A Bloomin' Good Time...

I'm going to post a number of pictures that I've taken over the last few days to share what's "Bloomin" throughout the property. Can you help me name them?...



1. 2. 3.



4. 5. 6.




7. 8. 9.



10. 11. 12.


13. 14. 15.

Clearing out Winter's Whirlwind

Well, we've had a number of changes over the past few months as the storms have rolled over these Valley Hills. The rain fall has inevitably altered the landscape and we had to say goodbye to our "3 Sister" trees that stood towering over the property for as long as we've known. The largest of the Sister's went down in the worst storm and miraculously avoided any disastrous destruction, beyond a section of a fence that is already in process of being rebuilt, and the loss of electricity for a couple of days. Here's Ian doing what he does best...working hard...

On a day that the rain came down hardest, Steve, Ian & I ran around the Ranch like it was the sunniest day in spring. Like spelunker's we ran from area to area (orchard to rock quarry, cactus garden to fish pond, patio valley platform to the enchanted forest) across the 11 acres to witness Mother Nature at her best!! The rain widened the streams that meander down the hillside and then the strategically placed waterfalls filled the stone fountain features. Over the past few weeks we've been working to get those same fountains cleared of sediment and ready for our viewing pleasure...here's a sneak peak, 2 angles of the one I'm anticipating most...

Along with restoration projects, the Ranch Hands and Ian have done an incredible job at maintaining the nature trails so that we can still enjoy our walks and sight seeing. The past few mornings I've been winding through these trails to see what's in bloom...

More to come soon....

W.W.O.O.F.

Are you familiar with the acronym?

World Wide Opportunities On Organic Farm's?

(http://www.wwoof.org/ if your interested in the details)

Well, we've been utilizing these adventurous workers on the Ranch for the past 6 months or so and their hard work has left the place looking magnificent!!

We have enjoyed our time with each of you and look forward to meeting the rest of you...

Here are a few shots of some our helping hands-

Full Moon Rising...

Ian and I take every opportunity to explore the property. On Thursday as dusk approached we began our hike to the top of the Hidden Valley peaks to watch the sun fall and the full moon rise. These are some of my photos...Enjoy.

Driving into a Hidden Valley...

You're reading this post because something about driving into a Hidden Valley allowed you to daydream, to look out of a nearby window and wander into mother nature. If you've already visited us here at the Ranch you can surely picture what this time of year has to offer the wanderer...lush greens under the canopy's of oak, palm, fruit, and pine trees, blossoming roses still wet from the mornings dew, rain filled fountains trickling and plunking their way down into the dense dirt paths meandering throughout the eleven acre garden...my list is endless, but you wanderer's already have a list of your own Ranch favorites so I'll move on :) For those of you reading this post that have yet to visit us, take a tour at hiddenvalleyspa.com and get your time penciled in to come wander...
I titled this post "driving into Hidden Valley" because every day I drive home (my husband Ian and I are the new caretakers here on the Ranch) I feel like I get to escape into a hidden gem, driving along roads adorned with red and yellow leaves, homes decorated for the season, rolling hills and roaming animals...I just wanted to motivate others to allow for a little wandering to creep into your day, I think it keeps us youthful :) I'll post pictures within the next few days to better introduce myself and get ya'll caught up with life on the Ranch!

Another Beautiful Wedding at Hidden Valley Retreat!

Well, it looks like everyone had a good time at our latest wedding here...

and that party was just beginning!

Check back soon for pictures of the FREE WEDDING we are giving away this very weekend!

9/12/09

The weather is looking like it is holding up for us all - what a surprise for San Diego! - but should make for some gorgeous shots of the wedding party and surroundings.

Family Reunion at the Ranch

We recently rented out the estate to a family and they
had some wonderful things to say about their stay!

"Our family has enjoyed our week here and have been very blessed to be together.
Each one was able to find things to enjoy no matter what the age!"

"I was just recently proposed to and was then able to join this amazing family
here for the sixty year anniversary & family reunion. It has been amazing and I now
know that this is where I belong. Thanks for letting us stay the week here. It has
been a great experience!"

"This place has been wonderful and has given our family a great experience and MANY
memories to last forever!"

Another bunch of happy customers!