Halloween 2013

Just finished carving the Miller Tree Inn pumpkin, so I guess that we are officially ready for Halloween.  We still have rooms available for this week and weekend.  As the pumpkin says "welcome".  So come on over to see us!

Olympic National Park Closures

Even though Olympic National Park is closed including the Hoh Rainforest, Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent and Sol Duc Hot Springs; there are still things to see and do on the Peninsula and around Forks.

Though the National Forest Offices are all closed, the trails in the National Forest are open.  That includes the south shore of Lake Quinault where there are wonderful rain forest trails to explore.  From Forks, it only take about a half hour longer to get to the Lake Quinault area that it does to get to the Hoh.  The guests that have made the trek down are very happy.

The road to the north shore of Lake Crescent (from the Fairholme area) is also open there is a lovely 5 mile drive through the trees to get to the Spruce rail road trail.

Though the Elwah area of Olympic National Park is closed, the road is open up to the park boundary.  You can still take the short trail up to Madison Falls.

The La Push beaches are open and the Quileute tribe is happy to share their beautiful scenery with you.

Since the walk to Cape Flattery is on Makah tribal lands, that is also a great destination to the most northwest tip of the continental USA.  They also have a fabulous Cultural Center, which is well worth the drive and the time.

Today the sun is shining on us, so don't miss this beautiful part of the world.  It is a great place to be, even if the National Parks are closed.

Stephenie Meyer Day 2013

Yesterday attendees of the 2013 Stephenie Meyer Day activities got the thrill of a lifetime.  Stephenie Meyer, herself, made appearances at the Forks Chamber of Commerce Visitor's Center, Sully's Drive In, Forks City Hall and First Beach in LaPush.

Most of our guests got to meet her and we presented Stephenie with a "Cullen House" mug, which she said that her son was going to really like. She was very sweet and gracious to all and it was a pleasure to meet her and be able to express our thanks for all that her books have done for the town of Forks.

There are still many great activities scheduled for today, Saturday, September 14 and tomorrow, September 15.  The organizers have really done a great job this year.

One Square Inch of Silence

We took Pocket Edward up to the Hoh Rainforest to see if we could find "One Square Inch of Silence."  CBS TV newsman, Jeff Glore, did a feature piece on silence in the spring of 2012.  We had heard about this special spot in the rainforest and tried to direct our guests to the spot, but since we had never been, we weren't quite sure.  So, one beautiful, sunny summer afternoon, we took a trip up to the rainforest.  It is a bit over 3 miles to get there and we did find it

.  You pass some beautiful spots along the way, including Tom Creek Falls.  It was a great way to spend the afternoon.

United Nations at the Miller Tree Inn

We are having a small "United Nations" at the Miller Tree Inn.  We will have 6 different countries represented tonight.  The countries are:  US, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Mexico and Switzerland.  Can't wait to hear the breakfast time conversations!

Canoes Reach LaPush

We went down to check out the arrivals of the canoes in LaPush Sunday evening.  The 30 or so canoes, paddlers and support people had arrived as well as two tall ships that were anchored out in the harbor.  Every square inch of ground became group tent camping sights.  The village was full of positive energy.  What an exciting cultural event we have happening in our back yard!

There will be ceremonies, dancing and drumming today before they get an early start tomorrow for their next stop on the Paddle to Quinault journey.

Paddle to Quinault

July 25, 2013

The Northwest tribes are getting ready to meet in Quinault this year for their annual Paddle event.  On Tuesday, several canoes were spotted on Hollywood Beach in Port Angeles.  On Sunday they will be expected to start landing in LaPush where their host tribe will be the Quileutes.  It is a very exciting time for all of us on the Peninsula to be a part of this annual event.

Blarney Update

We wanted everyone to know that Blarney, the inn cat,  continues to grow and thrive at the Miller Tree Inn.  He LOVES being outside in the beautiful weather that we have been having.  Though he isn't in much right now, when he is around, he enjoys the company of the guests and is always up for a pet.  He is very playful, still and some of our guests think that maybe he is ADD, but we think he is just being a kitten.  He has a very sweet nature and purrs lots.

The Old Fashioned Forks Fourth of July Is On Its Way!

We are all decked out and ready for the 4th of July, here at the Miller Tree Inn.  There are many things happening throughout the week and as of today we still have some rooms available from June 26 - July 4.  Check out the Forks Chamber of Commerce website at:  www.forkswa.com for the 4th of July schedule as well as up coming activities in the Forks area this summer.

Congratulations Class of 2013!

Graduations are important here at the "Cullen House", since our Cullen family members do it so very often.  This year is especially important for those of us at the Miller Tree Inn.  Three of our employees will be graduating on Saturday evening.  We have been fortunate to have many fine young men and women work for us in our 15 years of innkeeping.  This year is no exception.  We would like to say a special congratulations to Anastasia, Alissa and Rachel.  We have loved having your bright and smiling faces come to work each weekend, school holiday and summer vacation.  We will miss you all when you leave us in the fall to go to college.  We are thankful to have you for one more summer and we wish you all the best.

Blarney is Venturing Outside

Bill has decided that Blarney is established enough to begin to be able to go outside for short periods of time.  Today he explored the front porch and then found his way into a patch of shamrock plants.  We think it must be because of his Irish name!

Innkeepers and guests alike have been enchanted by Blarney's friendly personality and playfulness.  We think he will be a good inn kitty.

Pocket Edward Visits Victoria, BC

Pocket Edward had a fabulous time in Victoria, BC.  He was well taken care of at his favorite B&B, Abbeymoorre Manor.  Pocket Edward took in the lovely waterfront and especially enjoyed the sunken garden and Butchart Gardens. 

Spring at the Miller Tree Inn

Here is the view out our kitchen window at the Miller Tree Inn.  We love spring days like today!

And Blarney is His Name

On Wednesday, April 24, we brought to the Miller Tree a black and gray striped Tabby, that we have named, "Blarney".  Blarney is about 5 months old, has a great big motor and a loving heart.  After spending the first few days under our bed, he now has free range in the office and the innkeepers' quarters.  We are introducing him to the common areas one at a time and today he had special visits from most of our guests.  All that have met Blarney, so far think that he will make a "purrfect" inn kitty.

Alice's Apple Walnut French Toast Sandwiches

Today is another beautiful day in Forks, and at the Miller Tree Inn, we started the day off with Alice's Apple Walnut French Toast Sandwiches.  Alice said that we could share the recipe on our blog, so here it goes!

1/4 mascarpone cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2 Tablespoons maple syrup
2 Tablespoons chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon butter
1 large apple diced, with skin on
1 egg
1/3 cup 2% milk
8 slices of cinnamon raisin bread

Combine mascarpone, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup and walnuts.  Mix well.  Melt butter in a small non stick skillet.  Add apples to the skillet and cook until tender.  Remove from heat.

Whisk together egg and milk.  Dip bread in egg mixture and cook in skillet or on griddle on both sides until golden brown.  Remove bread from heat.  Spread 1 Tablespoon of the mascarpone mixture on 1 side of 4 slices of bread; top with cooked apple and remaining bread slices. Put sandwiches back in pan or on griddle and heat until apple filling is thoroughly heated.

Serve with maple syrup.  ( Or use the recipe for the cider sauce from our apple pancakes.)

A Glorious Spring Day and a Favorite Recipe

We are having another glorious spring day in Forks.  We have rooms available tonight and through the weekend, which just happens to be "Rainfest".  There will be a quilt show and classes for quilters this weekend and a beach clean up on Saturday.  Come on over and join the fun!

Last week we were invited to a dinner where we needed to bring an appetizer.  (Obviously not a party for vampires...)  Anyway my sister helped me out with one or our Aunt Marge's specialties, a hot crab and artichoke dip.  It went over really well.  There wasn't much to bring home.  Give it a try!

HOT CRAB AND ARTICHOKE DIP

14 ounces artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
6 ounces crab meat
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
1 1/3 cups Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 Tablespoons lemon juice

Mix all the above ingredients together and bake at 400 degrees for 15 - 20 minutes.  Serve with bread or chips.  Enjoy!

It Might be Spring!

Last week we had several inches of rain fall in Forks as well as, snow, sleet and hail.  But today we have warmth and sun and the first daffodils springing up, so we think spring really is here.  We know that the rain will come back, but we are happy for now.

We still have rooms available for this week and weekend.  Come on over and enjoy spring on the peninsula!

We Have the Best Guests

Miller Tree Inn has the best and nicest guests.  This past weekend, we had some wonderful people that not only stayed with us, but brought us gifts.  One set of guests brought us flowers because they had heard about the loss of our inn kitty.  Another couple bought us chess pieces to complement our "Twilight" touches.  Thanks again to Joe, Kim, Amy, Molly, Katherine and Madison.  We love all of our guests.  We really don't expect anyone to bring us gifts.

Grand Reopening of the Weather Vane Room!

Tonight will be the first night for our newly reopened Weather Vane room.  The old Weather Vane room with the queen sized bed is still there.  The bathroom hasn't changed, but there is now an additional bedroom with a king sized bed.  We think it turned out pretty nice and we are anxious to see what our guests think.

Tunny the Inn Cat

Tunny, the inn cat passed away yesterday.  He had been with us since 2000, helping to greet guests and make them feel at home.  He did a good job and was a great cat and friend.  Eventually we will find another cat to try to fill his paws.  In the meantime we are going to miss him a bunch.

Weather Vane Remodel Continued...

Friends, Tom and Linda Dike of the Guest House B&B brought over our new mattress and end tables for the new and improved Weather Vane room.  Tom helped Bill get the mattress up the fire escape to the third floor while Linda and I watched and took pictures of our two men struggling.  Thanks Tom and Linda!

The Snow Drops are Up

We have had a few lovely spring like days this month.  Enough to make us think that spring is on the way.  Mother Nature seems to agree.  The snow drops are up and daffodil and tulip shoots are making their way up through the soil.

Pocket Edward at MOHAI

We have taken Pocket Edward on a trip to the city this week.  Last night we took him to a play and tonight to a choral performance.  We spent most of the day at the new Museum of History and Industry on Lake Union. Pocket Edward's favorite thing was the "Toe" truck in the museum lobby.

Extra Guests at the Inn

This afternoon we had about 5 young elk and a mama out in our backyard enjoying a lunch of our fresh grass.  It is always a pleasure to see them.

Pocket Edward at the Innkeeping Trade Show

Pocket Edward spent the afternoon at the PAII (Professional Association of Innkeepers International) Trade Show in Las Vegas.  While there, he visited with Niles and the gang at Deneen Pottery.  The Deneen Pottery Company make the Cullen House and Miller Tree Inn mugs that we sell at the inn.  They have some beautiful hand crafted products and it was great seeing them in person once again.

Pocket Edward in Las Vegas

This week, Pocket Edward is attending the PAII (Professional Association of Innkeepers International) Conference in Las Vegas.  Today was filled with keynote speakers and classes to help make us better innkeepers, but yesterday we played tourist.  We took a Big Bus tour of the city and took Pocket Edward to have his picture taken with a million dollars.  We think Pocket Edward looks like a million!

New Weather Vane Wall Color

Bill has been busy painting in the new section of the Weather Vane room this week.  He painted the walls and the trim boards. Here is a picture of all of his hard work.

More Weather Vane Progress

The contractor finished the sheet rock and mudding this week.  Innkeeper Bill is putting the first coat of primer on today.  We will pick out the lighting this week and hopefully get the walls painted.

Tracking in Eastern Washington

Though it is cold here and we had a few tiny snowflakes, last night, we have nothing on Eastern Washington.  We took Pocket Edward on a road trip to let him track a little in the snowy mountains.  Our car thermometer read  about 13 degrees at one of its lowest points.  The skies were blue the snow on the mountains and trees were lovely.  And Pocket Edward did not feel the cold, of course.

The Weather Vane Remodel

The contractor came and started working on the Weather Vane remodel, yesterday.  When finished it will be a suite with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom.  The current bedroom will remain as it is, except it will get new carpeting.  The old storage room will become the new main room with a king sized bed.  We ordered the carpeting yesterday and today will start the paint selecting today.

Here is a picture of what the room looks like after the first day.  Remember it always looks worse before it gets better!

Happy 2013!

The Christmas decorations stay up through the 12 days of Christmas, so the Miller Tree Inn is still all  decked out for the holidays.  Around about January 6, we will start taking Christmas down and putting Valentines up.

It is a sparkling day for vampires today.  In fact, it hasn't rained a single drop this year, of course the new year is only 10 hours old!

Happy New Year to all from all of us at the Miller Tree Inn.