Treat Your Senses to Our Oak Creek Canyon Cabins

 

 We have no idea how it happened, but summer is upon us, and although it feels like time is standing still in our beautiful Briar Patch Sanctuary, before we know it we will be placing ornaments on the Christmas tree! 

 

The verdant Briar Patch grounds are in full display and are putting on quite a wonderful show.  Majestic Sycamore, Oak, Privet, and other fellow trees have spread their full canopies to shade the lush earth and her greenery below, and wildlife is abundant.  Our lawns are groomed for children at play, weekend yoga, and hammock appreciation as our guests swing serenely under the warming sun or gaze up at a universe of stars.  Lit by amber lanterns and twinkling white lights, this quiet haven is as magical by night as it is by day. 

We so appreciate our maintenance crew (all two of them!) and their never ending devotion to keeping this nine-acre oasis looking like something out of a masterpiece painting.

Our sheep meadow was rather the worse for the wear this spring after supporting three grazing sheep, so we had to make the decision to let Billy go live on a farm in a nearby town.  Mama Wooly and daughter Lily are now grazing upon the recovered meadow and enjoying apples from the generous hands of guests.  We recently had a sheep shearer come to give them their new summer hairstyles and they are lookin’ downright sassy.  Well, maybe not sassy exactly—it is a buzz cut, after all.  But they’re definitely happy to be cooler as our deliciously hot summer temperatures bathe us all in welcome warmth.

We are delighted to have our musicians, “Lyra,” back for their 20th summer residency.  Alan and Maryanne play for the pleasure of our guests as they enjoy their bountiful, delectable, healthy, homemade breakfast by the creek every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning.  We are also delighted to introduce “Meadowlark”—Rick and Lynn—another musical duo who perform at breakfast on Wednesday and Thursday.  On Mondays and Tuesdays, the creek is the star musician, backed up by birdsong. 

Regrettably, this summer has also brought sad news to the Briar Patch.  A beloved friend and former employee, Nanette, has passed away.  She was with the Briar Patch for ten years, and was cherished for the warmth, joy, and loving kindness that she brought to everyone in her presence.  Many of the people who have stayed with us over the years developed a close relationship with Nanette—she gave beautifully attentive care to every guest, whether they were here for the first time or returned over and over again.  A Memorial Service celebrating her life was held creek side here at the Briar Patch, and many friends and family gathered to share how this beautiful woman had touched their lives.  Nanette, we love you, we will miss you, and we thank you for enriching our lives. 

She would have said to us all, “Cherish every moment,”  and we hope this letter finds you doing just that.

The Briar Patch Inn Family