Friday evening, unexpectedly, the line in front of the snowshoe rental counter at REI was too long, we went home without snowshoes. I thought our snowshoeing plan was off and lying ahead was just another lazy Saturday. Around noon, M told me to get ready for a fun trip and didn't let me in on the details.
It's a beautiful day - sunny with blue sky - perfect for any outdoor activity. We picked up snowshoes from REI, and got on I-90.
Seeing icy snow on tire tracks leading to the parking lot at the foot of Mt. Si, we hesitated. After chatting with a couple of hikers, we went ahead and parked on the snow in the parking lot.
We were planning on doing the Talapus Lake Trail, but it was hard to follow the trail; so we just randomly trekked around on a trail where there was snow and not too steep. It was refreshing and invigorating to be in the forests; snow-capped mountain tops stand high above tree lines, displaying postcard-perfect views. After 2 hours of fun in the snow, we were re-energized and ready to hit the road home - at least, I thought so.
When we drove to the little town, North Bend, M wanted to explore the back roads in that area, that's when I sensed that we were not going home. He pulled into a parking lot in a wooded area where there are a few houses and cabins. Voila! Here is the surprise - this is where we are going to be staying tonight and happy anniversary! Yes, I was surprised and happily surprised.
The couple, who run and own the B&B, are very friendly. I immediately noticed the view from their big windows. The husband took us to our room, the Rock-n-Rose Room, which has a fascinating story. It is a room right underneath the main floor of their house overlooking the Snowqualmie River. It has a huge rock, the bulk part of which is in the bedroom, a small part of which extends into the Sauna room. The original owner had tried to blast the rock, but only small pieces broke off, the rest sat firmly in one piece. And the original owner's wife was shaken off her chair, not knowing the rock was being blasted. Thank Goodness that they kept the rock in the room! Now, the rock adds a special lure to the room.
It's truly a rock-n-rose room. Besides the prominent presence of the rock and a rose garden outside the room, the room itself is filled with rose-themed objects - paintings, plates, sheets, pillows, cups, coasters, photos, books etc. - you name it. Aesthetically, this decorative style is busy to eyes and doesn't really suit my taste. But the overabundance of rose-themed items exemplify the owner's love and care for this room. It definitely serves as a good reminder to people who are staying here to be romantic.
Well, the most romantic part about this place is really the view. It overlooks the Snoqualmie River, which soothingly flows and splashes against rocks down in the riverbed. The B&B bears the name of "Roaring River," but the river really murmurs, maybe there are moments (flooding?) when the river really roars.
After resting up a bit, we went to the main strip of the town, checked out the Bad Girls Antique Store, and then sat down for a big fat dinner - 10 ounces of prime rib and a thick bacon burger - at the North Bend Bar & Grill. As if that's not enough, we grabbed a milk shake and a hot apple cider to go at the Dairy Freeze and went back to our cozy Rock-n-Rose room. Then, we watched a movie, Mona Lisa, on the small TV next to the big rock, and simmered ourselves in the sauna room for ten minutes which readied us for a good night's sleep.
The next morning, we woke up to dancing sun rays splashing through tall pine trees; there was gossamer mist hanging low above the river; the water flows and splits around rocks like melted jade.
Our breakfast came in a basket: two danishes, two quiche, two scones, OJ and strawberry jam. Yum. We had breakfast while watching "Breakfast at Tiffany."
After checking out, we hiked down to the river, where we laid on a rock and soaked in the morning sunshine and savored the beautiful views and sounds around us. We had the whole river bend all to ourselves. There was not another soul in sight. Peaceful, blissful, and we were mindful of the beauty and serenity around us.
On our way back, we stopped by the Snowqualmie Falls. We had to drive around in circles to find a parking spot. Many people were crowded next to each other on the viewing deck, and a few ventured down below.
Then, after grocery stops at the ID and TD and dropping off snowshoes at REI, we embraced the last bit of the weekend before Monday would drag us out of bed again...
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