Elkins Purple Majesties kicked off another year in high style with their June luncheon at the Inn at Mountain Quest. Nestled in the green mountains of Pocahontas County, the luxurious inn provided the perfect setting for our birthday celebration and the coronation of our fourth queen, Sharon McQuain. The festivities went off without a hitch and Sharon's daughter Erin surprised her as a guest for the day's events -- so both daughters were in attendance for the ceremony. (Daughter Barbara is already a pink hatter.)

Retiring Queen Judy got the royal goose, literally, when Sharon surprised her with a fine feathered friend to keep her company in retirement. The goose even came with its own red and purple ensemble. Some racy, lacy underwear also jumped out of a box but everyone said that was more of a gift for Judy's husband (and Sharon's twin brother), Tharon!

The group dined on roasted pork, boiled red potatoes, steamed vegetables, asparagus, and tossed salad. For dessert we had two -- bread pudding and a special birthday cake the chef whipped up just for us. The innkeeper surprised everyone by serenading us with a special song and, in a fun game of switcheroo, everyone exchanged small gifts.

The group welcomed several new members (we have well over 100!) and we relaxed in the peaceful, quiet mountains that accompanied the warm summer day. Afterwards the group enjoyed a tour of the inn which was just one highlight of the happy day. Elkins Purple Majesties is sure to return to this fabulous inn, tucked away in wild, wonderful West Virginia!

RELATED MOUNTAIN QUEST TOUR PICTURES are here