on my next road trip.

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About Washington Our Home

My name is Erich Ebel and I love this state. I’ve lived on the green side as well as the brown side. I’ve navigated the rivers and climbed the mountains. I’ve fished its lakes, hiked its trails, marveled at its geology, and studied its fascinating, storied history. I’ve spent the past ten years discovering and sharing stories about Washington’s history, heritage, and culture. My blog, videos, and podcasts hold a treasure trove of interesting facts, unknown facets, and fascinating tales that help to educate the general public about the privileges of being in Washington. I’m the current chair of the City of Lacey Historical Commission, and previously served as Marketing and Communications Director for the Washington State Historical Society and Museum. I’ve been a board member for the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, and the History Insider for Scenic Washington magazine.

4 Comments

  1. Pingback: Family reunion in Moses Lake | Washington, Our Home

  2. Thanks for the pics! Great time! Sorry that it has been so long since the last time we all got together and lets hope that we continue this on. Great to meet Kelly and Parker. Dont know about the rest of the state non-union workers but some of our school administrators, non union, are receiving raises here, though clearly disguised. Happy Labor Day and watch for the frost on the pumpkin. Murray

  3. You love your post offices!

  4. Nearly all of them have the name of the town printed on the outside…proof that I was there!

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