A Beautiful Autumn Afternoon in Orting, Washington.
Yesterday was “THE” most beautiful autumn day I can remember for many years. My good friend and coworker Kim Schildt and I had an appointment in Orting yesterday so we drove down from Puyallup together.
Orting, Washington is a small town of about 7,000 people in the shadow of Mt. Rainier. Back in the late 60’s I came here a lot to work with Bonnie Guitar and her daughter Paula Tutmarc-Johnson. Bonnie’s ranch was just a couple of miles outside of town and we made a lot of music there, back in the day.
Kim was driving today so my hands are free for taking photos!
Orting has a long history in these parts. The first recorded land claim was by William Whitesell in 1854 and the city incorporated in April of 1889. It’s a little strange for me to see so many homes around here where farms used to be.
The soil in the Orting Valley is super rich and created from lava flows off Mt. Rainier. The major crops are hops, produce, Christmas trees, daffodils, tulips and berries of all kinds.
There are still several farms in the valley and the area is still rural. We made a quick stop at Spooner Farms to checkout some of the Harvest Festival Halloween fun.
Orting is about 45 miles south of Seattle and 30 miles northwest as the crow flies from Mt. Rainier. This little town is designated #1 at-risk if ol’ Rainier decided to blow her top. The city has a network of early warning sirens that are set to go off via sensors installed on the mountain.
It certainly was a beautiful autumn afternoon in Orting. Thanks Kim!
A few previous posts on Mt. Rainier and Orting memories with Bonnie Guitar and Paula Tutmarc-Johnson.
Bonnie Guitar, at 90... She's still got that SWING! The Wranglers Goodbye my Friend Mt. Rainier
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