John first introduced me to Leavenworth when we were dating.  We had driven through here once and stopped at the river that meanders through the town.  There happened to be a forest fire at that time and the wildlife sought refuge in the town.  We were on a bridge over the river watching a group of kids playing in the water when a "small" black bear wandered out of the bushes and down to the water. It poked it's nose in the air and sniffed.  The kids were still splashing around not even noticing the bear.  it stood there for a bit sniffing and looking and then wandered back into the brush.  Every time we walk along that same path in Leavenworth, that scene comes right back to me.  it was too amazing to forget.  This day though there weren't any kids playing in the river.  The snow wasn't too high up on the mountain and the air was crisp. This little German style town is such a fun little stop along Highway 2.  With blue skies and the leaves glowing in full color we just had to pull over and browse the shops.  The streets full of people happily walking from shop to shop, we joined in as well.