Bend, Oregon: We have been enjoying Bend, but not enjoying the weather so much. So cold. Dave golfed with Captain Smith Monday and I stayed in the RV re-arranging a few cabinets and needlepointing. Cousin Rachel and Dave picked us up in the evening and took us to the most interesting restaurant - Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge - for dinner. Rachel explained one of the two brothers (owners) was a Food TV chef from the Bend area and returned to open a restaurant. Our server was dressed as a cowboy and there are three large canvas tents inside the restaurant. It is almost like an outdoor rustic campsite inside. The pillows on the banquettes are faux cowhide. I'd say the decor is worth the visit, but our meals were just fantastic. I was so happy to have experienced Hawkeye & Huckleberry (with my cousin), and highly recommend. Bring your wallet though and parking is very limited.
After dinner, Rachel and I posed:
Since there was a Cafe Yumm! close by, long-time Readers knew it wouldn't be long before I found myself sitting in front of a Hot & Jazzy bowl for an early lunch today:
How can just a few ingredients meld into such perfection? Just a wonderful meal. After lunch, we took a walk along the beautiful Deschutes River in Bend. It was pretty windy and cold, but the sun was out and so many people were floating or kayaking on the river in only swim suits. Brrrrr.
We spent our afternoon driving on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway - yes, we went on a drive (in our rental car). So many different views on this highway. Where we saw the Three Sisters from the north Sunday, today we mostly saw them from the south.
The volcanic peaks in this area are called sisters, husbands, or bachelors. Kinda funny now that I think of it, but as a Native Oregonian, I am just so used to the names. In college (during his geology summer mapping "camp"), DT (while still a bachelor) hiked this area.
(Oregon Photographer Laureate) Most Stunning Landscape in Oregon
We even went to Mt. Bachelor's Pine Marten Ski area. In the summer, people take the ski lifts up the mountain for a scenic view or ride the lift up with their mountain bikes to ski down. Oh. Hell. No. It was 51 degrees in the 5700 ft elevation parking lot. Imagine how cold it was at the 9000 ft summit.
We ended our drive with a stop to Sunriver Resort (we stayed here a few years ago with the 4L's). Most things seem the same, but there have been a few spiff-ups around the village. We arrived back to our campsite hungry. I boiled - wait for it - 1/2 cup elbow macaroni - and tossed it with leftover chicken and veg with a little sour cream and shredded mozzarella. Parmesan was sprinkled over all. Easy, baked in the Barbie oven. Carbicious.
Tomorrow we break camp (return our rental car) and head to Eugene... (where we will pick up another rental car)... and get into track and field mode.
Until my next update, I remain, your volcanic correspondent.
Campground Information: Bend RV Resort