WHERE DID SUMMER GO?

Dear Friends,
While working in the office this morning, we got many questions about the current weather in the Hocking Hills.  Most people were wondering if they should pack umbrellas for their hikes or if they should carry a sweatshirt in case it remained chilly the rest of the day.  As weather forecasting goes, I am not an expert so I got on the trusty internet to look at weather.com and was shocked by the 10 day forecast and as I reflected on the summer weather in general, it seems that we are in the midst of a strange year for weather.


July in the midwest was the coolest  ever on record.  This summer has been among the driest in recent history also.  Many of our lawns have long since turned brown and crunchy.  The leaves have already started their seasonal color change and the local waterfalls have long been dried up. 


Now as I look at the 10 day forecast it looks as if this coming week is going to feel more like November than the first week of October.  The high temperature this coming week is 70 and that will not happen next Sunday.  This week one day, the high is going to be 56 degrees! Our overnight temperatures are going to be as low as 34 degrees a few mornings.  I suppose we need to start thinking about bringing in our house plants and covering anything we don't want to freeze. 


Don't get me wrong, I do love the fall weather.  There is nothing better than putting on a pair of jeans, an old sweatshirt and my hiking boots and hitting a trail without having to worry about carrying a gallon of water and sweating out 2 gallons.  I am just not sure if I am ready for frost on the ground yet. 


I do know that if the weather gets too cold this week you will find me having a bowl of homemade soup for lunch in the restaurant or curled up on the couch in the fireside room with a book and a cup of tea.  I would love to see you there!


Ellen,
Innkeeper

FALL HAS ARRIVED IN THE HOCKING HILLS

Dear Friends,
We welcomed the first days of Fall in the Hocking Hills this week and, as I've written before, it is a sight to see! On my way to the Inn today, I took a few moments to admire the countryside and appreciate how fortunate I am to be able to experience the beauty of this area every day. The rolling hills and lush countryside give you a feeling of peace and tranquility, timelessness and calm, like few other places can. The leaves are just beginning to turn, their bright, spectacular hues just starting to show themselves. You feel as if you are standing on a the edge of a precipice; that at any moment the trees will explode with a flurry of color. It is certainly the most beautiful time of the year in the Hocking Hills, and an experience few should miss.
If you are looking for activities in the area, there are paths to hike, with or without a guide, train rides, plane rides and even a lake to fish. Or you can sit quietly on the porch of one of our cabins or cottages and enjoy the beautiful colors and wildlife - one of my favorite things to do! Don't forget to stop in to our restaurant for lunch or dinner. A casual but delicious 4 course meal is a wonderful way to end a busy day in the Hills.
Welcome and Enjoy!


Ellen
Innkeeper

SQUIRRELS, GROUNDHOGS, DEER, OH MY!

Dear Friends,

     As I was driving to work today, I began to wonder why the local wildlife seems to spend so much time on and around the roads.  I had not even made it out of the driveway when a squirrel darted out of the neighbor's yard and across our street and right in the path of my car!  Luckily for the little fellow, I was not yet at cruising speed and could stop for him.  One squirrel has been saved by my newly installed brakes!  I started down the road and to my surprise I encountered at least 5-6 more squirrels darting about, either crossing the road or having a leisurely lunch on the warm pavement.  It was not only squirrels that seemed attracted to the roadsides today.  I also saw at least 2 groundhogs and even a deer munching on something next to the road.

     As I drove, I pondered why so many animals would hang around such a dangerous place as the road.  Don't they see their fallen comrades laying silently nearby?  Then it dawned on me, we were providing them an amazing service.  What might be the hardest thing for a squirrel to do? Why, it must be to crack open a nut!  What happens when we drive our cars over these very  nuts? We crack them open!  How wonderful it must be for a squirrel, groundhog or a deer to have lunch and have to work so little for it.  In their minds, they must thank us.  Right after they catch their breath and their heartbeat returns to normal.

Ellen

Inkeeper

    

Mountain Biking Arrives!

Dear friends,

     The Friends of Hocking Hills September newsletter arrived in my email and as usual there was new and exciting information to be read.  Among the news was the announcement that in the very near future, we will have a new avenue to explore the beauty of our state parks.  Two new mountain biking trails have been built off of state route 374.  They will feature a moderate as well as a challenging course.  Watch the Friends of the Hocking Hills newsletter for the official announcement and opening dates!

     

Ellen & Terry

Inkeepers

THAI YOGA MASSAGE AT THE INN & SPA AT CEDAR FALLS

Friends,

     We are excited to announce the arrival of Thai Yoga Massage to the Hocking Hills.  March 1st through March 5th, 2010, Anthony Conard M.A. (Dharmadas) will be teaching Thai Yoga Massage at The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls.  

          Anthony Conard is a former resident of Kripalu Center and is a certified teacher of Lotus Palm Thai Yoga Massage.  He has studied with Master Kam Thye Chow extensively.  He is a Kripalu Yoga instructor and has been practicing yoga for 23 years.  He has been teaching yoga for 12 years and has been teaching Thai Yoga since 2008.  Anthony has master's degree in Anthropology and his relaxed and inviting teaching style reflects his cross-cultural interests.  This gives his students access to both beginning as well as the deepter practices of yoga.

     Thai Yoga Massage is a transformative form of meditation in action.  This massage style combines safe stances, rocking and touching techniques that unfold in a beautiful dance.  Anyone in normal health can learn Thai Yoga Massage.  

     This Level One Class will span 5 days. You will learn fundamentals of flowing transitions and postures, and how to maintain proper body alignment and stances that create a mutually beneficial massage for the practitioner and recipient.  You will also discuss the history and philosophy of Thai Yoga Massage.  You will apple energy balance through acupressure and Thai energy sen lines and will learn to integrate metta (loving kindness) and meditation into your bodywork.   

     Stay tuned for more information on the cost of the class, lodging options and meal plans.  

Innkeepers,

Ellen and Terry