So long 2010, we said goodbye to you like a snowball in the face. Or a truly indifferent sheep amongst goats.
Hit the road up to Dorrington for some cabin time with the kids, stopped to see this llama at the cheese factory near Escalon. Always good for a nibble (watch those fingers).
I love a well stocked pantry.
Stopped over in Columbia, a funny little State Park/ghost town with a hotel and saloon. Ever wanted to roam around Knott's Berry Farm after hours? This is kind of like that, only on a miniature scale. Cards and drinks at the What Cheer Saloon, then a stumble through quiet darkness to a warm creaky bed.
Walked around the next morning and found us some old fashioned bowling.
The first sign of a cold, crisp vacation.
Sign number two.
So many deer by the roadside, all thick with winter coatings.
And on to the higher elevation.
Our destination for celebration: The Dorrington Inn. Spent a lovely Christmas there a few years back and aimed to share another winter's holiday in the snow.
The beginning always begins with a snowman.
Or a cocktail.
To auld aquaintance and all that business.
New year's morning, looking out on a fresh white blanket. Somewhere in the previous 12 hours was a great deal of whiskey drinking, burger eating, light snowing, knocking over of unsuspecting parties, digging out of light posts, icicle jabbing, swearing, occasional crying, psychological mad-libbing and all the other things that generally make up a good party.
But, hey, it's a new day.
Why not start with another snow man?
Then onto some heavy metal sledding. Two freshly carved runs, one jump and countless bruised ribs, not to mention near paralysis and disc-capitation.
So long snowy wonderland. As for last year, as Robert Graves says: "goodbye to all that".
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Over the river and through the trees? We do love it up in the Sierras and seem to be heading that way all the time, snow or otherwise. Do yourself a favor and give it a go. More guidance (and subtle nudges) here.