With stunning generosity, the folk from my office presented Laurie and me a gift certificate for the Salish Lodge at Christmas. We took advantage of this amazing gift yesterday.

Stopping for a late lunch in Snohomish, we took the scenic route to Snoqualmie, through Monroe, Duvall, and Carnation. We checked in shortly after 4:00; the room was great with a big jetted tub, wood burning fireplace, and very comfortable king size bed.

Since the gift came with spa treatments, Laurie booked a facial for herself and a massage for me. We had an hour to relax in the library with a cup of tea. I was a little up tight about the massage, never having done anything like that before. The spa was conveniently located on our floor, so we showed up early as suggested in the brochure. There was plenty of time for a soak with another cup of tea. The soaking pools with a view of the trees outside were amazing.

It took me a long time to get into the whole "spa" thing... like 74 seconds.

The massage was unbelievable. Head to toe... hot towels and hot rocks... why did it take me 42 years to figure out just how remarkable something like this could be??!?!!

I hit the steam room for a while after the massage (I love steam) and then Laurie caught up with me, glowing from her facial.

Dinner was off the charts. Laurie started with the crab and tomato bisque; I had the sunchoke creme (creamy mushroom soup). Laurie literally cleaned her plate of the halibut entree. I had the buffalo filet; I think it may have been the best preparation of red meat that I've ever had (and I've had some extraordinary steaks). For desert we shared a plate of dark chocolates and a selection of ice cream. It was an amazing experience.

The gift included the famous Salish Lodge Country Breakfast. Four courses of amazing food that started six hours ago and I'm still full. Scones, muffins, pancakes, fruit, oatmeal, coffee, juice, eggs, sausage, ham, bacon, and more... all with a view of the beautiful setting with mist rising from the falls.

It was a 24 hours that Laurie and I will remember forever. What a fantastic gift!

Currently Listening America the Beautiful By Ray Charles see related