Dreaming of a Warmer Place

To many people's joy, it has been snowing a lot lately in Bend. I, however, feel that it's at a nasty in between stage. I don't ski or snowboard, so I'm stuck with the mediocre snowfall. Not enough to play in, but enough so every step I take outside the house has me trying not to slip and fall.
So, I found myself looking through my photos from Summer and Fall, and I found this gem. I love that it's an Oregon location, close enough for a day-trip...or more likely an overnight trip.
If snow is what makes you happy, I hope you're enjoying the weather. If not, warmer (less-snowy) places are only a drive away!

Downtown Bend Decorations

In a place like Bend, the Winter holidays also mean an increase in tourism. More specifically, an increase in snow activity tourism (skiing, snowboarding, etc). So, while decorating for the holidays, why not celebrate both! As I turned on to Wall St, I saw some beautiful wreaths hanging, but what was above them surprised me. Skis (and in some places snowboards)!
It looks like other decorations are also on their way up, but I'll have to wait until I'm back from my trip "home" to check those out.
Happy Thanksgiving; hopefully everyone takes the time to really enjoy it and reflect.

Electric Avenue

I've lived in Bend for almost 2 years now, but truth be told I don't explore as much as I should/like to. I usually drive the same roads, walk to the same places, and miss out on everything else. Yesterday was overcast, a bit rainy, yet for some reason I felt like getting out of the house and taking a few pictures. I had heard there was a wall that people create chalk art on in one of the Alleys, so I went searching for that. Well, chalk washes away so I was out of luck on a rainy day. As I was leaving the Alley I spotted the "Electric Avenue" painted sign and felt the need to take a picture (as I was singing Electric Avenue in my head). As I was taking pictures, a man stepped out of his car and asked if I liked his sign - turns out he is the owner of Let It Ride "Electric" Bike Tours of Bend, Oregon. He opened up his shop and told me all about electric bikes (I seriously had no idea such a thing existed) and the business. Maybe this will encourage me to get out and explore more, who knows what else I'm missing in this great town.

A Different Perspective

I wrote yesterday about my unexpected run-in with Herman the Tortoise. Honestly, I was more excited than I would have expected and took LOTS of photos. I got close to the ground and acted like the paparazzi, as I kept backing up to take more and more pictures. When I finally decided I had taken enough, I looked up and decided I was going to take just a couple more...not of the tortoise, but of a new perspective. I walk across this bridge several times a week, yet I've never really looked at it from the view that I was at, at that moment. Personally, I feel like it looked dreamy. The light was hitting it in a way that it seemed to glow! Just when I thought I was done with Fall, the park showed me exactly what I needed to see.

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Fall Colors are Fading

I love going to Drake Park to clear my head. I know there are a lot of beautiful parks in Bend, but Drake is less than 2 miles from the house, and the views there are almost unbeatable. This is probably one of the last pictures I'll post of Fall colors this year...the trees have mostly changed colors and shed their leaves. It's sad (at least to me) that they change so quickly, but I'm sure the sights that Winter bring will be just as beautiful!

Happy Halloween Sunset

Today's weather is what I would consider typical for the end of October; cloudy, a little misty, and slightly surprising.  I wasn't really expecting much at sunset, but as I was preparing dinner I snuck a peek outside, and was pleasantly surprised!  The clouds had a slight glow to them that contrasted beautifully with the darkness.

The photo isn't super crisp since I was rushing to take a picture or two before the colors disappeared... but for being taken from the deck I'm pretty happy with how it turned out!
Happy Halloween!

Fall in Drake Park

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. Yes, I prefer warmer weather, but you can't beat the beautiful natural colors that the cooler Fall weather brings. I feel like I missed out on a lot of those colors this year; when I left for Maui, the trees had green leaves, and by the time I returned a lot of the trees near me were already bare. However, Drake Park did not disappoint me this morning.

PS - I know I posted a photo similar to this one last year, but every time I walk in this area (especially this time of year), it makes me smile. So, I think it deserves another post.

Central Oregon Pumpkin Co

First, I know it has been a while since my last post - I had a VERY last minute opportunity to go to Maui for 2 weeks that I just couldn't pass up. Now though, I'm back and re-settled!
Yesterday we went to Central Oregon Pumpkin Co. (Smith Rock Ranch) to pick out pumpkins, walk the themed "maize" (This year's theme is Pacman), and enjoy a beautiful fall day in Central Oregon! We did just that, and could not have asked for better weather!

Michael Franti and Spearhead at the Les Schwab Amphitheater

On Wednesday August 22nd, I had the pleasure of going to the LSA (Les Schwab Amphitheater) and hearing Michael Franti and Spearhead perform. I had never heard Franti Perform live, but my boyfriend assured me it would be an amazing time. He was right; the mood and vibes were amazing. I would almost say he sounds better live! If you ever have the opportunity to go see him and his band, I highly recommend going.
I only took a few photos, and then put my camera away to fully enjoy the show! Enjoy!

Balloons Over Bend

So, my intent was to go to Balloons Over Bend for the morning launches and night glow and take lots of pictures. Instead, I ended up volunteering with one of the balloon crews, and I have to say - I didn't end up with as many pictures as I wanted, but I had so much fun! If given the opportunity again, I would do it in a heartbeat!
Filling up the balloon (my perspective):

Watching the balloon with the mountains as a backdrop (as part of the chase crew):

Retrieving the balloon after landing:

Did I mention I got to go up on Sunday?!

Overall my weekend was filled with good people, and great memories. It was definitely a weekend to remember!

Tumalo Falls

Before this trip, I had only been to Tumalo Falls in the Winter - Park 2-3 miles out and walk/hike to the falls. In the Summer it's much easier. You can drive and park right at the falls, and if you're feeling up to it, hike about 1/4 mile up for a view at the top of the falls. Both are beautiful views that I recommend seeing if you are in the area!

Smith Rock Around Sunset

I finally made my way out to Smith Rock. I look at it from a distance daily from my house, but I had never made the effort to get out there, until now. Once I got there, the sight was breathtaking - I will definitely be making a return visit!

Sparks Lake at Sunrise

I woke up around 3:30AM so I could head up to Sparks Lake and watch the sunrise. Unfortunately, it was far too cloudy to see any spectacular colors. However, there was no wind and the lake was so calm; the reflections on the water were flawless.

It's Beginning to Feel like Summer

It was a wonderful 81˚ today in Bend. With a light breeze, I really couldn't ask for better weather. As the sun began to set, the clouds started drifting in a bit. Here is an image made by merging 3 photos (3 different exposures) so the foreground doesn't appear as dark. I haven't experimented with merging images much, but I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.
Feel free to let me know what you think!

Supermoon Over Pilot Butte

I've heard over and over that the moon tonight is supposed to be as close to Earth as it will get this year. So, I went outside after sunset to observe and admire its beauty (and take pictures, of course).

Moon-rise over Pilot Butte:

Honesty, I was expecting the moon to look a little bigger than usual, which it didn't seem to be (in my opinion). But, there is no denying that it was still a beautiful sight!

Spring has Sprung!

Spring has definitely sprung in Bend!
Blossoms on the tree right outside our front door:

Hopefully warmer weather appears in the not so distant future!

Spring in Bend

I know it has been a while since I've posted, but I'm back!
Today I had a beautiful view of a rainbow over North Bend. Enjoy!

Stuck in the Snow

When I woke up this morning and peeked out the window, I was so excited to see that it was snowing! It's now nearing sunset, and the snow still hasn't stopped. Now, Bend is not a place that gets intimidated when it snows, everyone goes along with business as usual. However, with that being said, I rather wait a day for people to get the feel of driving in the snow before I start driving around for 'fun'. There's only about 3" of snow right now, but I'll take it! Hopefully there will be more to come!

Moon-rise Over Bend

I love evenings like this. When we have a full moon (or nearly full moon), the sight is stunning as it rises over the hills as the sun sets; tonight was no exception. The moon revealed a beautiful golden color as it came into view:

Spring-Like sunset

Tonight's sunset was beautiful; the colors reminded me of the spring sunsets in Bend. I didn't make it to a place with a mountain view, but I was just as happy observing it, and of course taking pictures, from our deck.
As a side note - I noticed a few of my previous photos were only showing up as an X, but those should be fixed now!