We “got out of Dodge” just in time.  A fire broke out just 30 miles north of our campground in Richland, OR the day we left and headed for Bend and we drove through another ‘new’ fire as we drove “The Journey Through Time”.   These were not the first – nor the last – fires, or fire ravaged areas, we saw as we enjoyed Oregon;-(

 

 

Our travel day was one of those wonderful days along another of our country’s beautiful scenic byways – or as we refer to them as a ‘green dot road’ day – –

 

One never knows what they will run into on such days.  Since we are in the west – a cattle drive DOES seem appropriate – don’t you think?

 

 

Even with all the distractions, the travel day was a short one to our destination of Bend, OR.  Central Oregon’s largest city, Bend records a population of approximately 80,000 and sits on the eastern edge of the Cascade Range along the Deschutes River, where the Ponderosa Pine forest transitions into the high desert with junipers, sagebrush and bitter-brush.  The views along the river from Drake Park right in the middle of the town are stunning –

 

 

There are places where you would almost think you were in the South – but, then the pines pop into view to remind you of the elevation and the climate.  AND, that Bend started as a logging town.  Now it is a gateway to outdoor activities such as climbing, hiking, biking, fishing and skiing at nearby Mount Bachelor (which we could almost do as it snowed the day before we left!!)

 

The High Desert Museum also resides just south of Bend.  This museum brings regional wildlife, culture, art and natural resources together to promote an understanding of natural and cultural heritage of North America’s high desert.  Our favorites were the Native American history displays and the birds of prey exhibits.

 

 

 

Rainy (and snowy) days are good for a drive about the area.  So – off we went on the 66 mile historic highway selected by Scenic America as one of the nation’s ten most important byways – Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway.  The byway follows a journey of water through a volcanic landscape accentuated by 14 alpine lakes (the Cascade Lakes) and scenic views of Mt. Bachelor, Broken Top and South Sister (of the Three Sister Mountains).

 

 

Elk Lake viewpoint and Osprey Point were ‘promised’ to provide opportunities to view birds of all types, including birds of prey, as well as great views of the various surrounding mountains.  ‘Promised’ being the operative word;-(!

 

 

Although the weather was not conducive to the hikes that had been anticipated, we still enjoyed The Old Mill District, wandering the downtown area (where we found a wonderful Thai restaurant that provided dinner TWO nights), learning about the Three Sisters Mountains, having lunch with friend Jen at the old Bend market turned purveyor of casual lunches – Jackson’s Corner – and, of course, three days on several of the more than two dozen golf courses.  The Troon 2-4-1 even came in VERY handy at Pronghorn –

 

 

 

 

Bend was lots of fun but maybe warmer weather can be found a little further south at Crater Lake?!?!  Let’s hit the road and find out.

 

E & G in search of warmer weather;-)