Birds Eye View of Pilot Butte

If you live in Bend then it's very likely that you've seen Pilot Butte, and probably made a trip to the top for a nice view of the mountains surrounding Bend. Today I want to post a perspective of Pilot Butte that I don't think is seen very often - a view from above Pilot Butte looking down. Look closely and you can see all the early morning people who came to say hello!
*Photo taken from a hot air balloon.

Winter Sunset

I've been in a funk lately. I'm not sure if it's the time of year, weather, or what. Now that I think about it, it probably is the weather; I want either sunshine or snow (preferably sunshine), not this in-between stuff! However, nothing can brighten my mood faster than a pretty sunset.

A Taste of Maui

Aloha! Ok, really, hello from Bend. I know this is assumed to be a photo blog about Oregon (by the URL), but I have photos I want to share from other places in the world. So here is a photo I took during my 15-day vacation to Maui this last October. The sunrises and sunsets in Maui were always beautiful. Like in Bend, they are always sure to please!
Happy Friday, and I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Jupiter

Did you hear that last night the moon and Jupiter appeared *super* close? Sadly, I was a little late hearing this news and didn't step outside to see for myself until late in the night, so they didn't appear as close anymore. I saw/heard conflicting reports. Some said that Jupiter wouldn't appear that close to the moon again until 2026, but NBC said that they'll be another "close pairing" like this March 17th of this year. Either way, it's still fun to go outside and enjoy & observe things that are many times ignored.

(That tiny little dot? That's Jupiter!)

Juniper

Sometimes it's hard for me to appreciate the little things that surround me. The warming weather (even if it is still cold), the peacefulness of our neighborhood, and the abundant presence of Juniper trees that surround Central Oregon. Some people love these trees, others hate them; for once I took a moment to just appreciate their beauty.

Simple Beauty in Bend

I'm sure everyone knows by now how I am a huge fan of Bend sunsets. I'm sure sunrises are nice too, if I ever woke up in time for those. I just cannot get enough of the natural, simple beauty that surrounds this wonderful city!

Unknown Couple

I'm not usually one to photograph people (not my comfort zone), but sometimes they fit into whatever I am trying to photograph very well. This is not a recent picture, but I was combing over my external hard drive and opened this up. This was taken in the Old Mill, sometime in September 2011. I really wish I knew who this couple was. The sunset was beautiful, and they seemed to be just enjoying each other and nature. Is it the best photo, probably not; but it's a very honest, candid moment that they might appreciate. Bend has so many visitors that come and go, but if anyone knows this couple let me know. Maybe they'd like a copy of this picture (full size, unmarked copy). I know it's a long shot, and very unlikely (especially with it being a shot without faces)...but there's more of a chance than if I don't post/ask at all.

Winter Wonderland

This morning we had freezing fog, which cleared up fairly quickly. What it left was beautiful frost on everything! I decided to go for a walk around the neighborhood, and although it was cut short (it's 10˚ right now!), I managed to get this photo. I love how even with blue skies and the sun shining, Bend looks like a Winter wonderland!

Beautiful Clear Night

It's a beautiful, clear night tonight in Bend. The moon is bright, the stars are shining, I couldn't think of a better way to start off the new year.