I spent sometime in Yakima, Washington for my 8-5 gig this week.  Outside of the 8-5 grind, I make sure to take advantage of my statewide travel by enjoying what the local area has to offer.  I had more freedom this time around since I had my own car with me- so I packed up with my favorite colleague and drove up the Yakima River Canyon.  It had been 104+ degrees all week, so we chose to go near sundown for a quick trip up to Umtanum Creek Canyon.  The parking is easy, $5 for the day, and has picnic spots right on the river. You can take in the views of the canyon and the fly fisherman trying their hand at a naturalist art. We didn’t go far since we were midweek with zero preparations for a deep hike into the sage brush. The few hours we spent were clear, warm, and colorful.