Run of the River

Sunshine, Wildflowers and Apple Blossoms...

2009-05-05T13:33:00.000-07:00

We've hit that magical time of year: the convergence of sun, warmth, length of day. Pure joy for all!

We have a new hiking guide for Spring and Fall "Strolls, Walks and Hikes" that will get you onto uncrowded, off the beaten path spots for wildflowers and views of the apple and pear blossoms lacing the Wenatchee Valley. You'll experience an amazing layered effect, with apple blossoms low in the Valley, wildflowers dappling the hillsides and loads of snow up high in the Enchantments. Come and experience spring in the Valley!

Now, if you happen to swing a stick at a small white ball, there are some amazing golf deals in the Valley running through May. Bear Mountain Golf Course near Chelan has a terrific twilight rate of $29.00 starting at 3:00 and with the length of day, you can easily get in all eighteen holes. The views of the orchards surrounding Lake Chelan are inspiring. http://www.bearmt.com/

Desert Canyon Golf Course has a two for one greens rate on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If you have ever thought of playing this challenging course, now is the time! Desert Canyon also has a very fair twilight rate of $ $41.00 after 3:00. http://www.desertcanyon.com/

Just west of town is Kahler Glen. Remember the days of $20 golf? Well, certain days Monday-Thursday you can make that a reality. Imagine golf for a buck a hole? Sign me up! http://www.kahlerglen.com/

The local course, Leavenworth Golf Club, also has very fairly priced afternoon golf. This allows you to enjoy a hike or a bike ride, or just a morning reading the newspaper on the deck, then venture out for a quick 9 or 18 at any of the local courses. http://www.leavenworthgolf.com/

This weekend is the annual Leavenworth Spring Birdfest, now entering its 8th year. Private, state and federal resources combine to make this free festival one of our favorites. If you are a serious birder, this is your place to shine! But, if you are like me, and just enjoy the sights and sounds, there is plenty of action and learning available.

Of course, you can have have your own bird fest every morning with a hot cup of coffee and the newspaper on your deck. The grosbeaks, finches, blue jays and quail love to put on a show for you. http://www.leavenworthspringbirdfest.com/ .

Monty and Karen, Innkeepers
Run of the River Inn and Refuge
Leavenworth, WA

Celebrate Spring....

2009-03-28T14:17:00.000-07:00

Hi Ho!

The days are getting longer and warmer. The birds sing in celebration. And, most importantly, that Cascade Curtain is coming into full effect. I know it can be rainy drizzly this time of year on the I-5 side of Washington, but the Icicle Valley nestles nicely in the sun just east of the Cascades, fully enjoying the benefits of the Curtain. Way to go topography!

So, all the bikes are ready to go. The lower elevation wild flower walks and trail runs are opening up. The decks are usable in the morning with a hot cup of coffee and the Seattle Times or in the evening with the beverage of your choice and your sweetie.

Speaking of trails, the subject is heating up in the Icicle Valley as we strive to catch up to other communities in the Northwest with trail access for walking, running, skiing and biking. You can see the current ideas presented by the city by visiting this link. You can click on it or copy and paste it into your web browser. www.cityofleavenworth.com/trailsplan.htm It will be interesting to see how this develops over the next couple of years.

But you don't need trails to enjoy biking in the Icicle Valley. Just hop on the mountain bikes or the tandem at the inn to cycle along the back roads to O'Grady's Deli at Sleeping Lady for a hand built soy latte and a stroll of the art-filled grounds. Then cruise along the rest of the Leavenworth Loop, dropping down to the Icicle River along Waterfront Park. Fun stuff and everyone can do it. See you soon at the Inn!

Cheers,

Your Run of the River Crew
Monty and Karen, Ashley, Chuck, Cali, Eva, Teresa and Lori

River Reinvestment...

2009-02-18T11:31:00.000-08:00

Hope all is well with you! Just a quick comment here to underscore that, while the media portrays the economy in a tailspin, all goes well at Run of the River. Our current year looks plenty strong. We believe in the strength of our guests and we believe in the future of the economy and the inn.

To do our part to support the local and national economy, here is what we are doing in the Icicle Valley. On Inauguration Day, we supported a bricks and mortar Washington company and purchased a new commercial refrigerator, made in America. This thing is huge and a beauty! What took us so long to do this?

We also purchased all new flat screen TV's for all suites. No more TV's the size of ice chests. And, no more VCR's. They have gone the way of 8-tracks. (Many of our guests missed that era completely.)

We made the switch from Verizon and other suppliers to a local company delivering all of our telephone, television and complimentary hi-speed internet at the inn and in Ravenwood via fiber. This company is so local it is called Local-Tel!

Working with our local PUD, we are replacing the two propane hot water tanks supplying the inn with four highly efficient electric tanks.

As a company, we see the current economic conditions as a stage to evaluate how we do things, who we buy from and how we grow Run of the River from this point. We look forward to the challenges and the changes. All is well in the Icicle Valley. We wish you peace in your journey.

We're Good!

2009-01-10T12:29:00.000-08:00

Hi Ho Friends!

Thanks for your calls and emails from around the state and the country regarding the recent blast of weather from good ol' Mother Nature.

While the passes closed for a bit and some roads were washed out, Run of the River came through just fine. In fact, it was real fine for some folks who couldn't head home for a day from the inn. Imagine that! An extra day in paradise to play in the Valley and relax at the inn.

Unfortunately, US 97/Blewitt Pass will be closed for a few weeks as repairs are being done to patch a washout. So, if you are coming via I-90, you would continue past Cle Elum to George on I-90, then drive north through Quincy and Wenatchee.

If you can drive over via US 2/Stevens Pass that would be the preferential route.

Regardless of how you arrive, all is good down to R O R. Coffee is fresh, cookies are warm and the big ol' leather chairs are sitting by the fire ready for a good book and you!

Happy Holidays from the Crew at Run of the River...

2008-12-24T16:13:00.000-08:00

Hi Ho All,

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Run of the River Inn and Refuge. Even in these turbulent times, we all have much to be thankful for this Holiday Season.

The snow has finally come on strong in the Icicle Valley. Everyone is out snowshoeing, skiing and taking a stroll through the village. Thanks to the new LED lights spread through town, the lights have never been more brilliant. The display stays up through February, so make plan to come and enjoy the show.

Gretchen Daiber and her crew are ready to go with cross country instruction and Mission Ridge and Stevens Pass are going full bore. The horses are blowing steam ready for your sleigh ride! We hope you can take advantage of one of the winter ski specials and get some time on the snow.

The inn is decked for the holidays. Each year, we look in wonder at Patti Bosket's creation and say, "Can't get better than this!" But, Patti pulls a rabbit out of the hat and does it one better. Each morning, walking in to the inn compels us into the simplicity of the Christmas spirit.

When you head this way, you might look up weather and pass conditions at http://www.weather.com/ or the terrific Washington State Highway website. www.wsdot.wa.gov/Traffic/passes

As you may know, the Seattle area TV weather folks are famous for the hype on weather and pass conditions. They can so unnecessarily put the fear into folks. The above sites are unbiased without the sizzle. I think it was Mark Twain who said, "Never let the truth get in the way of a good story". And that was before television weathermen!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Monty and Karen, Innkeepers

Run of the River Inn and Refuge

Leavenworth, WA

Season of Color...

2008-10-04T16:55:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the season of color in the Icicle Valley and Run of the River Inn and Refuge. Color is everywhere! Trees are fully in change from verdant green to flaming reds, yellows and orange hues.

Patti Bosket has made her annual Autumn decorating appearance at the inn and the magic starts the minute you turn down the lane to the inn. Pumpkins (hundreds!), handsome strawman scarecrows, bundles of Quincy corn, and colorful fall leaves adorn the inn inside and out. Room decks are adorned with hay bales, strawmen, and pumpkins. Quite a sight! Come and enjoy!

If you can take Stevens Pass enroute to us all the better. The vine maple at the top of Stevens is just entering peak. Quite a show. The color will begin its spread down from the pass through the next four weeks. We are in for quite a display. About a mile east of the Lake Wenatchee turnoff is a massive stand of Aspen. October 15thish, the pure yellow color of the aspen seems electric.

Whether you can make it to the inn this fall or not, we will graciously share some of our favorite fall color hikes.

High on the list is Nason Ridge with amazing views of Lake Wenatchee, the White River Valley and Glacier Peak. This is a must and can't be missed.

The White River Trail is an easy stroll through old growth forest and a bouquet of fall color. Don't miss the White River Falls while on this jaunt. And, if you can catch the short drive up to the overlook viewing Lake Wenatchee and Nason Ridge all the better.

Another highlight is Spider Meadow up the Chiwawa River Road. Although a bit long for some, the miles glide by as you gain just 1700 feet of elevation over the six miles into Spider Meadow. Once you hit the Meadow, plan to relax with your lunch, enjoying an amazing array of color: Fresh white snow on the highest peaks, a narrow band of yellow larch dispersing into a broad cover of evergreen, dimpled with avalanche chutes chock full of colorful maple. Wow!

Whether for a day drive over the Stevens or a relaxing four night getaway to the Inn, come on over! When the days shorten and the clouds bring months of rain or snow, you will smile with the memory of the Season of Color.

Cheers from the Inn and the Icicle Valley!
Monty and Karen, Innkeepers
Run of the River Inn and Refuge
Leavenworth, WA

Season of the Crickets...

2008-09-13T17:08:00.000-07:00

Late summer has arrived in the Icicle Valley. You can always tell. The chirp of the crickets take over from the croaking of the frogs. For such a little critter, those crickets can pack a punch. Warm days taper into evening, and the crickets fire up. There is nothing quite like sitting on the decks at sundown with a chorus of crickets, reflecting on the gifts of summer. Fun stuff.

Perhaps you have heard, but a May landslide and creek diversion has created havoc up the Icicle. This occurred near Ida campground, about ten miles up the canyon where the road turns from pavement to gravel.

Bad: Icicle Road is closed at that point, closing car access to Icicle Gorge Trail, Chatter Creek Trail and other trail heads further up the Valley.

Good: You can still hike Icicle Gorge Trail by tacking on a three mile (1.5 miles each way) walk along the closed road. It is really pretty nice walking, knowing you are on the roadway and not a single car will pass you.

Better: Colchuk, Stuart, and Eight Mile Lake trails are still good to go.

This also opens up the closed road and some trails to mountain bikes. Because there are now so few hikers in the area, mountain bikers can access a number of trails formerly busy with hikers.

And yet another reason to consider heading over to the Icicle Valley: With Northwest sports teams doing so doggone poorly, you might as come come hike, bike and relax on the deck. If we just stay away from the sports pages, all will be fine!

This upcoming week, Karen and I will be flying out to see our daughter Julie in Rutland, VT. Susan will come in and give her last love and effort to the inn. After a glorious five year run, Susan is turning in the apron to give her efforts to a growing herd of grandchildren. Over the years, Karen and I have always known that the inn, guests and staff have been in good hands with Susan. Susan's gift of genuine warmth, wisdom and spirit will long linger with all of us.

Cheers from the Inn and the Icicle Valley!
Monty and Karen, Innkeepers
Run of the River Inn and Refuge
Leavenworth, WA

2008-08-28T21:14:00.000-07:00

Season of Colchuk

We are rounding the corner to the end of summer. Six to eight more weeks of great hiking season left. Our favorite destination this time of year is Colchuk Lake, up Icicle Canyon. It can be hiked as an up and back destination, or for the rigorous, as part of the Enchantments Challenge going from Colchuk Lake Trailhead, up and over Asgaard Pass and down through the Enchantments to Snow Lakes Trailhead. To see more, click here.

No bugs, days cooler but still plenty long. Lake Colchuk clings to some warmth, so when you jump in it is merely bracing.

Is Leavenworth coming into its own or what?

Two new cool things. A great couple has started Leavenworth Walking Tours. They meet in traditional Bavarian clothing downtown, then lead a walk through town chatting about the architectural, historical and geographical layout of Leavenworth and the Icicle Valley.

You know you're getting up there when your town has a walking tour through it! http://www.leavenworthwalkingtours.com/

Another feather in our cap: The city folks are installing a disc golf course in Lion's Park, adjacent to the pool and conveniently across from Gustovs. I haven't played that since my college days, but might just have to dust off the old Frisbee!

Speaking of downtown Leavenworth, the massive streetscape and sidewalk improvement is nearing completion. Commercial, 8th and 9th Streets have been sorely chewed up since spring, putting the hurt nearby restaurants and businesses. All of us look forward to the new look and the settling of the dust. Come take a look!

With the recent rain and cool weather, we can say good-bye to fire season 2008. All of North Central Washington whistled through the alley this year. We all extend our best wishes to the folks in California both living through all the fires effecting their lives and the army of folks fighting those fires. We wish them very well in their recovery.

Cheers from the Inn and the Icicle Valley!

Monty and Karen, Innkeepers
Run of the River Inn and Refuge
Leavenworth, WA

Summer fun at the Run...

2008-08-11T14:00:00.000-07:00

Well, we're deep into to it. We have the length of day of summer, but we've dodged the bullet on the hot temperatures that normally lay like a blanket east of the Cascades. Whoopee! That makes for daily opportunities to hike, bike and play in the river in comfort or just kick back on the decks watching the deer relax in the refuge.

Speaking of playing in the river, now that the river is down, it's the perfect time to take a leisurely float with Tube Leavenworth. You meet just down East Leavenworth Rd. towards the Hiway, they shuttle you to a safe put-in on the Wenatchee River and you cruise on down, playing and splashing, celebrating summer like it ought to be. Fun stuff. www.tubeleavenworth.org

The Thursday Summer Winery Dinners at Icicle Ridge are in full swing also. If you will be at the inn on Thursdays through August, it is tough to pass this opportunity up. A pretty magical lineup: Chef Teri and Leo Haas on the faire, a terrific setting with a striking view of the Enchantments, and a bottle of Icicle Ridge's finest to finish things off. www.icicleridgewinery.com

Perhaps you have heard of the near record return of Sockeye Salmon returning up the Wenatchee River from the Columbia, heading to Lake Wenatchee and its tributary rivers. You can head to Tumwater Dam, four miles west of Leavenworth on Hwy 2 to see the sockeye attempting their leaps over the dam. Those are the not so smart ones. The sharper sockeye just head for the fish ladder!

Enjoy your summer and we will see you down the road!

Cheers,

Monty and Karen, Innkeepers
Run of the River Inn and Refuge
Leavenworth, WA

Summer fun at the Run...

2008-08-09T14:01:00.000-07:00

Well, we're deep into to it. We have the length of day of summer, but we've dodged the bullet on the hot temperatures that normally lay like a blanket east of the Cascades. Whoopee! That makes for daily opportunities to hike, bike and play in the river in comfort or just kick back on the decks watching the deer relax in the refuge.

Speaking of playing in the river, now that the river is down, it's the perfect time to take a leisurely float with Tube Leavenworth. You meet just down East Leavenworth Rd. towards the hiway, they shuttle you to a safe put-in on the Wenatchee River and you cruise on down, playing and splashing, celebrating summer like it ought to be. Fun stuff. www.tubeleavenworth.org

The Thursday Summer Winery Dinners at Icicle Ridge are in full swing also. If you will be at the inn on Thursdays through August, it is tough to pass this opportunity up. A pretty magical lineup: Chef Teri and Leo Haas on the faire, a terrific setting with a striking view of the Enchantments, and a bottle of Icicle Ridge's finest to finish things off. www.icicleridgewinery.com

Perhaps you have heard of the near record return of Sockeye Salmon returning up the Wenatchee River from the Colombia, heading to Lake Wenatchee and its tributary rivers. You can head to Tumwater Dam, four miles west of Leavenworth on Hwy 2 to see the sockeye attempting their leaps over the dam. Those are the not so smart ones. The sharper sockeye just head for the fish ladder!

Enjoy your summer and we will see you down the road!

Solstice at the Run...

2008-06-25T17:34:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-06-11T16:51:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-06-02T12:49:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-05-30T18:45:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-03-04T15:50:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-02-19T16:11:00.001-08:00

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!

2007-12-19T16:11:00.000-08:00

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!