Away from the sprawl

“Sometimes I wonder if the world’s so small
That we can never get away from the sprawl

Living in the sprawl
Dead shopping malls rise like mountains beyond mountains
And there’s no end in sight
I need the darkness, someone please cut the lights”

Arcade Fire singing our theme song, golden light from the setting autumn sun drifting across our faces, the city in the rear view mirror….an overnight getaway was the perfect start to our weekend.

After work on Friday I surprised Jeremy with a night at the Hounds Tooth Inn outside the foothill community of Oakhurst. The quaint, Victorian-style bed and breakfast provides guests with a quiet escape, a peaceful sojourn from life and all its pressures. This was exactly what I was hoping for; to unwind after the work week and enjoy an evening with no interruptions or plans.

Our time at the Inn was short but sweet. We woke at our leisure, without an alarm clock or barking neighbor dogs. Breakfast was a yummy spinach quiche, toast, fruit salad and coffee served in the dining room. Not only was it delicious, but I didn’t have to prepare a thing! After breakfast we found a quiet sitting area under the shade of a tree, complete with the cats that roam the grounds, and basked in the peace and quiet of our surroundings.

It’s amazing what one night away can do. The hour-drive back down the hill was a relaxed one. We were refreshed and ready to enjoy the remainder of our weekend.