Snowy days

Here are a few left over photos from our wonderful time in Mazama, Washington.

A night of tubing

A friend of mine recently asked, "Do you guys ever just sit still?" My initial reaction was, "Of course not!" We enjoy being out and about, exploring new places and doing our best to lead an active lifestyle. One evening on an impulse we decided to head up to the pass to go inner tubing. It had been awhile since we have gone with my little sister and it reminded us of just how much fun the three of us can have together.

Sun Mountain Lodge

One day while we were in Winthrop, we took a day trip up to Sun Mountain Lodge. Although we had a great time sledding, going on a sleigh ride and eating lunch with a fantastic view at the end of the day we were content to return to the inn. Sun Mountain Lodge is great for families, but it is also the most crowded destination in all the Methow Valley.

Gigantic fireplaces, Christmas decorations galore and moderately helpful staff comprised the Sun Mountain Lodge experience.

Heaven sent

Two days after our son passed away we needed to escape. Our hearts ached and we wanted a break from the incessant tears and monotony of life. We packed up the car and headed north. We had no particular plans, only a destination in mind. We kept our eyes peeled for a place to stay and happened upon the coziest inn you could ever imagine..........it truly felt heaven sent. While we were there we spoke of starting a tradition to return each year to honor our son. Soon came Winter and an impending due date once again made our hearts heavy and we felt drawn to this special place. There is nothing which makes our hearts more full than enjoying the beauty of God's creation.

A small Christmas tree greeted us by the front door.

Winter Break

The days leading up to Christmas were spent in a wintery wonderland. We stayed in the most charming inn, enjoyed time by the fire, snowshoed through silent forests, went on a snowy sleigh ride, felt like kids again sledding and witnessed some of the biggest icicles we have ever seen. Those few days were pure heaven.

 

Mazama on Dwellable

Up to our knees

Oftentimes, I feel as though snowshoeing is the forgotten sport. I am certain there is enough snowshoeing occurring to warrant a section at REI, but time after time I am astounded by how few people are out taking advantage of this great spot. I know many people are big fans of skiing and snowboarding, but there is no way to enjoy an ice covered branch or the tiniest snowflake which landes on your glove while you fly down a hill. Snowshoeing is often perceived as a tame, almost boring walk in the woods, but I am here to state snowshoeing can be as dangerous, adventurous and as much of a bun burner as you can endure. We like to snowshoe straight up and oftentimes run straight down. We have been known to be up to our knees and even our waists in fresh powder. The best word to describe snowshoeing is SPECTACULAR! If you have never tried it I encourage you to strap on a pair and head to the hills.

Inaugural snowshoeing adventure

The mountains are our respite. The only thing we focus on while we are there is breathing deep, snapping a few photos and pinching ourselves that this as our playground.