We went up and over the pass to the Eastern Cascades. A couple of things change as one heads east in Central Oregon: lush dense forests give way to piney, dry environments; the cold desert temperatures swing hot & cold; and the sun shines alot. Ummmm, we settled for 2 out of the 3, and arrived in Bend, Oregon amid a hummer of a storm: wind, rain, and hail. They are our traveling companions this summer, but with Bessie, no problem.
Luckily we found an open spot in a State Park (everything is reservation only these days), did a bit of catching up, and then spent a day with cruising friends who summer in Bend. Then off down the Cascades Lakes Highway that heads southwest from Bend and out around the backside of Mt Bachelor then south. The road is dotted with many alpine lakes, the headwaters of the Deschutes River, mountain bike trails, and trailheads to the high country. Lots to see and do. And we are trying to do some of it! We will be back. This is one of our favorite places but we only come during summer and miss out on those pesky 9 month winters. AAARG.
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| View to the Cascades--Mt Bachelor, South Sister, and Broken Top. |
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| Walking the Obsidian Trail at Newberry Crater National Volcanic Monument. Like a mini Crater Lake |
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| Boulder size rocks of obsidian...glowing and gleaming in the sun. So incredible! |
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| Lovely to look at and hold. Ask Alan how quick and sharp the obsidian cuts open a thumb! |
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| This obsidian flow is from 1300 years ago...a blink in "geo" time |
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| Hiked around Paulina Lake to see Paulina Peak. Obsidian flows through out the area. |
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| Section of the lake features "bubbling pools" that are great for soaking. |
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| Lovely colors of rock |
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| Every lake must have a flower... |
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| North Twin Lake...just a lovely volcanic maar (I'm told) |
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| Fly fishing the Fall River. Otters have eater all the fish in this creek...BUT....you never know! |
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Canoeing on Lava Lake. We are camping by this Lake.
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| Eagle |
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