The snow stopped during the night. Brilliant reflections of pinks and yellows topping the snow-capped peak outside our window introduced this morning’s clear blue sky sunrise. There is a definite bite to this morning’s air. The wedding last evening was beautiful. The bride's gorgeous white gown was made even more beautiful with the addition of a softly flowing white fur cape that seemed made of the soft white snow falling outside. Both young flower girls, sprinkling pink rose petals for the bridal path, wore exquisitely beaded long white dresses with soft white fur capes and mufflers matching the bride’s. Smiling bridal parents and siblings, the gently playing harpist, and a room full of witnesses all stifled giggles when the bride erupted with “I do” quite a while before the appointed time. The reception was a seated dinner in a private dining hall here in this baroque castle. Today the new couple joined us in town for lunch before heading to Chateau Lake Louise for their honeymoon.

We were left to wander the shops for a while looking for the just-right Canadian souvenir to take home. Later, after taking the once-weekly historical tour of the hotel we decided to end our stay with two more massages and more time in the mineral pools down in the spa. We spent some of that time in the outdoor hot spa, surrounded by snow-covered landscape reflecting the bright moonlight. Now, after dinner, it’s time to think of packing and printing boarding passes and turning in for the night. But I’m holding out on any thoughts of returning to work….as long as possible.