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
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. Taking a … Continue reading Aspen trees far away & up close: LAPC
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? I like seeing the work … Continue reading Art with a twist: A riddle in pictures
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
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
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. The Chinese New Year started on February 5th and it’s … Continue reading Asian New Year Celebration: Lots of Wow!
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. Yes, you can still … Continue reading Feeling Cheesy? Visit Tillamook Creamery
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
I went on a field trip recently to one of my favorite places–Glass Buttes. Obsidian is everywhere you look! It’s like being a kid in a candy store. In fact in one of my previous posts, Glass Butte Dragonglass, I show a picture of some obsidian I have collected displayed in a candy bowl. Glass Buttes … Continue reading Glass Buttes obsidian field trip
An unlikely sighting Last week I was out walking my dog on the Mill A Loop Trail in Bend, Oregon and I happened to see an osprey pair in the process of creating more ospreys. Spring is in the air! Ospreys often nest in areas close to human activity. This nest is right next to … Continue reading Osprey pair in action: WPC
Land forms at Capitol Reef National Park The landscape at Capitol Reef National Park tells many stories in colorful layers of rock. The darker columns in the picture above are part of the Moenkopi Formation and it is 225 million years old. The sedimentary layers of rock in this picture consist of silt, sand, clay, and gravel. … Continue reading A story in layers
About the Bend Whitewater Park Did you know that you can surf on the Deschutes River? Yes, thanks to the creation of the Bend Whitewater Park you too can hang ten on the river that flows through Bend, Oregon. Maybe you would rather float down in an inner tube – you can do that too. Maybe … Continue reading Bend Whitewater Park
What’s outside? When you go outside into parts of the 135-acre property, you will be able to visit various exhibits. The Autzen Otter area is being renovated and won’t be open again until sometime in the spring of 2016. Be sure to stop by to see the entertaining otters once the exhibit reopens. Keep going … Continue reading High Desert Museum – A place of wonder (continued)
Marriage, children, & divorce Edward S. Curtis married Clara S. Phillips in 1892 and they had four children together. His photography work took him away from home for long periods of time. Due to his long absences and the financial drain on the business, Clara divorced him in 1916 and gained full custody of their … Continue reading Edward S. Curtis’ life of twists & turns Pt. 5
Events and exhibits related to photographer Edward S. Curtis were located all over Bend. Edward S. Curtis Fever took place in September and October. Curtis documented Native American tribes living in many parts of North America in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Part of his work is featured in the 20-volume set of books … Continue reading Edward S. Curtis Fever in Bend, Oregon
It is easy to see why the Painted Hills are designated as one of Oregon’s Seven Wonders. The Painted Hills Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument , located nine miles northwest of Mitchell, Oregon, is 3,132 acres in size. If you visit the Painted Hills after rainstorms move through the area, the … Continue reading Painted Hills – An Oregon natural wonder
What are successful invaders? There are certain members of the plant and animal world that I call successful invaders. Some are admired; others are reviled. A few are both liked and despised at the same time. Western juniper Where I live, the Western juniper, Juniperus occidentalis, fits into that last category. It is a native … Continue reading Successful Invaders: Flora and Fauna that won
Follow the red lava flow The Lava Lands Visitor Center has interpretive exhibits that focus on local volcanology, geology, ecology, and archeology. As I entered the exhibit area, the red “lava flows” in the carpet guided me you through the center. Display boards are big, bright, and bold. They contain A LOT of information. This … Continue reading Lava Lands Visitor Center – Stories of Oregon’s volcanoes
Last week I went on a Metolius Preserve hike with the Deschutes Land Trust (DLT). This 1,240 acre preserve is located about ten miles west of Sisters, OR and was acquired by the DLT in 2003. The forest Ponderosa pine trees dominate the landscape but there are also Douglas fir, grand fir, incense cedar, and … Continue reading Metolius Preserve Hike in Autumn
The year is 1905 and you have traveled thousands of miles across the country. You spot a fort-shaped rock formation in the distance and know you are finally close to your destination. A sage thrasher perched atop sagebrush seems to be singing its melodic song to welcome you. As you draw closer, you see several … Continue reading Fort Rock Attractions: History & Geology
Wasco, Warm Springs, & Northern Paiute peoples The Warm Springs Museum, located in Warm Springs, Oregon, is impressive inside and out. As you approach the building, note the interesting architecture that echoes some of the structures local tribes lived in. Be sure to view the building from the back as well. The building honors the … Continue reading Warm Springs Museum – Native American history