This photo of memories of summer at Old Mill shows one of the many colorful plantings bordering the trails. This border is located along the Mill A Loop trail, one of my favorites in Bend, Oregon. Friday Flowers
Flower border in full bloom It’s been a while since I walked one of my favorite short trails in Bend, Oregon . The flower border along the Mill A Loop trail is spectacular right now. Even my dog had to stop and smell the roses. Friday Flowers
Big bold and beautiful This summer a new big bold mural was added to the collection of outdoor art in the Old Mill District of Bend, Oregon. Yuya Negishi created this artwork. He was inspired by the mountains, colorful skies, and brilliant flowers of Central Oregon. Did you notice that the dragon in this mural … Continue reading Big Bold Art in Bend: LAPC
Short and sweet hike The Mill A Loop is a short and easy hike that starts on the flag bridge in the Old Mill district of Bend. This 1.1 mile trail is paved and mostly flat. You walk along the Deschutes River for most of the hike. At certain times of the year, kayakers, stand … Continue reading Mill A Loop – Deschutes River Trail
There have been some big changes at the amphitheater in Bend, Oregon. I featured the art in and around this venue in a post in June 2020. At that time, it was called the Les Schwab Amphitheater. It was named after a local entrepreneur who developed a thriving national tire business. Now the site is … Continue reading Big changes at the Amphitheater: LAPC
I’m always on the lookout for beavers when walking the river trails in the Old Mill District of Bend. I listen for the sound of a tail slapping the water and search for the silhouette of a rounded head breaking the water’s surface. Why look for beavers next to a shopping area? Because these industrious … Continue reading Dam It! Beavers and Us: One Word Sunday
The South Tunnel Murals, designed in 2012 by local artist, Paul Allen Bennett, are located in the Old Mill District of Bend, Oregon. These works were completed by 20+ designers from Nike working side by side with Arts Central Art Academy students and Boys and Girls club members. See the tracks of shoes running along … Continue reading South Tunnel Murals in Bend: Monday Murals
This lone tundra swan lived in the Old Mill District of Bend, Oregon for several months this year. Its graceful silhouette, and the waves surrounding it, are highlighted in these black and white images. Monochrome Monday
I saw flowers, flowers everywhere while walking the riverside trail in the Old Mill District of Bend this morning. This is my favorite time of year to walk by the plantings near the amphitheater. Can you see why? Friday Flowers & Flower of the Day (FOTD)
Here’s a colorful corner filled with blooming summer flowers. This planting includes: hollyhocks, foxglove, blanket flowers, ‘orange blaze’ red hot poker, black-eyed Susan, pansies, and more. I’m looking forward to seeing them again in a few months. See more photos of flowers in bloom at Flower Border at Old Mill and A peninsula of flowers. … Continue reading A colorful corner in Bend: Friday Flowers
The Deschutes River mural is by husband and wife artists, Paul Bennett and Carolyn Platt. The artists created this mural in 2012. This piece, along with their Dogs mural, is on display at the Strictly Organic coffee shop. These works are in the Old Mill District of Bend, Oregon. In this shot taken from a … Continue reading Deschutes River mural in Bend: Monday Mural
This morning I woke up with memories of a bison. This is Wooly Bully by local Central Oregon artist, Greg Congleton. This sculpture used to be in the Old Mill district of Bend but was moved several years ago. The artist includes collected bits and pieces of everyday and historical artifacts. For example, the guts … Continue reading Memories of a bison: Sculpture Saturday
Aspen trees in the fall are beautiful from far away and up close. I’m featuring autumn portraits of aspens in central and eastern Oregon. A far away aspen stand glowing in a blaze of color on Hart Mountain. Moving in closer to… an aspen-lined meadow at Aspen Day Use Area near Dillon Falls.
This peninsula of flowers was seen in the Old Mill district of Bend, Oregon. The gardeners do a great job maintaining these picturesque flowerbeds. They brighten up even the darkest of days. Friday Flowers
These three pieces of art with a twist by Dennis McGregor are displayed in the Old Mill District of Bend, Oregon. Why do they come with a twist? Each piece represents the name of a local wildlife species but you have to figure out what they are. Can you guess?
When I walk my dog in the Old Mill district, I always smile when I see the art at the amphitheater. The Les Schwab Amphitheater is the main venue for large events in Bend, Oregon. Minneapolis artist, Erin Sayer, painted the crow on one side of the stage and the owl on the other. Fellow … Continue reading Art at the Amphitheater in Bend
A beautiful October walk along the Mill A Loop Trail in Bend, Oregon. The rising sun’s rays highlight gold and red fall foliage. The sunlight was hitting the trees just right on this autumn walk. An American flag flies from one of the Old Mill smokestacks. Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) renovated the 28,000-square-foot former lumber … Continue reading Autumn walk in Bend: LAPC – Finding something red
Autumnis bright bouquetsshining in fading lightwarming our souls through the winterseason All Seasons Photo Challenge
The vision must be followed by the venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps – we must step up the stairs. Vance Havner This stairway of art in the Old Mill district of Bend invites you to hear its story. The garbage can and utility box are supporting cast members in this … Continue reading Stairway of Art: LAPC
Winter is a special time of the year here in Bend. Winter walks around the neighborhood are highlighted with landscapes covered in snow and ice. He who marvels at the beauty of the world in summer will find equal cause for wonder and admiration in winter. John Burroughs Buildings are blanketed with snow and edged … Continue reading Winter Walks in Bend: LAPC
Last night we had a front row seat to watch the paddle parade go by on the Deschutes River in Bend, Oregon. This event has taken place for many years, rain or shine. It was kind of blustery weather last night but there were still a lot of people participating in the parade. The event … Continue reading Holiday Lights Winter Paddle Parade in Bend
A beautiful smorgasbord of summer flowers in the Old Mill district of Bend, Oregon.
Here’s a picture of the flowers on some hops plants. Here in the Bend area, there are many breweries (about 30) so it’s not uncommon to see this plant. Yes, it helps flavor beer, but it’s also a pretty plant with a distinctive aroma. What makes beer so good in Bend Why are there so … Continue reading Beer Flowers
Saw lots of beautiful flowers while out walking my dog this morning in the Old Mill District of Bend, Oregon.
I previously posted a picture of the artist at work on this bridge here but thought you might want an update. Here is the completed painting. A different artist painted the inside of the tunnel. Lots of beauty on the bridge, inside the tunnel, and all around. Weekly Photo Challenge – Bridge
Here are some of the flowers I walk by when I’m out walking my dog. Pretty aren’t they? Friday Flowers
Just couldn’t resist posting one more picture of a bridge. The color of the flags on the bridge are changed with the various seasons, holidays, and events. This bridge is not far from the one I posted on Wednesday. The bridge is in Bend, Oregon and it goes over the Deschutes River. There are some … Continue reading Friday Flowers & Flag Bridge
Last summer I was out for an early morning walk and happened to see an artist at work painting a mural on a bridge. Sandy Klein was painting spring flowers and birds on this bridge of art in the Old Mill district of Bend, Oregon. The beautiful artwork sprinkled throughout Bend accentuates its natural beauty. … Continue reading Bridge of Art
Ready to celebrate a new month by looking at some impressive art? If so, you might want to go to Bend, Oregon for the First Friday event. Every month select businesses keep their doors open late in support of the arts. Businesses in the downtown and Old Mill areas host artists while galleries feature the … Continue reading Art Afoot – First Fridays
In late May, I went on a hike on part of the Santiam Wagon Road near Sisters, Oregon (see trail map at end of post). Carol Wall, of the Deschutes Land Trust, led this hike. We traveled along an out and back two-mile section of the road. This 400-mile route was used to move livestock … Continue reading Santiam Wagon Road 2 hike: LAPC
It’s time to share special photos from the past year. Please enjoy this selection of nature, history, and art photos from Bend Branches. Best Nature Pictures The first photo shows a scene at the Portland Japanese Garden. We visited in October, when fall colors were at their peak. This picture shows a pronghorn buck at … Continue reading Some of my best photos from 2021: LAPC, SS
Today I’m sharing kingfisher art. I drew the following images several years ago. In studies such as these you attempt to capture the essence of the subject. You’re not going for detail in this type of drawing. John James Audubon I’m also sharing images of belted kingfishers from a couple wildlife artists. The first painting … Continue reading Kingfisher art – sketches & paintings: First Friday Art
A deserted stageEmptiness filled with blossomsSilent symphony Friday Flowers
Summer is a great time to go see outdoor horse sculptures in Bend, Oregon. Here are some of my favorites. This mare and foal sculpture by Bernie Jestrabek-Hart is at the High Desert Museum. Constructed of barbed wire, this piece portrays a tender moment in a work that is strong yet delicate. Bernie wrote the … Continue reading Outdoor Horse Sculptures: LAPC & Sculpture Saturday
A unique landmark Vista House is a unique landmark sitting high above the Columbia River about a half hour east of Portland, Oregon. Perched atop Crown Point, 733 feet above the Columbia River, this site serves as a rest stop and observatory for people traveling the Historic Columbia River Highway. Assistant Highway Engineer Samuel Lancaster … Continue reading Vista House: Views of the Columbia
On the Oregon Trail “We’re almost there,” Pa said. He pointed towards a low sagebrush-covered hill. “It’s just over that rise.” “How many times have you said that, Pa?” I said to myself. I shaded my eyes and looked at the dismal landscape. Dusty sagebrush and clumps of dry grass for as far … Continue reading Oregon Trail – Baker City: Visiting History
Last weekend we attended an Asian New Year Celebration, and the performances we watched were spectacular! This event brought together performances of music, Tai Chi, Parkour, aerial silks, and lion dancing. A local restaurant provided samples of Asian cuisine. There was also a silent auction.
Last June we happened to be in Tillamook, Oregon the day the new Tillamook Creamery visitor center opened. They have 1.3 million visitors a year and the new 38,500 square foot facility is a welcome addition. The original visitor center opened in 1949. We visited that much smaller center years ago.
Stopping at Shaniko I visited the ghost town of Shaniko, Oregon this spring. The town is right on U.S. Route 97 and I’ve driven by it many times but didn’t really know much about it. The 1910 census showed its population at its peak level of 600 people. By 1911, the population plummeted. It’s called … Continue reading Visiting the ghost of a town – Shaniko, Oregon
Stepping back in time at Clarno Palisades In May I visited the Clarno Palisades area, 18 miles west of Fossil, Oregon in the Clarno Unit of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. This unit gets light usage. We only saw a few other visitors. There are three short hikes near the covered picnic area. The Geologic Time Trail … Continue reading Clarno Palisades Hikes