Yesterday we took a tour of a true Northwest oasis for a tour/workshop idea Shutter Tours is putting together. The area is a 400 acre private estate located in the foothills of the Cascade mountains. The center focal point is a 12 acre lake stocked with large trout and nestled between jutting cliffs that rise hundreds of feet.

Our day started with a short drive up to the property from downtown Seattle. Once we arrived, we felt transported into another world with hawks flying overhead. Next was a leisurely boat ride with a vintage boat propelled by an electric motor, on the pristine lake. Surrounded by firs and moss colored rocks and ducks paddling their way around the lake , this was a true photographers paradise.

As we docked on the other end, we walked through tall firs and moss covered vine maple with the sound of an 800′ waterfall in the distance. The owner said we would soon see what he calls, “The Garden of the Gods”. I was already wowed by what I had seen and was even more excited when we finally arrived. This “Garden” was simply stunning. Throughout thousands of years geological upheaval, house size boulders had come crashing down from the 800′ cliff above. They all settled in the one area and through this time, large fir trees had found their homes on top of the rocks. Roots slowly enveloped the rocks, like those of the banyan trees one would see in Angkor Wat in Cambodia. This is one of those areas that one very seldom gets a chance to see and being that it is a private estate, I could see how much fun it could be for our customers to experience this area.

Next, we took the boat back as the sun was breaking out. My eyes open to the wonder of the things I used to enjoy as a child as I hiked throughout the Northwest.

We then drove to the “Zen Garden” area. This is a garden the owner created for his enjoyment with large boulders sprinkled throughout, a large deck and an amazing view of the valley with a nice 3 bedroom guest house. The owner had spent a fortune on lighting the garden and having been there once during the evening, it was very peaceful and relaxing. It also helps that he has a hot tub to view the valley on one side and the towering cliffs on the other.

So Shutter Tours is working on bringing our customers here for a unique weekend. We are the first company the owner has ever allowed to bring people to experience their personal oasis. We are working on the details of the tour now, for an August or September weekend. If you would like to know more, please sign up for our mailing list and we’ll send out more information soon.