A day after a taste of Spring with temperatures over 50 degrees Farnheit, I attended the Valentine’s in the Forest event at Highland Forest near Fabius, New York in near blizzard conditions last Saturday night. Perfect time for a horse drawn sleigh ride, right?
Three draft horses pull a sleigh at the Valentine's in the Forest event held at the Skyline Lodge in Highland Forest, Fabius, New York. Nikon D700/Tokina 11-16mm, 1/3s, f/2.8, ISO 6400, EV +0.3, 16mm focal length.
I thank my long underwear for making a very cold trip around Highland Forest very comfortable. The three draft horses gave us a very smooth ride through a dark forest lighted by two small lights on the sleigh. The wind and chiming of the horse’s harness the only sound.
The sleigh ride was the highlight of a wonderful evening featuring a Prime Rib dinner after appetizers, butternut squash soup and with chocolate eclair cake for dessert.
Food featured at the Valentine’s in the Forest event, from upper left, appetizers, butternut squash soup, chocolate eclair cake and prime rib.
Returning from the winter cold and enjoyment of the sleigh ride, people relax in the Skyline Lodge’s Kenyon Hollow Room, the site of the Valentine’s in the Forest. A single guitar player entertained as people talked, danced and drank hot beverages the rest of the evening. Only thing missing was a nice fire in the room’s fireplace which was out of commission due to the weather.
People enjoying entertainment and each other's company at the Valentine's in the Forest event in the Skyline Lodge's Kenyon Hollow Room at Highland Forest, Fabius, New York. Nikon D700/Tokina 11-16mm, 1/25s, f/2.8, ISO 6400, EV +1.0, 16mm focal length.
Crazy weather continues today. Bright and sunny with a Winter Storm Warning for tomorrow morning. I may need a horse drawn sleigh to get to work!
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What a magical ride in the snow! … and the dinner didn’t look half bad either 🙂
Not having any snow is a two sided coin… this benefit would have been a treat.
Yes, I *am* jealous LOL.
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No snow in the Netherlands? I thought northern Europe had plenty this year. I’ll ship you over a few tons if you want. 🙂
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This looks like a wonderful time! Years ago I went to a similar event at a place called The Salem Cross Inn in a tiny little town in central Mass., West Brookfield. Food was excellent. You are giving me a hankering to go back.
We got the snow today! I didn’t think it was scheduled until late tonight into tomorrow. I guess Mama Nature doesn’t like to be predictable!
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That was a 60 degree temperature drop in in 24 hours. If you include wind chill, an almost 80 degree difference.
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And people danced! Real Dancing! That looks like a fine place to spend a winter’s evening. I’ll bet it’s outstanding during fall color too.
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The entertainer did not play too many danceable songs but when he did, a few couples would indulge. It was a good evening.
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What a wonderful evening ! Those horses in the first picture, they look eerie ! A lovely series of images and moments. How was the chocolate éclair 😉 ?
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Isa, the shutter speed was very long and the horses moved causing some ghosting around them. In a sense, it did create an eerie look to them. The eclair was yummy though I did not eat much of the chocolate.
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That sleigh ride looks like fun! All that was missing was a nice hot glass of Glühwein, to warm you from the inside 😉
That chocolate eclair is calling my name!
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What is Glühwein? I had a few beers which helped.
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Glühwein is a hot spiced wine, very popular in Germany in the winter. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulled_wine
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That does sound like a good warming the heart and soul drink.
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It looks like it was a fabulous evening. I love the first photo. It looks almost as though the horses are a few inches off the ground, in flight.
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They did fly on the return leg of the trip!
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What a great thing for mid-winter!
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It sure helped to break up February.
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You’re not kidding about the snow, love the first image, it’s like a winter wonderland. 🙂
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Nope, I sure wasn’t!
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