For Christmas this year, my family went Semitic. Specifically, YOsemitic.
We stayed at the Tenaya Lodge, just outside the south entrance to Yosemite, Sunday through Thursday, and good, wholesome, quality time was had.
Tenaya's a very nice place, not remotely rustic. (Which was all to the good for my folks.) BIG swimming pool (I bet it's 25 yards), hot tub, steam room, fitness center, sauna, day spa, three restaurants. Everyone who works there appears to be about 17. When we arrived, Ace had arranged to have a fruit and cheese basket waiting for us in our room. Classy!
The first day we did nothing but have dinner; I did a 300 after sitting in the car for 6 hours. (152 was really bad because of construction). They had hot cider and three youths sawing out Christmas tunes on their violins. It was nice anyway. We went to bed early.
Monday morning, Christmas Eve, I went out to explore the nature trails near the hotel. It was warm and sunny, about 50 degrees out. All I wore was a long sleeved top, running tights, a hat and mittens, and was plenty warm within minutes. I don't think I walked more than two or three miles, but it took a long time to wade through the mushy snow. I hurried back so I could join my family on a sleigh ride. A what? I know!!
It's been unseasonably warm in general this winter, so I was doubtful that we'd actually get a sleigh (you're cautioned that lack of snow = wagon ride = LAME), but as we got to the pick up spot, that jing-jing-jingling sound came out from the woods and sure enough, two huge Belgian draft horses came prancing out of the woods, tugging a big, 12 person sleigh.
They took us to their farm, or whatever you call it, where we warmed ourselves by an oil-barrel fire and drank (more)hot cider.
Christmas Eve we enjoyed Tenaya's buffet extravaganza, which featured a jazz band and dancing.
It was almost exactly like a wedding.
They had the most delicious salads, though.
My family takes terrible pictures.
They just need a little prep time.
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