"Heavenly" and "Divine" on Highway 97

Highway 97, about 80 miles long between Yakima and the Columbia River, traverses mostly sagebrush-covered desert land as you drive south from Toppenish, “City of Murals”. The light of day, from dawn to dusk, changes the hillside hues from golden to sun-washed yellow and evening shades of purple. Elevation gain is gradual, then sagebrush gives way to pine trees as the road climbs to Satus Pass. Brooks Memorial State Park is on the west side of the highway, just south of the pass, and then this ‘heavenly’ climb leads to the ‘divine’ discovery of St. John The Forerunner Greek Orthodox Monastery – specifically the Greek Bakery/Deli/Coffee and Gift shop, on the east side of the highway, about 10 miles north of Goldendale.

Well marked with a big sign, and fronted by ample parking, this ‘blessing’ of a shop was begun in the spring of 2002, to help support the Monastery, which was founded in 1995. Nuns and novices create traditional arts of the Orthodox Church, and prepare delicious Greek foods from scratch. Offerings include stuffed vine leaves, gyros, hummus, mousakas, souvlaki, spanikopita, and more. Longing for ‘sinful’ Greek desserts? Try baklava, kourambiedes, indokaryido, or tsoureki, a slightly-sweet, braided bread typically served in Greece on feast days. There is a full espresso bar, but be sure to sample the Greek coffee. The gift area includes handmade soaps, beeswax candles, incense, lotions, Greek icons, Christian books and gifts, CDs of Byzantine Chant, and many other items. All sales help to support the sisterhood, and the making of their handiwork and foods for sale to the public.

The sisters warmly welcome you at St.John The Forerunner Greek Orthodox Monastery. www.stjohnmonastery.org 2378 Hwy.97 Goldendale, WA 98620.  509/773-6650. Check on store hours, (usually closed on Sunday), and in winter, be prepared for winter driving conditions, as Satus Pass, at 3107 ft., is 85 feet higher than Snoqualmie Pass on I-90.

Comments

Bruce Johnson said:

Karen, Years ago, I lived and worked in Goldendale. I treasured the golden wheat fields, and also cross-country skied near Satus Pass. I enjoyed your writing; it made me want to make a visit to the Monastery, which did not exist when I lived in the area. -Bruce in Olympia

November 13, 2007 2:58 PM