Wenatchee WA #48 - It's Relative


 August 28 2023

We are often asked how we choose our locations to play pickleball. For this trip, Barb's nephew Steve and family live in Wenatchee, WA so combining a visit with them and playing pickleball in the Wenatchee Valley was an easy decision. Communicating with players prior to our arrival also directed us to play at Eastmont Community Park where we would find players with similar skills to ours playing in the mornings.

As soon as we arrived at the courts, we met Diane and Allie, a mother/daughter team. Diane brought us up to speed on the paddle system in use. Paddle handles pointing north indicated advanced players. Handles pointing east were intermediate and handles pointing south were beginners. The six dedicated outdoor courts were filled with players, however, courts became available rather quickly. We had placed our paddles down with Diane and Allie and before long we were on the courts. They made a formidable pair to play against. Diane's background in volleyball allowed her to deftly spike the ball if you happened to get it up too high.

Our second game was with Andy and Doug. The amazing thing about Doug was that he was 11 weeks out from heart surgery. Even more amazing, he hiked the Colchuck Lake trail 8 weeks after surgery. This hike is a rugged 4.5 miles with a 2,300 foot elevation climb. Then you have the 4.5 miles back to the trailhead. I did feel badly when I slammed the ball that nailed him in the chest. Fortunately we didn't need an AED.

The paddle rotation paired us with Doug again, but this time Dan was his partner. I made sure during this game not to target Doug. We enjoyed our play with all the players we were on the court with and appreciated their easy going attitudes. While their attitudes were easy going, their play was intentional.


Our final game was with Pam and Jan. It was during this game that while returning a lob I took a few steps back and lost my balance with my torso accelerating faster than my legs and eventually crashing to the court just as I reached the fence. Fortunately there were no major injuries and the game continued on. Later that night I noticed my wrist hurting and wondered why. Barb reminded me that I did take a fall that morning which could have been the cause.



There were many activities we participated in while in Wenatchee. We did a couple of hikes and a bike ride on the Apple Capital Loop Trail. All were very enjoyable, but the Colchuck Lake Trail rose to the top with a surreal landscape. We were fortunate to have Barb's nephew Steve as our trail guide. He is a seasoned hiker and climber who made sure we were prepared for any contingency on our trek.



Location: Eastmont Community Park, East Wenatchee, WA 98802, USA

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