Cle Elum, Washington - July 2026
We finished up with our first week of our Nomad Life 2026 adventure, a week in Cle Elum visiting daughter Meghan and family.
We found a magical AirBnB in Elk Heights, halfway between Cle Elum and Ellensburg, just off I-90, across the dry grass pasturelands and nestled against the pines. Gorgeous views of the Cascades and towering Mt. Stuart (and lots of wind turbines). Cozy bunkhouse cabin with micro-kitchen and in-room jacuzzi tub. Plush king bed and cooling A/C. Lots of hiking/walking trails. As quiet and peaceful as we'd hoped.
And a quick 10-minute drive to Meghan & Mike's 10-acre spread on the east edge of Cle Elum. They've been there 8 years and have created a pretty wonderful homestead. Lots of time with Ava (17), Cora (14) and Nash (11). Jaxon is in L.A. on a Christian outreach mission, so we missed him.
Loved Meghan's new mega-garden with more than 100 different veggies, fruits, herbs, and ornamentals. And 65+ dahlias popping up over the next month or so.
We breakfasted at the new Division Point Coffee Bar and Crepes (indulgently delish!), enjoyed the Sunday Roslyn Market with chilled wine and warm Marcona almonds at the Wine Collaboration, and we scarfed down decent Chicago dogs from Ava's friends at The Original Hot Dog Stand food truck. And obviously we had a beer at The Brick. Obviously.
One afternoon we drove the paved length of Salmon La Sac Road along Cle Elum Lake - just to experience the beauty of it - then backtracked to Speelyi Beach where Nash celebrated a friend's birthday. Mike advised us that on busy weekends Speelyi will embrace 500+ vehicles and thousands of people and boats and jetskis.
And we visited Meghan out at the 9 Iron Bar & Grill at the public Sun Country Golf Course. Reminded me of her days at the Matador in Redmond 20 years ago. It's a joy to watch her work. She's so damn good.
And now on to Spokane for 12 days.
Photo Gallery
If you see the Elk Heights Road exit off I-90, look to the south and you’ll see this vast acreage.
And down that long road, nestled up to the pine forest, you’ll find our wonderful AirBnB.
Panoramic views of the Cascades and Mount Stuart.
That’s our bunkhouse cabin. Four rooms, ours in the back on the right. The “Bear” Room.
Quiet and cozy with a comfy king bed. We didn’t use the hot tub, but it sure looked inviting.
And along the road we came across this fresh eggs and cut flowers stand. Honor system with a Venmo number. Love this.
The pond on daughter Meghan’s homestead. You can barely see the zipline across the water and they added new beach sand to the shore. Lots of hours spent here all summer!
Mike’s business is parting out snow machines (and now side x sides). Here’s Cora in one of his projects.
Meghan’s mega-garden. This photo was from an Adirondack chair in the corner where I could have relaxed for hours.
Meghan and Nancy at the 9 Iron Bar & Grill.
Speelyi Beach. Imagine 20 times that many vehicles. Yikes!
Don’t breathe when you get to Spokane!!
Absolutely stunning! Loving the beginning of your adventures!