We drove secondary roads to Mt. Angel in a dense fog and parked in the center of town. As we walked up the conifer-lined path to the abbey, we began to see signs of the sun poking through the soup. Our first stop was the cozy, bright coffee shop, “The Press”, where we warmed ourselves with hot beverages. Mt Angel Abbey used to have a printing shop, and coffee is served atop equipment from the old presses; thus the double meaning of “The Press”. After visiting the monks’ cemetery, we spent time wandering in the stunning library designed by the famous Finnish architect, Alvar Aalto, 50 years ago. Aalto’s furniture in the library is as gorgeous as the library. After short visits to the church and the eclectic museum, we ate (with permission) on the guest house deck overlooking the valley. Happy walkers were guest Nancy Warnicke and members Mary Coleman, Debra Dawes, Bev Hassell, Martin Doerfler, Rosamund Irwin, Pam Ferrara, Franca Hernandez and Elizabeth Seibert, leader.