Joe Alexander

The giant wind turbines that generate electricity in parts of this country don’t have the same kind of character as the windmills I sometimes still see that pump water in rural Texas.

But the contrast between the nearly all white wind turbines set against the terrain and sky can be dramatic.

These were near Interstate 90 and I know I was east of Ellensburg, Washington. Looking at Google Maps, it looks like the PUD Wind Farm and Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility are in this area.

The Indian John Hill Rest Area about 200 miles east of Seattle a place to stop and take pictures, as well as stretch your legs and get a cup of coffee.

The South Fork joins the main Snowqualmie River just north of North Bend.

The Snoqualmie River is 45 miles long and runs roughly southeast to northwest in western Washington State and passes not from North Bend and Interstate 90.

The “Welcome to Twin Peaks” sign from the TV show was on the north side of the main river by the Three Forks Natural Area a mile or two north of North Bend and right across from where the South Fork flows into the Snoqualmie.

To get to the 270-foot waterfall, there is a walkway from the parking lot to a great viewing area.

Snoqualmie Falls in on the Snoqualmie River and is just off Interstate 90 a little more than a half hour drive east from Seattle.

Once you leave the interstate, its just a quick drive north on the Snoqualmie Parkway.

You can also reach Snowqualmie Falls by driving northwest from North Bend, Washington, on Snowqualimie-North Bend Road.

The combination of evergreen trees up close, mountains farther in the distance and clouds can give you some interesting colors and moods.

If you’re lucky enough to get some blue sky mixed in, so much the better.