Walla Walla Weekend

I had the pleasure of accompanying my wonderful friend Angie to Walla Walla for a weekend vacation that she won in a Washington Bikes raffle. I had never been there, so it was all a great adventure for me; all the vendors who donated prizes made for a perfect visit.

First we checked into the Inn At Blackberry Creek, a gorgeous old house with a creek running nearby, situated near bike lanes in a quiet neighborhood. Our room had an enormous king size bed, large bathroom, closet that could be a small bedroom, and several windows overlooking gardens and the creek. Coffee, cookies, and fruit were available anytime and there was plenty of outside and inside seating. I also saw several bikes available to guests.

After relaxing a bit in the Inn, we walked along Main Street to check out gift shops and wineries before dining at the Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen. This small restaurant requires a credit card number when making a reservation, so we were careful to be on time. For an appetizer we shared a grilled Walla Walla sweet onion that was cooked with braised pork, toasted walnuts, and smoked olive oil and enjoyed a main dish of grilled steak and fingerling potatoes. All the food was prepared perfectly.

While the desserts at Saffron looked lovely, we wanted to enjoy more of the warm evening, so we walked down the street to the Dolci Rosa Bakery (full disclosure, this was my second trip there of the day; I had peanut butter gelato on my way into town!) where Angie had a luscious lemon tart and I indulged in a chai, french-style macaroon. 

After a cozy evening of girl-talk, we awoke to a delightful breakfast. The Inn has a breakfast menu with several choices, so I had oatmeal and a glorious assortment of fruit while Angie had a dish of fruit and a cheese and veggie fritatta. We jumped onto our bikes and rode six blocks to a park to begin the Ann Weatherill Cycling Classic. The ride gave options of 30, 50, or 100 mile routes that all look challenging and fun, but after checking in, we rode the route for two miles and then veered off for our own adventure. We found the Mill Creek Recreational Trail to be a perfect way to chat, bike, and enjoy the view. The trail is about fifteen miles, some paved and some packed gravel. Here's Angie on her road bike bravely climbing a gravel hill.

It couldn't have been more perfect weather for selfies and vistas.

After the ride, we returned to the park and joined many other cyclists for a catered lunch of pasta with home made sauce, Caesar and tossed salads, and cookies. The organizers of the ride explained that the entry fees go toward bike lanes and other cycling infrastructure. It was a well-run event for a very good cause.


I am so fortunate to have be able to spend time in this cute town with one of my best friends and am grateful to the Walla Walla businesses that donated to Washington Bikes for this raffle. I would certainly recommend Walla Walla as a bike destination.

Don't Give Me Gluten-Grief

I have seen several Facebook posts lately announcing that there is no reason to avoid gluten; there appears to be a backlash directed toward those who chose to follow a gluten-free diet. I wanted to put a face on this discussion. Eight years ago, I began having terrible abdominal pain. After several tests, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease—an autoimmune condition that causes chronic inflammation of the digestive system. I spent two horrible years taking many expensive drugs, enduring disgusting tests, and undergoing two surgeries. I weighed less than one hundred pounds, had no appetite, rarely slept, and worried constantly about whether I would ever feel healthy again. This chronic illness consumed all of my time and thoughts.

When no treatments eased my pain, my GI began talking to me about a third surgery. Before I would consider that, I went to a naturopath and took a series of food sensitivity tests. He came to the conclusion that I had difficult time digesting gluten. Soon after, my GI and family doctor both suggested I try a gluten free diet. Furthermore, I read of several studies that found that giving up gluten appeared to help patients with autoimmune disorders. I truly had nothing to lose, so I gave it a try.

For three weeks nothing changed, and then one day I woke up feeling better. My appetite returned, I gained back my lost weight, and returned to my normal, happy self. Six years later, I still have no sign of Crohn’s and I am a healthy, gluten-free woman.

I have read Facebook posts that claim that gluten-intolerance is all in one’s head. Perhaps that is true, but if my head was so easily swayed, I wonder why thousands of dollars in drugs and two surgeries didn’t convince it that I was actually healthy. Moreover, if it is just in my head and only a choice, what difference does that make to anyone, anyway? Vegetarianism is a choice for many thoughtful people; I don’t see it mocked in social media. I suspect some of this backlash is because there are people demanding gluten-free foods who are annoying in restaurants, but I am also pretty sure those people are just annoying—please don’t confuse my dietary needs with the reality that there are jerks in every crowd.

I am grateful every day for my health, and it is hurtful to see posts claiming that I am uneducated or silly when I don’t eat that wedding cake or doughnut. I hope before people ridicule this diet, they think of me and others like me and respect our desire to be healthy.