Solstice at the Run...

I have a love hate relationship with the Solstice. I revel in the early crisp mornings, days of length and perfect temperatures and evenings that linger with the last of the sun lighting up the Enchantments. But, I know that all of this will ultimately go away on us. So, there really is only one answer to this: Get out and play as much as possible. Right now!

And, it is not only us humans out playing. The bears, beaver, raccoons and other critters of the night have been snorting about as well. Chuck has the bird feeders on the back decks on break away screws, so when the bears whack them, the feeders don't break from the impact of their paws. If you can't beat 'em...

All of the hiking trails we love are now open and snow free: Colchuk, Eight Mile Lake, Nason Ridge. The bikes are ready for an ambitious ride up Freund Canyon or Devil's Gulch or a leisurely cruise along the fairly flat back roads.

Enjoy this magical time of the year and we look forward to seeing you at the inn!

Karen joins the Fun at the Run...

Good news everyone...this ship is finally going to fly right. Karen hangs up the chalk today and joins the inn full time with Monty and the crew. Many of you know Karen and understand she is the real brains and talent behind the success of the inn. We are all very happy Karen is fully on board.


And even better news: When you want to take a break from the drizzle, head over this way and find your place in the sun. It has been a particularly rough start to spring and summer for the I-5 corridor, but all is good in Leavenworth and the Icicle Valley. Guests are hiking, biking, rafting, and golfing and relaxing in the warmth. Driver east and lose the gray!

Enjoy the Solstice and we will see you down the road!

Spring Magic...

While pretty much every morning at the inn has magic, this morning was a cut above. Right after guests were "just right" with a wonderful fresh breakfast (you know what that is all about!) by Monty and the crew, a guest noticed that a doe, lying all morning quietly in the grasses across the river on the island, was giving birth to a fawn.

We all dashed out to the deck to see the miracle first hand. Beyond the Evening Grossbeaks chattering and flitting about, it was quiet as a church. As soon as the fawn was properly attended two by Mom, another baby fawn was born, all to the delight of guests standing mesmerized.

Soon after, the third of triplets arrived. Momma Doe stood quietly and proudly licking and tending to her new brood.

Just born fawns have about as cute, innocent, and peaceful a face as you will see any
where on earth. To see three together on this beautiful Spring morning in the Icicle Valley was something we will all never forget.

It will be a joy to watch the babies, all wobbly now, grow up over the spring and summer at home on the refuge island.

Beauty of Spring in the Valley...

Hi Ho to All,

The inn and the valley are changing around us as spring settles in. It seemed overnight the trees were green again, the early flowers bloomed, and deer filled the refuge. There is something new to see and hear everyday. A couple of weeks back we saw a doe give birth to two fawns right out on the island!

Everyone is enjoying the beautiful weather; finally it is comfortable to wear shortsleeves and sandals! These long days are perfect for hikes, bike rides, adventures in town or relaxing at the inn. The warmth of the day continues on into the evenings when the frogs croak a unique concert that you have front row seats at from your deck.

Innkeepers are gardeners, too! We've been busy planting our herb garden and many different flowers and plants all around the inn's grounds. Pretty soon we will be covered in a patchwork quilt of colorful blossoms!

With the massive snowfall we had this winter, you can bet your bottom dollar that the rivers and streams of the Valley are rushing. The guests and innkeepers watched the high water channel fill from sand up to the bank in just a couple of days. If you take Highway two to come to the inn, stop and see the dam a couple miles out of Leavenworth; you'll know it when you see it!

In Leavenworth we had two great festivals in the last month; Maifest and Bird fest. The inn presents a very special opportunity to experience the birds; we see and hear so many different kinds. There is nothing quite like a morning on a bird refuge; Karen says that's the right way to wake up - by nature's alarm clock.

Art in the Park downtown by the gazebo just started this month on the weekends and continues through October. Many of the artists paint or perform their craft right there in the park. In mid June the farmer's market will start and run through harvest into October as well. See what the local's have to offer!

That's all from our end; we hope all is bright and beautiful on your end as well!

Cheers,

--Ashley

Early Spring Comes the to the Run...

Hi Ho From the Icicle Valley!



I just had to post a quick note to fill you in on current conditions. If you can make a break to the Icicle Valley and Run of the River anytime soon...do so. It is magical!



Snow is receding quickly. We have cool temps, but very sunny days. The bikes are out, the low hikes are opening up to some green hills and glacial lillies.



If you want to linger in winter, the snowshoes are still ready for a tromp in the upper Icicle Canyon.



The west facing decks are perfect for afternoon cookies and a fresh cup of coffee. Letting the sun collect, while you sway to the easy rhythm of the refuge is the perfect way to end the day in the Valley.



For birding, the Evening Grossbeaks are back in packs! Perhaps misnamed, they appear on the feeders in groups every morning. While you are feasting inside, they are outside chirping, feeding and flitting about. Quite a scene!

Winter fun at the Run...

Wow...what a winter in the Icicle Valley and Run of the River Inn and Refuge. We are now past the prime season for heavy snows, but we got our accummulation when it counted. And what an accummulation it was. We go back 22 years at the inn and only the winter of 95-96 rivaled this one. That was the last millenium!

Along with the snow, we have had cooler than normal temperatures so skiing, snowshoeing, sleigh rides and snowmobiling have been perfect.

Now though, we are turning a corner to late winter. Days are getting longer and sunnier. Nights are clear and are star-filled. Songbirds are coming back. The joy of the first spring call the Chickadee and the red winged blackbird is a treat. Spring is fast approaching in the Valley. The birds tell us so.

With spring, we are running the Spring Break promotion. See details online to take advantage of this once a year opportunity. We hope it works for you! It should amazing to see the runoff this spring from the decks!

December 19th, 2007

Happy Holidays everybody! We hope you are doing great. This is our first blog entry for Run of the River Inn and Refuge. It comes, coincidentally, on the anniversary of our inception 21 years ago this month.

What we liked about running a small inn way back in the Reagan era was that we could run it out of a little plastic box with 3 X 5 file cards for recording guest stays, and a primitive calendar to record minimal data.

The inn back then was a far cry from what guests now experience. And a few guests have histories at the inn going back twenty plus years. We celebrate them for moving along with us!

Well...I tell Karen, "We still run the inn out of a little plastic box." Only today, of course, the little box is hooked up to 110 power, wi-fi and the internet.

Thanks to all the folks who have made the journey with us and we look forward to welcoming new guests to the adventure of Run of the River Inn and Refuge.

Current Report: WOW...do we have snow! Only record setting winter of 1998-99 comes close to the current snow levels we have at the inn. Guests are ecstatic...the good guys shoveling are having second thoughts and it is pre-Solstice! See the above image for a visual!

The scene in the refuge and up to the Cascades is wintery and tranquil with snow blanketing a peaceful vista. Yesterday at breakfast is seemed as if we were serving guests in a snow globe recently shaken. Pretty magical, making a deep impression on guests.

Northwest Backroads Update: Grant and the crew were here recently to do a piece on Ravenwood Lodge! You will be able to see their impression of Ravenwood for the first time Saturday, December 22nd on KING 5. Periodically throught the holidays the episode will repeat. Enjoy!