A comedy of errors

This weekend in the USA was a 3 day weekend on account of Memorial Day. On Sunday morning, my wife checked the weather forecast for the next few days and was upset to learn that the previous two day's beautiful weather was not going to continue. A frantic search online for accommodation in any place other than this side of the Cascade Mountains ensued. Now when I say that this is a very popular time to go on vacation in the USA, it is an understatement. It is, apparently, much easier and more pleasant to celebrate your war dead and maimed when lying on a beach somewhere drinking Pina Coladas.
We found two possible locations, both in the same area. As we are allegedly trying to save money on account of me "not working," we chose the cheaper by $100 option, which was a motel a short 3 hours drive over Snoqualmie Pass and down into the Tyrolean Trompe L'Oeil called Leavenworth. If you can stop your gagging reflex working overload on account of the signs for" Das Copy Shoppe" and Das Waffle Haus" etc, it can be a great place to stay. Nestled in the mountains, between two beautiful rivers, the outdoor opportunities are fantastic. Not to mention the wineries and brew houses that have mushroomed to take advantage of the very large crowds (large in number and large in girth) that swarm here every weekend.
We checked in at the Icicle Inn, a Best Western hotel with a decidedly tacky face lift. "MMMM", I said, as we unloaded the car, "this place needs to update their photos on their website." Legend Jnr was already checking out the pool, one of the principle reasons for our choice. I wouldn't say that he enjoys the water exactly, but I have noticed some decidedly fishy looking openings on the side of his neck.
We made our way up the stairs, past a wooden bear dressed in lederhosen. It might have been one of the guests actually. I wasn't paying too much attention. You know that sort of dread that creeps up on you when you can feel your sweetheart's icy stare drilling holes in your back? By now, I was starting to look like a Colander.
The room was awful and stank of cleaning fluids. "Let's call that other place", I suggested helpfully, "the one that requires you to take out a mortgage."
Fortunately for me, they had a room available, but it was another $100 more than it had been 4 hours earlier. After a short and friendly argument about how they had elevated their price to take advantage of my suffering, they finally gave in to my pleading and tears, and offered it at the original price.
We  checked out, loaded up the car and dragged a screaming 8 year old out of the lobby. "I WANT TO STAY HERE IT'S GOT CRAZY GOLF AND A POOL AND A SWEET SHOP AND I'M NOT LEAVING".
I wedged him into the back seat while avoiding the flailing arms and legs, and told him about the wonderful swimming pool where we were going. It is MUCH better, I assured him.
The place is a wonderful retreat  called The Sleeping Lady, set amongst the Aspens and Pine trees along the Icicle Creek. It is full board, with fantastic food and an essential (for Daddy anyway)outside bar and fire pit. We've been several times  before (in more affluent times), so I was very confident that he would indeed love it.
After signing my life away at the check in, I quipped that I couldn't wait to go for a swim to relieve some of my tension. "Oh, I'm sorry" the clerk said, "the pool is closed for renovations. They should have been ready this week, but you know what contractors are like".

She might have said something else, but by now I was sitting on the floor with my head in my hands,  drooling into my shirt and contemplating how this news was going to be taken. "Mr Bell......hello... Mr Bell, are you wanting to continue with registration....or should we call an ambulance.?"
We did register, I did get an earful, and fortunately I survived. The hot soaking pool was open, but it was the new games room that saved my bacon.
Here are a few photos of the place. If you are in this area, it is worth taking a look.

Snug as a bug

Soaking pool nestled amongst the trees

Dining and breakfast room

One of the many options from the menu.

Chihuly glass sculptre

Our little cabin