Denise, Tom, Dan, Laura, Dan's pal Johnny, and Bob and Angela Kendall arrived late Friday night -- February 11. Saturday morning we awoke to gently falling feathery snow. No mountain view, but it was beautiful. By early afternoon the feathers had changed to rain drops as we headed for Bunny Flat. Up there the snow was falling fine and dry. A fresh two feet blanketed the 8 foot pack, and each of the million trees was beautifully decorated. The deep blanket of soft snow made snow coaster crashes and tumbles more fun than fearful. The riders would simply disappear in a white cloud and emerge looking like careless bakers.
Sunday morning it was snowing again; enough had fallen to call for a snow blower run down the driveway before the skiers and snow borders early departure. The two pairs of grandparents had arranged to meet them later for lunch at the Ski Park. The drive to the Ski Park was through another winter wonderland of marshmallow trees. After lunch the grandparents drove on to McCloud. We introduced Bob and Angela to the usual sights including the restored hotel and then, since it looked like the dinner train was open, we stopped there. It turned out they were getting it ready for a special Valentine's day run and we were able to show Bob and Angela the beautiful Victorian wood paneled interiors of the cars. I asked if there was any space left for the Valentine event. When they informed me there were just two places left, we signed up. It seemed meant for us to finally take the ride and eat the dinner we'd heard so much about. There will no doubt be a write-up and photos of that adventure found here in the near future.
Monday morning all ten of us adjourned to the Black Bear Diner for a big breakfast before the visitors departed. The mountain had not shown even a white shoulder for the entire time, but even without that, all seemed to have enjoyed the visit.
Photos of the visit:
