Hello! I’m very pleased you enjoyed the Parisian weekend photos, both here and at Paris By Two. Are you ready for another adventure? Are you willing to leave Paris (only temporarily) and join us in the wild, wintery West? I hope so – we have so much to share.
This past weekend, David and I embarked upon a creative retreat in the Cascade Mountains, to recharge and to celebrate my birthday. Not the usual creative retreat, as the two of us were the sole attendees, instructors and leaders. That’s right, we designed our own personal artistic getaway to think, to plan and to be inspired, and we couldn’t have enjoyed it more. We travel to many wonderful destinations worldwide but sometimes forget that we live in one of the most beautiful areas on Earth. A relaxing four-hour drive through magnificent scenery brought us to the Methow River Valley, a gorgeous haven for Nordic skiing, horse back riding and wildlife, with a laid back, rustic ambiance.At the top of a mountain overlooking the valley, Sun Mountain Lodge perches, commanding staggering views in all directions. We stayed about a mile below the lodge, in one of their beautifully-appointed cabins (purposely without internet) at the edge of frozen Patterson Lake. Below are photos of our cabin: one bedroom, heated bathroom, large dining/living room, huge fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, soaring ceilings and every possible amenity. (I admit, this is NOT roughing it.)When we weren’t taking photographs, we sat by the fire with notebooks and notepads, sometimes talking and sometimes alone with our thoughts. And yes, we spoke about YOU and how we might best contribute to your creative journeys in the year ahead. (One topic was the e-course and in the end, D had only two words: “Do it”. So, I shall be enlisting your input over the next few weeks, my friends, to create something that is the very best it can be.)
We had plenty of playtime, too. The Nikon/Canon shootout never rests.An unintentionally amusing sign at the edge of the lake:In the valley below the lodge is the somewhat quirky, slightly-contrived but still enjoyable Western-themed town of Winthrop. (You have to love a place that boasts a Tiffany blue bank building.)Deer are plentiful in the region, and are a common motif.A Saturday afternoon snowstorm vanished after darkness fell, revealing an indigo sky brilliant with stars and planets. Jupiter beamed in the southeast and the Milky Way spanned the expanse of the heavens, thick with more stars than I may have ever seen in my life. I began to appreciate the gifts of winter in a way I never had before. The tranquility we sought, of body, mind and spirit, enveloped us in the pure evening air.
Before dawn on Sunday morning, eager and invigorated, we rose to clearness and crispness, and drove up to the lodge to photograph sunrise over the valley. It WAS magical. Far below we could see the stables that belong to the lodge and the horses still sleeping in the golden light.
We hiked down to visit them, climbing the fence and joining them in the paddock, wishing we’d brought apples and carrots. They wished we had, too.
Magnificent creatures, stoic in the frigid air, snow sparkling like diamonds in their coats and manes.
We returned home refreshed and inspired, proclaiming it one of our best trips ever. And all along it was just right over the next mountain.
Thank you for joining us. Wishing you a weekend of creative discoveries.
love,
– g
p. s. I’ll be back in just a few days with so much more. Hint: it has to do with the upcoming holiday of hearts and flowers!
What a marvelous weekend you had! I've only been there in the summertime. It looks very different all snow covered! And those horses with the frozen whiskers!!! I feel sorry for them!
Oh G! What a beautiful post! I read every word and looked at the pictures again and again. I have been through there before and it is an amazing place, but I haven't been through in the winter. So gorgeous! My favorite pic is the one of the white horse with just his eye showing…showstopping in my opinion! I'm glad you had such a wonderful time. Isn't it grand to get out of the city! ~Stacy~ xo
The cabin looks like our summer cottages here in Finland, wooden cottages middle of nowhere, only peace. Sometimes gorgeous places are just around the corner.
Have a nice weekend I have to hurry to work now (working the whole weekend and we have presidential elections, so it will be like chaos).
Love Henrietta
Absolutely stunning photos! All the cold white with a hint of pink, the deer and horses, that small town that looks like a Hollywood set – of course you had a fantastic time, how could you not ;-) Happy to have seen these pics, have a lovely weekend xo
Una imagenes maravillosas, haces un trabajo fantastico,
el otro dia descubri otro de tus blogs, Paris By Two,
ya esta en mi panel de favoritos!
Saludos!!
Veronica.
Los mundos de Nika vintage.
A delightful place.You certainly do live in a beautiful area and so good to be able to relax for a while and enjoy it. Your photo with the red barn is stunning, love it!
What a team you two are! Gorgeous images ALL! My favorite in this series goes to David…the red barn in the middle of the wide open spaces covered in snow…amazing! I also like his shot of the door that sits behind the overhanging roof with a ledge of snow that is protruding from the roof (great angles). But, dear Georgianna…your images are always fabulous too! There's a shot with the sun coming through branches and ice…delicious. And your shots of the horses really capture their gentle personality. Looking at this was a perfect way to start my day. Hugs to you! Annette
It's like every photo is even better than the last… breathtaking!!! Loving the horses and the barn and the sliding snow… *sigh*
:-)
BB
What a lovely get away you had and your photography is wonderful. You both are such an inspiration.
FlowerLady
Looks like a fun weekend!!!!! Love both of your photos!!! How fun that you both love photography!!
Beautiful, beautiful, beautifuuuuulll ! I love winter and this retreat is so magical. The landscape is stunning and this Western town…You must have felt like you had step back in time. I loved all the photos but particularly the deers and horses ones. It must be so rejuvenating to spend time there.
Hello G
I feel refreshed after the tour of this place. A rustic cabin surrounded by snow and the sunrise; I'd say this was an uplifting and romantic retreat.
Love the frozen whiskers on that one horse.
Judith
Wow, what a getaway! And happy birthday to you!! The photos are absolutely delightful. I get so inspired looking at the photography here. Can't wait for the next post!
Loved this tour of winter delights in your own back yard! Wow! The cabin looked perfect, and I'm all for the "amenities" that make life comfortable. Now I'm going right back and view all those photos again. Delightful!
G! I feel like I am constantly telling you the same thing, but these are gorgeous! So so so pretty! Perfect photography!
oh G! such beauty you have shared, we have had no snow in tennessee, and i crave it so. the images of frosty horses speaks to me on so many levels. thank you for including images of yourself and david…i love seeing the artists behind their lens'. i am so excited to hear you will be doing your e-course!! happy birthday, dear!!!
erin
xxoo
Wow, whether it's Paris or the West, your photos never disappoint. What a bunch of beautiful shots…I love the cabin, the town, the horses…so pretty! Hope you had a very Happy Birthday!!
xoxo
stunning images! honestly, I'm running out of superlatives for you… Happy Happy belated birthday! xo
I am happy you both had a lovely retreat in such a beautiful place. I loved seeing all the beautiful pictures too. Glad that winter has found some new appeal!
Look forward to more- I am greedy!
Carolyn
Such clear photos!
You live in an amazing place!
love the snowman.lifeguard : )
What a beautiful place to retreat to! We do live in a gorgeous part of the world. Your pictures are wonderful showcases of this winter retreat. I love the photo of the horse with tiny crystals of ice clinging to its jaw. Crystal clear! Winter snow has a wonderful way of scrubbing away the clutter and leaving the purest images.
My hubby and I have Nikon/Canon wars all the time! I am the Nikon girl too. I love being able to share Photography with him. And its very cool to see how we can both look at the same thing and see it in totally different ways.
Looking forward to more!!
Beautiful photos. It looked cold but yet sunny and fresh. My favourite was the rustic barn or shed in the foreground. I liked that we could see the two of you also. I can't wait to see what you come with for an ecourse. You know I am interested. V
Oh my…..this post..where do I start? Alle the gorgeous photos…yes this is defintely a place to be….get some rest…relax.. Your prhotography is amazing but you knew that already. The deer looking straight into the lens is stunning!
If you ever want someone to carry your camera,clean the house or carry your suitcase; let me know. I am on my way :)
XX
WOW G (and D) – incredible place and pics!! Thanks for sharing it with us! I just love all of them – but the closeup of the white horse is prob my fave – he's beautiful!!! Oh, and mountains, barns etc – spectacular! Then again, love all the shots in town and how you put them together! Ok, love all of them!! hugs – t.
These are amazing! I love the one with the sun shining through icicles. My husband and I have been spending even more time lately just doing quiet things as the three of us (dog included) rather than filling our social diary up. It's been lovely.
Happy belated birthday, dear Georgianna.
Looks like you had a fabulous time away at the wonderful retreat. I love the snow covered landscape and couldn't be more different to our summertime here.
Beautiful photographs and thanks for showing us a little of your world.
Have a happy weekend
Warmest hugs
Carolyn
Wow, that pictures are amazing! Wonderfull world out here!3
xxx flo
Hi Georgianna, you do live in an amazing beautiful part of the world!!! Ideal for recharging the batteries during wintertime. So much space, such beautiful scenery, fresh air, clear skies, do I have to continue? Wish I could be there right this very moment. Thanks for sharing so many beautiful pictures. Glad you took them!
Bye,
Marian
What a winter wonderland.. Your photos look so amazing. I just love everyone of them.. Always such a treat when I pop in here….
Hugs, Linda
Wow now that would be my kind of grip, peace, fresh air, all the beauty nature has to offer and the icing on the cake are those beautiful horses, just breathtaking. Thx so much for sharing x
OH How very beautiful!!
Hi G and D, You compliment each other so well. Fabulous shots!!! I am so happy you had a restful and romantic weekend in a gorgeous, thank you sharing a bit of it. Take care my friends, Jen.
G!!! These photos you two took are wonderful! I loved looking through them. So glad you found the rest and rejuvenation you sought. It looks like a stunning landscape. Think I'll have to visit some time. Happy belated birthday!!! Xoxo
Oh, I so enjoyed your trip through your photography here. Such beautiful images you've captured! Thanks for sharing this wonderfulness~
Oh, I so recognize my self. I tend to forget all the beautiful places around me. What an amazing trip, gorgeous photographs and peaceful place. Thank you for sharing Georgianna. :) So you are shooting with a Nikon and D with a Canon. I'm also a Nikon-girl but I'm thinking of switching if Nikon doesn't release any new cameras soon. ;D Happy late birthday dear! Have a wonderful Sunday and up-coming week! xo
What a retreat for you both. The photos are AMAZING! I loved every photo and word of this post g! And of course I loved the horse shots best :) I am so glad you two got to do this. It had to have so relaxing for you both.
hugs from here…
Gorgeous photos, Georgianna! They're just stunning. Looks like such a lovely place to visit :) xoox
OH WOW sweet G, this is such a wonderful retreat and this place looks amazing!! I would love to visit it some day! Your photos are really gorgeous and i especially adore that red barn! Have a lovely merry happy week and happy Lunar New Year! Love to you!
Um….WOW…you actually live near there??
You are amazing photographers, recently found you via Etsy and hope to have the time to get to know your work more in the future…Janet
A piece of heaven. I trip in the mountains is always one of the best medicine.. I've had many overwhelming moments in the wilderness of the mountains. There are very few feelings compared to this. :)
Ada
Beautiful retreat! I hope you had a very Happy Birthday, g!
oh how i envy you, always surrounded by nature and capturing it magnificently
Hi Georgianna,
What a wonderful get-away! Your photos remind me of the years that our family lived out west in Montana. The west is full of such gorgeous country. Your captures certainly do it justice!!!
Hope your week is super,
xo~ Anna
P.S. We share the same Bday month. Mine was Sat:)
Looks like such a lovely place to visit!wonderful pics!
Monica
Oh my goodness….those pics are fabulous!! what a great getaway and it couldn't be more picturesque. I am sure that you both had a great time recharging. i don't think i would have wanted to leave!!! i hope you had a very happy birthday!!
xo, cindy
Great pictures and lovely page…
Best regards from France,
Pierre
Absolutely stunning! It looks and sounds like an amazing trip! Sometimes the best discoveries are right on our doorsteps aren't they!
Pleased you have a lovely relaxing time.
Oh my goodness, what a fantastic idea!!
As always, these photographs are so very beautiful.
I really enjoyed this series G! Looks like such a warm and cozy place. I look forward to visiting places like this when we move up there! Love your cute crocheted/knitted hat, it looks so cute on you! I really have the hardest time "keeping up" lately, I must get over here more! Always enjoy my visit here.
Amazing vacation!!! What beauty! Take care, dear, typing from work so must be off. Blessings, Amy
Oh wow, words escape me! I always love your Paris and floral pics but I think this post has got to be one of my faves! The scenery and house look amazing and the lighting is just magical!x
Evidently, you had such a wonderful holiday trip out there! Wonderful photographs of old wooden barns, cute bucks and adorable horses! And that little piece of the old Wild West! Thanks so much for sharing, dear Georgianna!
Your imagery just blows my mind! :)
This is such a great idea – designing your own creative retreat. I love it!