We took off early Friday, dropping the youngster off with Grandpa and Grandma Jasper, and headed west to this place:

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And the drive only took about six and a half hours. But we hardly noticed -- Elizabeth and I hadn't had that much time together, with no responsibilities, for years. Our last vacation, in fact was to the Bird over 3 and a half YEARS ago. All the other vacations we've taken have been with family, and with Mr. Drew.

I have to admit, it was hard leaving him, even though we knew he was in very capable hands (he stayed with my parents Friday-Saturday, and Elizabeth's folks from Saturday-Sunday). But a break like that is good for all of us. And I know he got spoiled while we were away!

As for our trip, we knew right away we hadn't booked enough time to stay. We hit the new bar right away, and made friends with the incredibly knowledgable Robert behind the bar, and the incredibly friendly Bob on our side of the bar (we'd get to meet Bob's girlfriend Brenda as well -- great folks!). I got some great Scotch lessons, Lizzie got to taste some top-shelf gin, and we had a great time chatting and just relaxing.

Other fun stuff, other than eating the awesome dinners and incredible breakfasts, were long talks with the owner, "Sensei" Robert; hiking and taking the wrong turn (again) on a three-hour tour through the Joyce Kilmer Wilderness (curse you, faulty Naked Ground trail signs!); chatting with Elizabeth about all topics under the sun; fighting the temptation (successfully) to call home and check on the young 'un; and the fresh mountain air and the SILENCE.

Oh, and the views weren't bad either:

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We even got up to see the sun push its way over the mountains, as we did four years ago:

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We didn't have time for much else, but I did read the opening to Cormac McCarthy's The Road in front of the fire, and I was very intrigued by the story and of course, by his language. Got me thinking about writing again... Not a bad thing.

It's always nice to get away, but it's even better to be back home, our brains readjusted and our bodies full of good food. Next time it'll be at least four days and three nights... Later!