Boxin' in Bend I

Boxin' in Bend: Part I

Well, our time in the Pacific Northwest is rapidly winding itself down. There are several 'micro-regions' that we still would like to explore before we drive away heading to the big urban jungle of the East. Until then, we're rapidly exploring out and about in search of those nooks & crannies we just hadn't yet been able to visit. One of those nooks & crannies was Central Oregon. We attempted to overcome this shortfall by spending a handful of days in the Bend, Oregon area.

We started out with lodging--a nice, warm yurt in the Tumalo area.

We awoke to a blanket of fresh snow on 25 Mar 06.

Yurts are awesome! I hope more states around the country are building these as options for lodging in the not-so-warm weather times of the year.

Hiking along the Deschutes River in quest of boxes. This is an arid region--so anytime you see water, especially in multiple forms, you're amazed. The icy waters were roaring by in the river. The blanket of snow just added to the appeal. Ponderosa Pines and Juniper trees seemed to be the typical flora around these parts. There were also flaming red willow bushes along the banks of the river.

Loved the contrast of the green evergreens, the fire red willows and the ruddy green waters of the Deschutes.

Another view of the river!

We always seem to spy covered bridges around Oregon. Here's an interesting one in Shevlin Park--not too far from Tumalo.

More views of the snow in Shevlin Park.

Lower side of the river--

RnrB is looking for monkeys on the banks of the Deschutes. Loved the contrast of the rugged red cliffs and the snowy banks of the river.

26 Mar 06

Upper side of the river--looking down at letterboxes.