Jack's Journal: Road To Spokane
CBS News producer and Winnebago driver Jack Halsbond stopped at a few national landmarks on the way to Spokane, Wash., as he travels the country as part of The Early Show's "Great American Vacation" giveaway.
The ride into Spokane is certainly one of the more spectacular journeys this city boy has ever taken.
Interstate 90 west from Bozeman, Mont. — through the Rockies traveling down Lookout Pass into Northern Idaho and Lake Coeur d'Alene on my way into Spokane (30 minutes from the lake) — is so amazing that it rivals any route I have ever traveled.
The scenic beauty of the Northwest is nature at its best. Mountains covered in giant pines and majestic vistas at breath-taking heights is something that shall stay with me for a long time. My only regret is that there was no safe way to stop and grab some shots as I descended down lookout pass into northern Idaho.
Located in eastern Washington, Spokane takes its name from the Native American tribe that makes its home in the area and literally translates in English as "Children of the Sun." The Spokane River runs through downtown with spectacular falls in the western end of Riverfront Park, where we gathered Friday, June 30, 2006, as The Early Show finished out the month of June with its eighth "Great American Vacation" giveaway.
View my photosRetired teacher's aide Joyce Bergman, who spent 33 years helping in the education of generations of Spokane's children, was the surprise recipient of a marvelous Bermuda vacation. It turns out that Bergman is a bit of a homebody. She told us that she had never been on an airplane. That is about to change.
Once again, the local community turned out in force to join us at the pretty unusual hour of 4 a.m. Of course, when the crew call is for 1 a.m., one can be excused from not being sure if we were actually working early in the morning or late at night. However you look at it, the folks of Spokane did themselves proud as they turned out to be part of the show.
As The Early Show's Dave Price held court, we were treated to a glimpse of life in Spokane. The founders of Barrister Winery gave us an early morning lesson in the proper was to savor the delicate flavor of their product. Turns out that they are two lawyers, hence Barrister Winery, who chanced upon a hobby that got out of control. Now the only cases they try are oak barreled.
Washington is second largest wine producer in the United States. with two former lawyers who now deal with different kinds of cases.Joining in the fun was the dance team from the Spokane Shock, the arena football team that plays in Spokane Arena. Under the direction of Sabrena Chaudhry and the assistant director Danielle Molle, this 13-member dance team entertains at all home games. In just their first season, the team sports a 9-2 record, good enough for 4th place in their division.
Also on hand, in costume, were 10 members of the 50-player troupe of the Northwest Renaissance Festival, who have been performing for 12 years in Tum Tum, Wash.
People to People's traveling group and support personnel were also on hand. Since its inception in 1956, People to People has worked toward achieving mutual understanding between citizens of all nations.
As the sun rose over Riverfront Park, we were treated to a spectacular morning and a breakfast of delicious biscuits and gravy was also available, compliments of CAT-FM, for those who wished to indulge. Let me be the first to say, "Yummy!"
A happy Fourth of July to all. See you next week from Yakima.