The Shepherd's Inn Journal

Mt Rainier Park Road Closures

theshepherdsinn — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 21:30:38 +0000

Stevens Canyon Road Closure on September 6, 2011 for Road Work.
Posted: August 26, 2011

Due to extensive roadway embankment stabilization and subsurface compaction grouting efforts, Stevens Canyon Road will be closed between the gate located just west of the Grove of the Patriarchs to just east of the popular Backbone Ridge viewpoint from September 6, 2011 through the 2011-2012 winter closure. Visitors will be able to access the Reflection Lakes, Box Canyon and Backbone Ridge areas and adjacent trailheads from the west during the fall 2011 closure.

During the closure, visitors will only be able to access the Paradise area from the southwest via the Nisqually Entrance at the east end of SR 706. Visitors traveling from the east via SR 410, SR 123, and/or US 12 who wish to visit the Paradise area can detour via SR 7 beginning in Morton on US 12 and ending on SR 706 at Elbe. (US 12 may have delays due to road work, for more information check the Washington State Department of Transportation WASDOT).

While the construction, closures, and traffic delays present an inconvenience, the rehabilitation work will not only improve the driving surface of the roadway, but ensure its longevity.

Stevens Canyon roadwork is also scheduled for periods during the 2012 & 2013 seasons. Information on this project, as well as general park information, is available on the park’s website under News Releases.

For information on other Mount Rainier roads check Road Status.

Mossyrock Blueberry Festival

theshepherdsinn — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 21:48:10 +0000

The Mossyrock Blueberry Festival is Saturday, August 6, 2011

Book a room at The Shepherd’s Inn during the month of August and receive a gift of 2 lb of blueberrys, or a jar of blueberry jam from Pan American Blueberry Farm. www.pan-am-llc.com

For more information about the Blueberry Festival go to: mossyrockfestivals.com

A Barred Owl From The Breakfast Room Window

theshepherdsinn — Sun, 22 May 2011 23:02:13 +0000

A family of Barred owls has made their home here for more than ten years now. Although they have hundreds of acres to nest in they prefer to be where the action is. They are a bit like us in that respect. Why hang out in the woods when you can watch the people coming and going. We have learned to follow their call to each other and can thereby locate their dwelling place. Yesterday morning this particular owl decided to make a closer appearance and entertain the guest during breakfast.

Gluten Free Betty Crocker Chocolate Chip Cookie

theshepherdsinn — Wed, 18 May 2011 18:07:59 +0000

It seems that more and more people are being diagnosed with Celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Two family members have recently found they were gluten intolerant and more of our guest are telling us that they are also.

We currently have a guest that is staying four days who is gluten intolerant. One day to cook without gluten isn’t too difficult but 4 days has become a little challenge. Yesterday I found a Betty Crocker box mix for gluten free Chocolate Chip Cookies. While he was eating his Gluten free Strawberry Waffles made from gluten free Bisquick, I made these wonderfully easy gluten free chocolate chip cookies. I sampled the first batch and decided they could use a little enhancing even though they were pretty good as they were. I like the blended flavor of orange and chocolate so I added a Tablespoon of zest from a fresh orange to the remainder of the dough. The result was very delicious and gave the cookie a whole new dimension of flavor. If you are gluten intolerant or know someone who is you should try these!

Lovely White Orchid Lip Resembles Swans

theshepherdsinn — Mon, 16 May 2011 22:56:43 +0000

I just happened to notice after zooming in to capture the vibrant colors inside this gorgeous white orchid that the lower petal or lip of the orchid resembled two beautiful white swans as it they were back to back. It caused me to do some research on Google and to the best I could figure this portion of the flower is called the column . [The male and female reproductive organs of the orchid. The column (technically called a "gynostemium") is formed by the fusion of male portion of the flower (stamens) and female portion (pistils). This is one major characteristic that defines orchids and differentiates them from all other flowering plants.] If this is correct, I can’t think of a more beautiful depiction than two swans together.

Dad’s 88th Birthday Pie

theshepherdsinn — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 22:01:57 +0000

Perfect Meringue Recipe

I am so lucky to still have my Dad! Yesterday was his 88th Birthday and since he prefers pie to cake I made him a banana cream pie which is one of his favorites. My mom gave me this MERINGUE recipe many years ago that is fantastic. You will always get a perfect meringue every time and the wonderful part is that it won’t stick to your knife when you cut it which allows you to serve a beautiful slice of pie. Sorry you can’t enjoy the pie but you will enjoy having the recipe!

Perfect Meringue (This is an excellent meringue. It doesn’t stick to the knife when cutting it either.)

1 T. cornstarch

3 egg whites

1/2 cup plus 2 T. water

6 T. granulated sugar

Mix cornstarch with 2 T. water. Then add remaining water and boil 2 minutes stirring all the time. Beat egg whites that have come up to room temperature and add sugar a T. at a time. When the egg whites begin to just start to stiffen add hot cornstarch slowly, beating all the time. When the egg whites are stiff pile onto your warm pie filling pushing all the way to the edge of your crust so that it touches the crust. ( This will keep it from shrinking ) Bake at 350 for 10 to 12 minutes. Turn off oven and leave in another 5 minutes if you want to ensure that the meringue is well done.

Try this recipe the nest time you make a cream pie. You will want to add it to your collection.

How to Make Crepes Video

theshepherdsinn — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 20:15:04 +0000

Some people may think crepes are difficult to make but they are truly very easy, especially after making them for twenty years!

If you would like to watch the video you will find just how easy it is to make them and give your family a special treat. For gluten-free crepes you can use soy flour or rice flour and for lactose free you can substitute rice milk, soy milk or coconut milk. If using rice flour or soy flour they may be a little sensitive when turning but can be turned very successfully if you have a little patience. Enjoy! http://youtu.be/QoKe4UX3VXU

Huckleberry Crepe Filling Video

theshepherdsinn — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 19:58:16 +0000

We had fun making our first youtube video on how to make Huckleberry filling for our crepes.

Of course you could use blueberries the same way or any other berry that you like as Huckleberries are not readily available.

If you are ambitious you can always go out and pick your own when they are in season.

Here is the link to watch the video http://youtu.be/FiwcpWSm_4s

Fill Your Gas Tank On Us!

theshepherdsinn — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 18:30:01 +0000

May special!

Book a two night stay in any room and we will help fill your gas tank by taking $50.00 off your total bill! Get away from the big city sounds – welcome to the country setting and scenery at The Shepherd’s Inn Bed & Breakfast.

Create your own package – as a reminder we have a relaxing 2-person Jetted Tub (available with any room).

Huckleberry Crepes on YouTube Soon!

theshepherdsinn — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:24:25 +0000

Check out our new Updates to the Website - we are now working on You Tube videos of our yummy “Signature Wild Huckleberry Crepes”

Along with your scrumptious Crepes for breakfast, enjoy Apple Glazed Smoked Sausage and our Potato, Egg & Cheese Breakfast Casserole that is so good it has been published in a Taste of Home Cookbook.