Just ahead of Irene

We went on our mostly-annual camping trip with Dave a few weeks ago, venturing to Lake Champlain, Vermont and then to the North Conway area in New Hampshire.  We left the area the day they evacuated our campground in preparation for hurricane Irene.

It was a week of beauty and reflection, and one of the things that I loved was watching my husband.  I am a big challenge, and one of the challenges that I brought with me was a best-guy friend.  What I love about them both is that they found a way to become friends to each other, in ways that have little to do with me.  So, in addition to beauty and reflection, I was outnumbered and we did guy-things, like take the clog train up a mountain.  Great view, freezing cold because of the driving wind, two men interested in how-things-work, and me tagging along.

We hiked one day to Ripley Falls. Let me just say that this was not a hike we should have been on, but not a one of us wanted to quit.  We just weren't prepared for the rocks and the twigs and the crazy ways
the path twisted.  I should clarify too that I am not really a hiker.  True hiking requires stamina and flexibility and endurance that I didn't have that week.  The guys didn't either, but I haven't yet heard them admit it.  They would just chalk it up to women being "weaker".  I'll let them.   Still the reward at the top was so pretty.  Worth every stupid obstacle.

The area surrounding North Conway is moose territory.  Yeah right.  There were road signs promising moose sightings (didn't you know that thousands were hit every year by unsuspecting motorists?).  There is even a tour company offering a 97% moose-sighting guarantee.  In a week's time, we saw...one.  The husband has finally seen a moose that isn't in a zoo.  Success!

We camped by a swift moving river, the Saco.  I had expected to see more wildlife by the river, I admit.  However, it was only about the third day or so that I realized there were campsites lining both banks.  Not a lot of room for deer.  But then, not a lot of deer either.  We did however see signs of a raccoon who had come to drink out of our bucket.

One of the best days happened by complete surprise.  We stopped just to see a pond for moment, en route to get some of the best ice cream ever.  Thorne's Pond is a tranquil spot, and as we walked around we realized that there was a group of otter fishing.   I'd never seen them in the wild before and they were just the light hearted fun we needed.  They are quite the acrobats, and even a little bit cheeky.  One of them stood up and barked at me when he realized I was taking his picture without permission.  We liked them so much that we stopped again the next day.


There was a very sweet moment for me on this trip.  They guys were doing the dishes and I walked down to the river, wanting to watch the sun set.  I thought that I would be there alone, but it seems that half the campground was there--all buddies who dragged down their lawn chairs and formed the "sunset club".  These are, I think, people who spend their summers in their motor homes, something that my mom wanted to do in her retirement.  They formed a semicircle, chatted with each other and watched the sun close out the day.  Then they walked up the hill with their chairs, promising to do it again tomorrow. It was a lovely thing to witness.

I have come to believe that traditions are important, and this week-a-year is one of ours.  It's the only time we play kuuduk, and it is the best time to talk.    There's only one thing we'll change for next year...I'm making the grilled cheese.

Catching Up

I haven't posted in so long, and recently I've been trying to figure out why that is.  I haven't done a lot of travel, it's true--but I have done some fascinating things, and I should be writing them down.  I think however, that I have figured it out.

My nephew and my sister-in-law both died last year.  Grief is a funny thing, and it takes so long to work it out.  In some respects, my relationship with my sister and my niece is better than it has ever been, and I've been putting effort into that.  But I wrote about Jessi and Joyce both on this blog--and it's sort of put me in a funk.

Today is my day to get out of said funk.

The castle...

In June, I went back to Glen Eyrie, in Colorado Springs, to attend another writer's conference.  What lovely people are at that event!  I have made many new friends who have impacted my life in such positive ways.  We had an opportunity to celebrate Sue's 50th birthday and it was such a delight to be in the presence of her and some of the people who are dear to her.  I had an opportunity to tell them how important Sue is to me, and how she has been such a true friend.  I loved seeing the guests at that table letting her know that she matters to them.  Sometimes we forget.

The conference itself was great. The four leaders were amazing, and oh so personable.  Nancy has not only become one of my favourite people on the planet, she is a great mentor.  Angie shared her heart when she talked about evoking emotion in a reader.  That woman is wise indeed.  Kathryn gave me the only compliment that I hoped for as she read my writing...she felt something.  And then she cared enough to help me make it even better.   It is enough to make me keep at it.  I also listened to Bill Myers,  and oh my goodness would I like to sit and learn more from him.  He gave the final presentation, and I have never felt so drawn in to a speaker's words.

The other thing about Glen Eyrie is that it is a place where I can let my guard down.   There are few places where that happens.  I can walk through the grounds and feel safe; I can enjoy the history of the castle, and imagine myself there in another time.  I can sit on a bench amongst irises and the resident big horn sheep, and think.   It is a good place for my soul.

Reunion weekend....

This past weekend I reconnected with some friends I hadn't seen in awhile.  The common connection for us is college, and the fact that the three ladies roomed together in various combinations.  Kathinka had moved to England, and now she is back in Canada.  I was really nervous going to see them.  Joelle is an elegant French lady; Kathinka has these exotic Dutch features.  It is easy for me to feel clunky and awkward around them, and yet there is no reason to.  We all had a break-down moment this weekend, but what is so great about that is we allowed ourselves to be real, and to be ourselves.  It could not have been a more pleasant relaxing time.  There was sitting by the lake, kayaking for some, thinking for others.  We had great food, wonderful talks and a bit of pampering.  Old friends are the best friends sometimes.  Certainly it is true in this case.

So, you see, I haven't been sitting idly doing nothing, going nowhere.  But I think that I will do a better job of keeping up in the future.  I don't have any immediate travel plans, but I sure have dreams for the next few years.

Anniversary eating

My last post was all about the spa part of the Hillcrest Inn and this one is all about the food.   We were spoiled this anniversary, by the plethora of spa treatments but we were equally spoiled by the food.   We were invited to tour the kitchen at any time, and we found that everyone was so approachable.  We enjoyed everything about our stay and it would be a shame to not focus on the food as much as the spa treatments.


So, here we go. When we arrived, there was a delightful plate of chocolate covered strawberries waiting in our room.  The strawberries were beautifully coated in chocolate from Madagascar,  and they were exquisite. Additional strawberry pieces, cut in the shape of tiny hearts, added to the celebration.  We later learned that Marcia was the artist and during the course of our stay, she created some delightful fruit presentations for us.  She made us the best pear poached in malbec, but it was the presentation that was so simply divine.  The pear itself presented in a beautiful raspberry colour, but it was cut in a manner that I'd never seen before.  There was just the right amount of the plum coloured malbec syrup surrounding it.  The plate was simple, but the taste was exquisite.

Marcia also added her fruit flair to the salad we had on our last morning.  We had breakfast in our room and it began with champagne and orange juice, a pot of coffee, tea scones and jam, and fruit salad.  Everything that could be cut in heart shape was,  and the whimsy added to the delight of the surprise.

Justin is the young apprentice, and he is eager to do well.  We have to really give props to him, since one day the inclement weather got in the way of the server's arrival, and he found himself alone to both cook and serve.  I think he likely panicked a wee bit at the beginning, but he did well.  He served us eggs benedict on our last day there, and a berry and ricotta crepe that was oh so good.  Justin's future is bright.

Natalie--oh my goodness.  Natalie prepared our evening meals and though apparently she is a self-taught chef, she has learned very well.   Her bison tenderloin was perfectly cooked, and I personally fell in love with her potato galette.  Her platings were bright and colourful.

Natalie also cooked our anniversary dinner,  and Dana served us.  And oh it was good.  Arrangements had been made so that we would have the dining room all to ourselves, and be served a tasting menu with wine pairings.   Thanks mostly to Dana, the room was warm and romantic.  The light came almost exclusively from candles and the fireplace, and the excitement with which the entire evening was approached.  Together, Natalie and Dana ensured that we had the best meal.

It started with cauliflower soup and a balsamic reduction, served in espresso cups.  The second course was a More-Crunch salad--carrots, apples, nuts and seeds.  Absolute contrasts in texture, and they complemented each other well.

The third course was so pretty.  A large square black plate with a small shell-shaped dish set in the centre.  On the dish, spinach and three scallops, with a twist of orange rind across the top.  It was gorgeous. And it was perfectly prepared.  I've eaten a lot of scallops, and I have to say that these were the best that I've ever had, including any that I've prepared myself.   These were memorable flavours.

Following the scallops, we had mushroom risotto, duck breast and vegetables. Again the presentation was beautiful, a kind of mosaic on the plate.  We were being oh so spoiled.

The dessert was a chocolate plate, courtesy of Mercury Chocolates.  Alas, this is a chocolate company that focuses on corporate sales, and that is unfortunate for I would surely become a regular consumer.   The chocolates themselves reminded me of solar systems, because of the iridescent colours that had been worked into them.  They are also unusual shapes, and some complex flavourings.  And they are, in a word, exquisite.   Dana served them with Noble One's 25th Anniversary wine which I didn't really like with the chocolate--although I adored it on it's own.  

Back in our room, we discussed the perfection of the evening.  It was just so lovely.  But, to my surprise, we weren't done yet.  It took some coaxing from Martin before he convinced me to go downstairs for a before-bed hot-tub.  Once again, we were bathed in the warm glow of candlelight.  Dana had setup the room to perfection, and thirty or so tealights transformed the area.  Not only that, but the rest of the Noble One was set beside a salty cheese platter--and with that, it paired perfectly.

The following morning, there was one more surprise.  Champagne and orange juice, a pot of coffee, and tea biscuits with jam were delivered to the room (by Dana again--that woman never sleeps!).  Marcia carried her fruit salad.  This was followed shortly by Justin who brought the eggs benedict and ricotta crepe plate.

The Hillman is doing so many things right.  Chief among them is treating every guest like royalty.

Thank you so much, Dana, Marcia, Justin, Natalie and Sarah (who served us some evenings).  We were truly blessed by your gifts to us.  We look forward to seeing you again! 

Paradise at the Hillcrest Inn

Jan 24th was our 7th anniversary.   It's always a surprise for one of us and that tradition brings with it great fun.  We never go to the same place twice, though we might do some of the same things.  It has taken us outside of familiar places and helped us to find new gems.   It's all about making memories.

However, I don't think that I have ever been surprised as much as this year.  It all began with a leisurely drive to Port Hope, Ontario.  It's the kind of place that I want to keep to myself, it is so special, but it's a new business, and if I do that, then it might not be there later, so I will share it with you.

The Hillcrest

Imagine if you will, arriving at a Victorian mansion, cloaked in the snowstorm that you just drove through. Inside, a friendly woman takes your coat, shows you around, tells you to leave your luggage.  She'll take it up for you (and you immediately regret how heavy your suitcase it).  There is no talk of registration--that will happen later.  Just "relax a little, welcome to your weekend home;  please, treat it as such". We quickly learned that in spite of such a prestigious exterior, there is little that is pretentious about this place.  The goal is relaxation, however that is defined for you.

Then, another woman walks you around, shows you all the areas.  This is where you wait for spa treatment, and she points to the warmth of a fireplace and two sofas.  This is our dining room, and she sweeps her arm in an arc that indicates all the windows.  And so it goes, until she says, 'and here are your keys'.

I walked in...to candles lit everywhere.  There is a log on our fireplace.  The gentle light is washing over kingsize four poster bed and the step to get up to it.  On the table, there are roses, and champagne on ice, glasses, and chocolate covered strawberries.  And a lot more candles  It's an oscar-worthy moment, but it is so much better.... because it's my movie.  There are five huge windows nestled into the antique wallpaper, and the blinds have been drawn because it is the afternoon--but it's been made to look as though it is evening.  There is no one else in the world right then. The man I married has arranged for all of this.

Throughout the course of our stay, we were pampered, spoiled, made to feel as though there were no other guests (and sometimes there weren't--that's one of the perks of off-season travel!).  We were greeted with smiles and hellos, and people used our names.  A delightful little girl, who was so well trained to not speak to the guests, nonetheless waves at me once.  It was such a fun little secret.  We found corners to read, we played backgammon, there was always tea available, and coffee, and snacks.  We were invited into the kitchen, into the dining room.  Any nook we found was our nook to enjoy. We felt as though we had been invited into their home, truth be told.

Dana, our hostess--she is the picture of perfection.  Soft-spoken, but determined to make things perfect.  Little things catch her eye.  She likes to know your opinion. She likes quality.   She fixes anything that isn't quite right.  She is graceful and charming, she is the heart of this place.

Kate, my esthetician is young and enthusiastic.  She wanted to make things wonderful too, and she did.  Her massage put me to sleep, and that is saying something since sleep eludes me so much of the time.  She allowed herself to laugh with us, to enjoy the day.   She helped fix our schedule, which was forever changing because I couldn't make up my mind on what I wanted.  I could literally have anything I even dreamt about.  And I did...I had three different types of massages and two facials.  Kate gave me one of the massages, both facials and my pedicure, while Katelyn gave the man his very first spa treatment ever.  Oh it was fun.  The four of us laughed a lot while we were salted and scrubbed and massaged and spoiled.

Kristy is the RMT who gave me the 'deep tissue massage'.  Oh my.  That woman has the strongest fingers of anyone I have ever met.  I'd never want to be in a vulnerable position if I had to fight with her--nor can I imagine ever wanting to fight.  She is hilarious.  And I'm sure she wouldn't have joked around if I wasn't, but it was delightful.  I think I did get bruised a bit, but it took five whole days before I noticed myself hurting again.  Those who know me well will understand what a compliment that is.  She is a genius.

My last massage was a hot stone massage.  I've always been curious about them, and while Kate was giving one to Martin, Heidi was handling me.  The use of the stones is really rather fascinating for they hold the heat, and when they are rubbed over aching muscles, they just feel so good.  I had stiffened up slightly after Kristy--I think my back was rebelling a little.  But the use of the stones fixed all of that.

One of the things I really appreciated about the Hillcrest is that they apprentice young people.  This is clever, and benefits everyone--the clients, because the technicians are eager to please; the establishment because the employees own the vision; and the employees themselves who are gaining excellent experience.   We had the sense that everyone enjoyed working there, and that they were all moving in the same direction.  And I asked.  I like to know if people like doing what they are doing.  For me, it always translates well to the client.   I also really appreciated that this is a family business, though it is a family that you rarely see.  This is their home, and occasionally we saw glimpses of them eating together in the kitchen.

We will go back for other occasions, or even just to have our massages in the outdoor setting that they have.  We won't likely go back for another anniversary--that is against the rules.  But I have no doubt that all other anniversaries will be compared to this one.

That's no small thing, and we thank you, Hillcrest people, for making it so very special.

Hello 2011

Last year was a difficult year.  I didn't even finish all my blogging from our trip.  That's not like me and it's been annoying me like crazy.  This is my travel blog.  I can't remember everything that happened.

I've decided to let it go.

2010 had some great stuff, most notably our trip to France.  But it's also held a lot of reminders of how fragile we are in this world.  We have friends fighting cancer and frankly, it's been nasty for them.  We've lost family, and we keenly felt that these last six months.  I see pictures on facebook, and in my iphoto and I remember.  A spicy perogy pizza goes by our table and the smell sends laughter to my ears and tears to my eyes.  I go by the Famous Five several times a week, and I see a red head sitting down to have tea with them, looking mischievous as usual.  I make a particular cookie at Christmas because it reminds me of someone  who loved me.  I have After Eights by my reading chair because my grandpa used to give us some every Christmas Eve, doled out from his squeaky orange lazy boy chair. And just moments ago, we learned that another friend has lost her battle against breast cancer.

Frankly at this moment it feels a bit much.

Tonight we are ushering out 2010.***  We won't be doing anything too grand--I will try my hand at prime rib and yorkshire pudding.  We'll pour champagne and offer a toast to those we had to say goodbye too, and we'll laugh and enjoy being together.

We'll talk about resolutions for next year. One of mine will be to celebrate my friends and family just a little bit more, because if nothing else, 2010 taught me to treasure them more than ever.


***I wrote this on New Years but apparently forgot to post it.  Here it is, pretty much unchanged.