Wow- I had the most wonderful mini-trip with my book club girl friends this weekend. We spent the night at the new Five Pines Lodge in Sisters, which is a beautifully appointed new facility. Regretfully, I was not able to work in any time at the spa, although my friends loved it.

The highlight of the weekend was snowshoeing on the McKenzie Pass road. In winter, the snow on this older highway over the mountains makes it unpassable, and the route is closed for the season. Or rather, closed to vehicles using tires. A few snowmobiles passed us, although most of the way the silence was disturbed only by our own laughter and the crunch of the snowshoes on the crusty snow.

One of my favorite things in the world is the green of the trees contrasted with the blue of the sky. On a sunny winter day here, the blue is unbelievable. The ponderosa pines take on a shimmer this time of year, as well.  Add in a little (or a lot) of snow, and the combination is stunning. Yesterday was one of those magical days that remind me of why I live in central Oregon.