Today is our last full day “on the road”, although we really aren’t traveling. We are spending the day in Leavenworth, WA enjoying the adorable town and then going to visit Santa and his reindeer at a nearby farm.

I love traveling because I learn so much….did you know that this cute little Bavarian town used to have a western feel? In the late 1960s, this old western town was severely feeling the loss of income and tourists when the rail industry decided it was done dealing with frequent avalanches in the area and moved their route around the town/region. So, in 1967, the BAVARIAN town was born out of necessity to sustain a booming industry of tourism. And boy did they hit the nail on the head.

I also want to give a huge shout out to our hosts here at Haus Rohrbach Pension. This adorable chalet, dropped right into this little Bavarian wonderland, was custom built in 1978 by the original owners after they toured the Bavarian regions in Germany. They saw an opportunity to capitalize on the thematic genius of this tourist town, bought 13 acres on a mountainside, and built Haus Rohrbach Pension (they were a family with 12 children – the hills are alive with the Sound of Music, anyone?). Mike and Carol, the current owners, visited this little slice of paradise through the years and purchased the property in 2000.

They have carried on many of the traditions that came before them and improved on others (breakfast is Mike’s “engineered” version of the Dutch Baby – his is magnificent with a soufflé feel that is light and airy, yet filling and wholesome! Top that off with Carol’s home made raspberry preserves and breakfast is a thing of wonder). One feels as though they have entered a travel warp when they step inside this B&B – if I didn’t know better, I would think I was in Bamburg or Wurzburg, Germany on my river cruise again! When you step inside the quaint en-suite rooms, you may first get the impression that they are dated – but I can tell you from experience that they are SPOT ON with what you find in the Bavarian/Alpine regions for accommodations for travelers. If you have an opportunity to visit these fine folks, do not miss out! Oh and in addition to the amazing breakfast, they offer nightly desserts! Visit them at http://www.hausrohrbach.com/

This morning we headed to town to get some daylight snapshots of Leavenworth and also pick up a few gifts. We got some gluhwein – mulled wine served warm on a cold winter’s day – and enjoyed an al fresco lunch! I HAD to have bratwurst and sauerkraut (and rosemary sea salt fries) – and even though I am not a beer drinker, when in Rome….or Bavaria.

To top off this wonderful day, we visited the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm and fell in love! Not only were there chickens, draft horses, and reindeer, there were tiny ponies that just wanted to snuggle! Hubby – when can we get a farm?

Tomorrow we reach Babue and Papa’s house (Kelly’s mom and dad) and the “Waning West” part of our journey will be done. BUT, we still have our easterly travels to make – so don’t go far! Also, before the New Year, I’ll post a recap of our westward adventures to include a cost total and my favorite bits and pieces!

Merry Christmas, everyone.

Today’s food expenses – $75.00

Gifts for family and a few souviniers – $309

Reindeer Farm – $42.00