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.