We received a warm welcome visiting our dear friends a few hours north. A much anticipated "escape" after the holiday retail season!
The plan was a DOWNTON ABBEY marathon to kick off the start of season 6. We enjoyed watching each night by a roaring fire. Lovely!
During the day we went exploring. As we proceeded up the secluded mountain we found SNOW! Our destination was the gift shop run by an order of cloistered Roman Catholic nuns living on a self sustaining dairy farm!
Upon arrival we were greeted by this friendly fellow.
What an awesome sight!
Inside, the cozy chapel was decorated with fresh pine boughs from the surrounding woods. The smell of Christmas.
Down the mountain and through the covered bridge...
where we found this cute church. There's something about a white country church with a steeple that tugs at my heart every time.
Now we were all hungry. Overlooking the golf course at The Mulligan Room we had the perfect lunch! Chicken Tortilla Soup and Fish & Chips with malt vinegar hit the spot!
Alas it's time to leave. This shot was taken just before El Nino started.
The rains began and Google Maps directed us to take a new route on a winding road through the G-I-A-N-T windmills. They remind me of aliens & War of the Worlds. Fascinating to see them up close.
The scenery was inspiring with fog rolling through the Mojave desert!
Rain was pouring as we drove past famous VASQUEZ ROCKS where Star Trek was filmed. Looks like another planet doesn't it? We're close to home now, rested and thankful after a wonderful visit. What a great way to start the new year!
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