Duolingo — Foreign language learning app: TTC

July 27, 2026July 27, 2026 / SoyBend / 4 Comments

Have you ever wanted to learn a new language but found it too intimidating? I decided to try learning foreign languages with the Duolingo app. I’ve spent a year using the app. Over 3 million other users have worked on Duolingo lessons for 365 consecutive days or longer. I found this and other fascinating statistics related to Duolingo users on this Gitnux site.

Why should you learn a new language? Perhaps you’re traveling and want to learn a bit of the language before you depart. About 45% of Duolingo users say travel is their main motivation. Is this program the best for learning a foreign language? From what I’ve read, it’s okay for beginners, but other programs, like Babbel and Rosetta Stone, are better for higher levels of learning.

Why am I learning a new language? I like to stream series and movies from other countries. I’m also writing children’s books with characters from other cultures.

Though I remember some of the Spanish I learned in school, I only remembered two Chinese words a few months after taking a conversational Chinese in-person class. With Duolingo, I retain more of what I learn. I’m currently learning Spanish, Chinese, and Korean with the app. People who read, write, or speak more than one language are called “polyglots.”

English—Apple

Spanish—Manzana

Mandarin Chinese—Píngguǒ 苹果

Korean—Sagwa 사과

What are some of the benefits associated with learning another language? An article from Cambridge University describes some of them. Learning foreign languages actually changes the structure of your brain. It improves the communication between the four lobes of your brain and makes your grey matter denser. Learning foreign languages protects older people from developing dementia and other neurological disorders. What are other benefits? Foreign language learners perform better academically and have improved concentration, more powerful memories, stronger communication skills, and more creativity.

Duolingo gamifies the learning process. Your score is based on different factors, including how long you play. Users give input to multiple choice questions and challenges by writing, listening, and giving oral responses. You get monthly badges and achievement badges for your accomplishments. If you participate with friends and family, you’re more likely to remain active. You can see where you rank with your friends and with users worldwide. Duolingo has a free version with ads, and a paid one, without ads.

Screenshot of Duolingo showing standings

There are more Gen Z users than any other age range, but many others like it as well. In fact, in 2023, Duolingo had 26.9 million daily active users and 88.4 monthly active users. There are over 500 million registered users worldwide.

Which languages are most popular on Duolingo? It depends on which country you’re considering. English is most popular in 122 different countries. Spanish is second, and French is third, globally. Korean is the fastest growing language. Duolingo currently teaches 40 languages, including Valerian (Game of Thrones) and Klingon (Star Trek). 😀

Which languages in the world have the most native speakers? Babbel lists the top five as Chinese, Spanish, English, Arabic, and Hindi. There are many dialects within each country. The top five most spoken languages are English, Mandarin Chinese, Hindi, Spanish, and Standard Arabic.

So, after a year of using the Duolingo app, can I carry on a conversation in any of the languages I’m learning? No, but I’m making progress. Now, when I stream series, I can understand words here and there. Occasionally, I can tell when the translation to English in the subtitles is incorrect. When I’m out shopping, I can understand parts of conversations of fellow shoppers. Even though I’m not traveling to a lot of other countries, I’m learning how to enlargen my world. 😀

Three Things Challenge (TTC) – Over & oral

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Best fish & chips: Foodie Friday

July 24, 2026July 24, 2026 / SoyBend / 5 Comments

If you want to eat the best fish & chips in the Central Oregon area, be sure to visit a Wild Catch food truck. Their wild-caught cod is dipped in a Wild Ride brew beer batter and deep fat fried. It’s nice and crunchy on the outside and tender and delicious inside. They sell English style Two-piece Fish and Chips and Three-piece Fish and Chips baskets that include house made coleslaw, fries, tartar sauce, ketchup, and a lemon wedge. Coleslaw can be bland and boring, but I like the flavor of theirs. Their crunchy fries are cooked perfectly.

The graphics on their trucks are simple but bold.

I also like their Stingin’ Honey, Garlic Shrimp basket. It includes ten shrimp dipped in beer batter and tossed in their Stingin’ Honey Garlic sauce. It also includes coleslaw, fries, ketchup, and a lemon wedge. These sticky treats are sweet with a little spicey flavor from the garlic.

Wild Catch also serves seafood combo baskets, chicken strip baskets, chicken wings baskets, several sides, and a raspberry cheesecake chimichanga. This business has been recognized as one of the best food trucks in The Source’s Best of Central Oregon publication.

You can find Wild Catch English Style Fish & Chips food trucks at Wild Ride Brew, 335 SW St., Redmond, Oregon, and at Wild Ride Brew, 1500 NE 3rd St., Prineville, Oregon. They are open daily from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm. We live about halfway between these two locations. Both have indoor and outdoor seating and beer on tap, plus other beverages. There is more parking and seating at the Prineville location.

Foodie Friday

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An apple in flight: Wordless Wednesday

July 22, 2026July 22, 2026 / SoyBend / 2 Comments

An apple in flight at Balloons Over Bend in 2025

Wordless Wednesday

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Glass Buttes obsidian again: LAPC

July 19, 2026July 19, 2026 / SoyBend / 11 Comments

A few weeks ago, we drove about an hour east of our home in Bend to collect Glass Buttes obsidian again. Sometimes it’s easy to forget about going on adventures close to home.

I wrote about going on a field trip to Glass Buttes on my blog in 2018. In that post, I explained some of the geology behind this site. I’m lucky it’s just a short drive away.

Glass Buttes Flint knappers camp 1May2018

On the recent trip there, we drove to one our favorite spots to collect obsidian. Yes, there are maps showing where certain types can be collected. However, at Glass Buttes you don’t have to go far to find obsidian. It’s everywhere!

If you go here, be aware that it’s easy to drive right past the entrance near mile marker 78 on Highway 20 since it’s unmarked. Drive south of Highway 20 on the dirt road, and drive a mile and a half or so. You can continue straight or turn to the left or right. On some of the side roads, 4WD high-clearance vehicles are recommended, but you can find lots of obsidian on both sides of the main road.

There is a new interpretive sign a little ways in on the road to the buttes. You can stop here to read about the importance of this site to native peoples and a few facts about the geology, recreational opportunities, and the danger of wildfires.

On this trip, I took my drone to photograph the landscape. At first glance, it may appear to be “drive by” country. However, looks can be deceiving.

If you go in the spring and summer months, you’ll see beautiful wildflowers like the lupine in the photo below. You’ll also see birds flitting between the sagebrush. On our trip, the air was filled with the songs of the shrubsteppe-dependent songbirds I studied for my graduate thesis. I heard or saw Brewer’s Sparrows, Sagebrush Sparrows, and Sage Thrashers.

It can get pretty hot here, so if you bring your dogs, don’t forget to bring them water. Bring plenty for yourself as well.

A gallery of Glass Buttes obsidian

Here are a few of the pieces of obsidian I collected that day. There are at least 20 different kinds of obsidian at Glass Buttes.

What do I do with all the obsidian I’ve collected? I display pieces in the landscaped areas outside and feature some of my favorite pieces on shelves inside.

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge (LAPC) – Adventures

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Beneath the waves: Wordless Wednesday

July 15, 2026July 15, 2026 / SoyBend / Leave a comment

Beneath the waves at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, Newport, Oregon

Wordless Wednesday

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Let it Be mural: MM & TFH

July 13, 2026July 13, 2026 / SoyBend / 4 Comments

This beautiful “Let it Be” mural is at Worthy Brewing in Bend, Oregon. Native columbines growing in the bed under the painting blend in with the mural.

The plant on the left, and growing over the right side of the painting, is a hops plant. They grow very well here. Too well in fact.

In the area to the left of the painting, there is a 3,000 square foot organic garden. The produce grown at the Worthy Demonstration Farm is served in the pub. Extra produce is donated to the local High Desert Food & Farm Alliance Grow and Give program.

Monday Mural (MM)

The Flower Hour (TFH)

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Kiger Mustang Experience: FOWC

July 3, 2026July 3, 2026 / SoyBend / 13 Comments

On June 29, I traveled to Steens Mountain in southeastern Oregon to go on a guided tour in search of Kiger mustangs. I’ve always been a fan of horses, but have wanted to see Kigers in the wild for many years.

Our guide, Tim O’Crowley, lives on a working cattle ranch, the Steens Mountain Guest Ranch, in Diamond, Oregon. On the day I rode, Tim had his grandson, Tye, and niece, Connie, helping on the ride. Visitors to the ranch can participate in four- or five-day cowboy experiences, one-day Kiger mustang experiences, or two- to four-hour horseback rides. For our ride, Tim’s wife, Susan, laid out a smorgasbord of snacks to fill our saddlebags with.

After getting acquainted with the horses we would ride that day, our group of six riders and three guides took a short drive to the Kiger Herd Management Area. My horse, Larry, had been captured many years ago in the area where we would be riding.

People travel from all over the world to see these horses, but almost everyone in our group was from Central Oregon. The exception was a woman from Boise, Idaho. She was 81 years old and probably the oldest participant to ever go on these trips.

Kiger mustang history

So, what makes a Kiger mustang different from other wild horses? In 1971, Congress passed the Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act to protect wild horses and burros on public lands. In 1977, while gathering wild horses near Beaty’s Butte, Oregon, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wild Horse Specialist E. Ron Harding noticed an unusual type of horse in the herd. They had strikingly similar markings and conformation, reminiscent of Spanish horses brought to North America in the 1600s. At that time, it was widely assumed that descendants of those Spanish horses no longer existed.

Genetic testing confirmed that the horses gathered near Beaty’s Butte had Spanish markers for dun factor coloration and markings. The Kiger Mesteño Association notes these characteristics include dorsal stripes, jack stripes, zebra stripes on legs, arm bars, bicolored mane and tail, ears with dark outline and fawn colored interior, facial masks, and cobwebbing. Kiger mustangs stand 13 to 15 hands, smaller than most other breeds

Bicolored tails and faint zebra stripes on legs

The BLM separated the Kigers from the other horses and eventually moved them to two Herd Management Areas (HMA), Kiger HMA and Riddle Mountain HMA. In past years, the BLM auctioned off excess Kiger mustangs, but they have not gathered any since 2015.

Kigers in the media

Many of today’s Kiger mustangs can be traced back to a single stallion named Mesteño from the original herd. In 1992, Breyer used him as the model for one of their collections of model horses.

Another Kiger mustang, Donner, was the model for the 2002 animated film, Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, and the 2017 Netflix series, Spirit Riding Free! The Kiger Mustang Ranch in Bend, Oregon, raised the colt. Both of its parents were Kiger mustangs. DreamWorks Animation, the future producer of the film and series, purchased him after months of negotiations. Donner, later renamed Spirit, turned 31 in May 2026.

Breyer Spirit model

I’m a big fan of horse characters in books, movies, and series but feel like I have a special connection with Spirit. I live in Bend, where the real-life horse was raised, and I live in the Cimarron City neighborhood, alluded to in the movie’s title.

Finding Kiger mustangs in the field

After reading about the history of Kiger mustangs, I was eager to see them in the field. The riders in our group were advised to wear darker, muted colors so we would blend in with the environment when searching for mustangs.

As we rode along, I asked Connie if she had seen very many greys, often referred to as grullas. She helps at the ranch for a month in the summer. Connie said she had only seen five grullas. Brown-colored horses are much more common. Kiger mustang coat colors include dun, grulla, red dun, bay, black, and claybank.

Just by chance, the first Kiger we saw was a grulla. He was hanging out with a pronghorn. Why? We can’t say for sure, but pronghorn have remarkable vision, and these animals likely alert each other if they sense something nearby. This curious young stallion ended up following us for quite a while. You can see him on the left in the picture below.

Next, we saw a small group with two adults and a foal. Tim said it was only a few days old. After a brief break, we continued on our way.

The big herd

Our next stop was the most exciting one. A herd of Kigers had collected near a large clearing. There were at least 75 Kigers in this group. We ate our lunch and took numerous pictures of the herd. They seemed unbothered by our presence, partly because we had horses with us.

Within this herd, we spotted two black stallions. Tim said they were not Kigers. In the photo below, in the group of three horses near the center of the picture, you can see how much taller the black horse is. These two horses either escaped from somewhere else, or someone dumped them here.

Though the BLM lists the current population at 51-82 horses on the 36,618-acre Kiger HMA, it’s likely much higher. Some estimate there are at least 200 there. The BLM lists the 28,000-acre Riddle Mountain HMA population at 33-56 horses. Since the horses like to rest under juniper trees, certain methods, like aerial surveys, may not be as effective at counting them.

A trip to remember

We started riding at about 8:30 am and finished the ride at 2:30 pm. That was a long day in the saddle. Did you know you use eight muscle groups to horseback ride? By the end of the day, I was well aware of that fact. After stopping at Crane Hot Springs, going to the hot tub at my hotel, and taking a hot bath when I got home, I felt just fine. 😀

Tim helped make this one of the most memorable experiences of my life. His easygoing manner, knowledge of the environment, and gentle sense of humor made it a trip to remember. Once we got back to the ranch, Tim made delicious smoothies. It was a great way to end the day.

Steens Mountain Guest Ranch, Diamond, Oregon

This article will be featured in the July 2026 edition of High Desert Voices, the volunteer newsletter of the High Desert Museum in Bend, Oregon.

Fandango’s One Word Challenge (FOWC) – Fan

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A tale of two breakfasts: Foodie Friday

June 19, 2026June 19, 2026 / SoyBend / 4 Comments

If you’re looking for an early morning breakfast restaurant in Central Oregon, your choices are limited. Do you want a fancy meal or a homestyle one? Here’s my take on two breakfasts I had out recently.

A fancy meal

Two weeks ago, I had breakfast at The Lemontree, in downtown Bend. I ordered the Amaretto French Toast. It included two thick slices of brioche bread from Big Ed’s bakery covered with fresh berries, slivered almonds, and berry coulis. It was nicely framed with slices of orange and kiwi and whipped cream topped with a sprig of mint. I thought it was excellent!

My companion ordered the Crab Cake Benedict. It included an English muffin topped with their “award-winning” crab cakes, poached eggs, and a citrus brown butter hollandaise sauce. A violet flower, sprigs of parsley, and small tomatoes garnished the meal. Though well-presented, my companion didn’t think it was flavorful

A homestyle meal

A week ago, I visited One Street Down Cafe in Redmond, Oregon. I ordered the Stuffed French Toast, and my companion ordered two fried eggs and a half order of Biscuits and Gravy.

The French toast included four pieces of bread with mascarpone, Black Forest ham, and blueberry ginger jam. Its presentation made a statement, but not necessarily one I wanted to hear. I ended up disassembling the dish and only eating part of it. I pulled out the thin slices of ham and saved them for my dogs. Shhh! Don’t tell my vet. 😉

You’ll notice I’m not posting a separate picture of the biscuits and gravy and fried eggs. You can see those dishes in the background below. That monotone-colored meal was not very photogenic. However, my companion thought it was one of the best meals he’s eaten recently.

When we ate these two breakfasts at local restaurants, the person who was dissatisfied with their meal thought it “lacked something.” At the first restaurant, my companion thought the eggs Benedict lacked flavor. He thought the dishes there were too “frou-frou.” At the second restaurant, I thought the French toast bread lacked flavor, and I didn’t like the inclusion of the ham slices. However, we both thought the meals that we liked at each restaurant were exceptionally good. So, when someone recommends a restaurant to you, consider what their personal tastes might be.

Foodie Friday

More signs from former times: Wordless Wednesday

June 17, 2026June 17, 2026 / SoyBend / 6 Comments

More signs from former times at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

Wordless Wednesday

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Road to Frenchglen: Monochrome Monday

June 15, 2026June 15, 2026 / SoyBend / Leave a comment

Here is an infrared photograph of the road to Frenchglen, Oregon. This road travels around the south end of Steens Mountain before dropping into the basin containing the Alvord Desert. This area is part of the Basin and Range Province.

Monochrome Monday

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PDX—An architectural wonder: LAPC & WPWC

June 14, 2026July 3, 2026 / SoyBend / 35 Comments

At Portland International Airport, PDX, there have been some big changes. The years-long main terminal redevelopment is currently in its final phase.

The 9-acre timber roof makes the terminal stand out as an architectural wonder. Timber for the structure came from local sources, including small family-owned lots and tribal lands. The timber was harvested within 300 miles of the airport. PDX received the Best Design in North America award in 2025.

One thing I like most about the renovated PDX is the abundance of live plants. The design includes 72 mature trees and 5,000 other plants. The wooden beams bring warmth; the plants bring a sense of calm to stressed-out travelers.

It’s a great atmosphere to take a leisurely stroll through. When you’re wandering around the terminal, you might want to visit one of the airport’s 24 stores or 34 restaurants.

The redevelopment includes beautiful elements, but it also includes practical ones.

The main terminal is designed to withstand a magnitude 9.0 Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. The columns holding up the roof essentially ‘float’ separately from the ground.

To decrease the need for artificial lighting, the terminal included portals with views of the sky. There are 49 of these skylights in the building.

Underground, a groundwater heat pump system warms and cools the building as needed. Even though the building size increased by 40%, it will decrease its energy usage by half.

The budget for this project was $2.15 billion. Yes, that’s with a ‘b’, not an ‘m’. The redevelopment will help accommodate the millions of customers expected to use the facility, but it will also include a nod to its past.

PDX carpet

In 2015, the airport’s special projects division announced it would replace the carpet. The iconic carpet, designed by a local architectural firm, was installed in 1988. There was such a public outcry against the planned removal of the carpet that the airport revised its plans.

To help heal the wounds inflicted during the Great PDX Carpet Replacement Tragedy, PDX will install a newly manufactured version of the beloved carpet in ten locations. You can use the map on this site to find them when you visit the airport. Yeah, really! 😀

What happened to the old, worn-out carpet? Four area businesses won contracts to remove it. When one announced they would sell framed one-foot squares and two-by-three-foot floor mats, “the cars were lined up all the way down the street.” Other businesses sold luggage tags, coasters, magazine racks, sling-back chairs, and ottomans made from the remnants. There is a reason for the well-known slogan, “Keep Portland Weird.”

Now you may have a better understanding of why PDX is often on various best airport lists. They’ve put a lot of time into making the airport beautiful, safe, and energy efficient, but also considered the voice of the people.

Other wonders nearby

After viewing all the architectural wonders at PDX over your head and below your feet, Mother Nature will show you a few of her wonders once you are airborne. Mt. Hood is a short distance from the airport and I can’t help but smile every time I fly over it.

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge (LAPC) – Looking back at challenge #1: Wonder

Weekly Prompts Weekend Challenge (WPWC) – Leisurely

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On 3 July 2026, I was notified that this post was selected for Freshly Pressed recognition. WordPress.com reviews posts by creators from around the world and showcases editors’ picks and community favorites on this site.

Hampton Station: Foodie Friday

June 12, 2026June 12, 2026 / SoyBend / 2 Comments

If you’re traveling east of Bend in Oregon along Highway 20, there aren’t many places to stop to get a bite to eat. About half-way to Burns, you’ll see Hampton Station. This business is a combination cafe, gift shop, and gas station. We stopped there after collecting obsidian at nearby Glass Buttes.

The food they serve is simple and delicious. Hampton Station serves breakfast burritos, burgers, sandwiches, ice cream sundaes, cinnamon rolls, and other sweet treats. When we arrived, they had just pulled freshly baked molasses cookies out of the oven.

I had a turkey, bacon, and avocado toasted sandwich. It also included provolone cheese, red onion, and lettuce. For the side, I ordered a salad with a mustard vinaigrette dressing. The sandwich and salad were very good.

My companion had a burger with bacon with a side of chips. He also ordered a root beer float. The burger was flavorful and well-cooked.

The last time I stopped at Hampton Station was about ten years ago. A new owner took over the business in November 2022. The interior has been updated, and it’s clean and cozy.

Outside, the building has an Old West style. It looks like it hasn’t changed in a hundred years.

If you are looking for a good place to take a little break on the long, straight drive across Oregon’s High Desert, consider stopping at Hampton Station. It’s located 63 miles east of Bend and 68 miles west of Burns. On the day we visited, it opened at 10:30 am.

Foodie Friday

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Where buffalo roam: Wordless Wednesday

June 10, 2026June 10, 2026 / SoyBend / 10 Comments

Where buffalo roam, Custer State Park, South Dakota

Wordless Wednesday

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Drawing and photo of a palm: First Friday Art

June 5, 2026June 5, 2026 / SoyBend / 3 Comments

Today I’m sharing a drawing and photo of a palm tree. I saw this Chinese Windmill Palm, Trachycarpus fortunei, while visiting the Oregon Garden in Silverton, Oregon.

I did a quick pen and ink drawing of the tree as part of the Inktober challenge in 2024. The prompt that day was ‘exotic.’ I always associate palms with hot, humid climates, but these plants do well in much cooler places like western Orgon.

Chinese Windmill palms grow in a wide variety of habitats around the world. These graceful plants have been cultivated in Japan and China for thousands of years.

I wanted to share a drawing and photo of a palm tree because they have such interesting structures. I’d love to grow one where I live, but it probably wouldn’t tolerate our temperature extremes.

Do you have artwork you would like to share? Be sure to include the First Friday Art tag.

First Friday Art

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Tipi at HDM: Wordless Wednesday

June 3, 2026June 1, 2026 / SoyBend / Leave a comment

Tipi at High Desert Museum (HDM) in Bend, Oregon

Wordless Wednesday

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waterfalls: Water Water Everywhere

June 1, 2026June 1, 2026 / SoyBend / 15 Comments

waterfalls may be heavily veiled

or as light as lace

they may end in a rainbow

or split in indecision

waterfalls may cascade in bright sunlight

or meander their way through shadows

Water Water Everywhere

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A visit to Post – The center of Oregon: LAPC

May 25, 2026May 25, 2026 / SoyBend / 14 Comments

Yesterday, I made a visit to Post, Oregon, one hour east of my house in Bend. Why drive there? Because Post claims to be at the geographic center of Oregon.

The Post General Store and Eatery includes a store, restaurant, and post office. In 1889, Post was named after Walter Post, their first postmaster. The outside of the building has a rustic Old West charm.

A view my drone above the store shows the rural nature of this country. On this visit to Post, the weather was nice and warm with a scattering of clouds.

Inside, they sell gifts, groceries, and lots of products with a “Post: Center of Oregon” theme. I bought a new green t-shirt for my collection.

The picture below shows the Post post office. Yes, it is small. There are only 48 mail boxes.

The store also has an eatery with a very limited menu. I ordered a meatloaf sandwich and I thought it was fine, but not the style I prefer. Post General Store & Eatery serves over a dozen kinds of milkshakes.

The center of Oregon?

Is Post really located in the exact center of Oregon? There are multiple ways to determine the location of the center of a state. If you cut out a map of Oregon and balanced the rectangular-shaped state on the head of a pin, the real center is nearby. It’s on the Bonnieview Ranch, just north of Post.

You have to get permission from the landowner to view a small U. S. Geological Survey metal marker on the property. Over the years, people have assumed it marks the center of the state. However, these benchmarks were historically used to help surveyors create maps, not to mark geographical features. This marker, installed in 1903, indicates the site’s elevation at 3,348 feet. Other markers include the latitude and longitude.

If you would like to own the land where the center of the state is located, the ranch is for sale for $20 million dollars. With 20% down, your payments will only be around $101,000 a month. The 18,700 acre Bonnieview Ranch includes several buildings including three homes, two cabins, and a bunkhouse. There are more than 50 springs and ponds, plus a 35-acre reservoir.

For this post I used my Samsung phone camera, my Canon pocket camera, and my DJI drone. To play up the history of this spot, I used cross processing photo effects and a border reminiscent of old printed photographs.

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge – Stuck in place

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Galley Bend: Foodie Friday

May 15, 2026May 7, 2026 / SoyBend / 3 Comments

Galley Bend is an Asian fusion restaurant that opened recently in Bend, Oregon. Two former flight attendants, Krid Sathirawongwan (Kris) and Sureeporn Tattumle (Kate), created this restaurant. They feature some of their favorite dishes from their past travels. Most of the food is Thai, but you’ll also find dishes with Indian, Korean, Chinese, and Malaysian influences.

Entrees and appetizers

The Korean Fried Chicken x Garlic Gochujang Sauce is my favorite dish. The chicken is coated in buttermilk and fried until golden, then glazed with a sweet, savory, and medium-spicy garlic gochujang sauce. This is a customer favorite and it is delicious! I was glad they provided wet wipes to wash your hands with because this is a very sticky dish. We ordered a side of kimchi for an additional charge and it complimented the crunchy chicken well.

Galley West offers appetizers including larb fries, crispy pork bellies, coconut shrimp, spring rolls, crispy tofu, and crispy clamari.

Galley West serves curries, rice plates, noodle plates, salads, and soups.

The Pad Thai features stir-fried rice noodles with egg, scallions, bean sauce, and pad Thai sauce with a garnish of lime, bean sprouts, peanuts, and dried chiles. I added chicken to mine. This classic version had a familiar taste.

Their Pineapple Fried Rice is often mentioned in online reviews. It includes scrambled eggs and fried rice with onion, tomato, and chunks of pineapple topped with cashew nuts and parsley. I added beef to mine. This dish also had a familiar taste.

We also tried the Fried Chive Cakes. These chewy garlic chive cakes are fried until crisp and served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce. This was an unfamiliar taste. I liked the crunchiness of the outside and the flavor of the dipping sauce.

I ordered the Red Curry, since it’s one of my favorite Thai dishes. Galley West mixes a rich Thai curry paste with red chilies, lemon grass, bamboo shoots, bell peppers, and coconut milk, topped with basil leaves. Most red curries I’ve ordered have a rich base that is so “heavy” I can’t finish a bowlful at one sitting. Galley Bend serves a lighter curry that is a nice change. I also liked the tangy taste of the lemon grass.

My dining companion ordered the Spaghetti Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles). This Thai style stir-fried spaghetti includes basil, bell peppers, and savory house sauce. It is a colorful dish with lots of different textures and flavors.

Drinks at Galley Bend

This restaurant offers soft drinks, beer, wine, cocktails, and mocktails.

On one visit, I ordered the Asahi Japanese Lager. This beer was light and refreshing.

On another visit, I ordered the Thai Iced Tea. I ordered it with coconut milk and it was yummy! 😀

The interior is decorated in a light, modern style. Unlike other industrial-style interiors in some of our local restaurants, you can actually carry on a conversation without yelling.

I also like their logo of a plane in flight. The food preparation area of an aircraft is called a galley, so this is a fitting name.

The owners of Galley Bend have connections with two other Bend restaurants. They learned some of their cooking techniques and management practices through Sathirawongwan, Jattalee (JJ) Chalernhinthong, of the Dear Mom Cafe, and Kwan Singhakahm, of the Yokocho Izakaya restaurant. Both are very good places to eat here in Bend. The owners of these three establishments once took a university class together in Bangkok. We’re lucky these friends brought their commitment to preparing meals well to Bend.

I’d also like to mention the staff working at Galley Bend. They go above and beyond in treating their customers well. You can tell they’ve worked in careers where hospitality is important.

Galley Bend hours and location

Galley Bend is at 62080 Dean Swift Rd, Ste 100 on Bend’s east side. Their hours are Monday through Friday 11:00 am to 2:30 pm and from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm. On Saturdays and Sundays, they’re open from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm and from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

Foodie Friday

Old Hay Cart: Monochrome Monday

May 11, 2026May 11, 2026 / SoyBend / 2 Comments

This old hay cart is inside the P Ranch Long Barn at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon. It’s over 100 years old.

Monochrome Monday

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Bend Foodie Crawl 2026

May 8, 2026May 8, 2026 / SoyBend / 3 Comments

On April 26, we participated in the Bend Foodie Crawl 2026. At this event, you walk around to different locations in downtown Bend, Oregon and get small food and beverage samples. The number of participants is limited to help prevent overcrowding. The map for this year’s event is at the end of this post. Since not every place has a downtown location, samples are also offered at The Commons and at US Bank.

The Bend Foodie Crawl 2026 took place from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. The after party at McMenamins restaurant went from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. It featured, desserts, drinks, raffles, and other entertainment.

Favorites at Bend Foodie Crawl 2026 food & drinks

I’ll start out this post with my favorites. Yoli serves modern and traditional Korean cuisine. They featured a Bulgogi Ssam with kimchi and banchan paired with a soju. This beautifully presented dish had great flavor. It was one of the spicier options of the day.

I’ve eaten at Yoli before and described a 5-course meal we had there in a previous post. It was delicious!

One of my other favorites was from Five Fusion | Sushi Bar. They served spicy hamachi with citrus and olive oil in a cute square cup. They called their drink a Good Neighbor. It included roku gin, blackberry infused St-Germain, blackberry gomme, blueberry, and lemon. It was flavorful and paired well with the hamachi.

Though I focused on the food, I liked checking out the interiors of some of our local restaurants while on the crawl. I liked the symmetry and colors of Five Fusion’s bar.

I also liked the food at El Sancho. They served beef barbacoa and pork carnitas tacos. The warm tortillas were filled with meat and garnished with cilantro, diced onions, salsa verde, and lime. They served a refreshing Sunriver Brewery beer with the tacos.

One of El Sancho’s restaurants burned down a couple of years ago but they rebuilt it. It’s a local favorite so we are glad to see its return.

Wonderland Chicken served a sample of their Nashville chicken with a side of pickle coleslaw. They let us know the chicken was level “0” on the hotness scale, with 7 as the hottest. I was glad about that because we ate there before and level 2 was too hot for me even though I like spicy food. I liked the tasty, crisp chicken and the extra pickle flavor in the slaw.

Roam is a Modern American restaurant in the Oxford Hotel, one of the more upscale hotels downtown. They served a mini elk sausage corndog with a mustard relish aioli. I was a little hesitant because elk can taste gamey, but this was good. The drink I had was a smoked honey bourbon sour.

Mother Shuckers served Willapa Bay oyster shooters with cocktail sauce, horseradish, and a wedge of lemon. The sample include a single fire cracker and a glass of Willamette Valley white wine. I admit, I prefer my oysters cooked, but I braved my aversion to the slightly slimy texture and ate the raw oysters. I still prefer them cooked. 😉

Mother Shuckers is one of my favorite Bend food trucks and I love their fish sandwiches. I usually include their lime cilantro slaw with my order.

Okay offerings

J Dub is an American restaurant and bar downtown. They served a chicken lettuce wrap with diced chicken and garlic, peppers and onions garnished with an Asian peanut glaze. It was paired with Stafford bourbon. The wrap was fine, but I preferred the more flavorful one offered by Yoli.

Cascade Culinary students served a savory green garlic brisee tartlet paired with a sweet pistachio French macaron and a sparkling strawberry sangria. It was nice to see the tasty tartlets assembled right before your eyes. The macaron was flavored perfectly, but the sangria didn’t have much taste.

It was wonderful to see students from our local culinary program enthusiastically participating in this event.

Zydeco served Boudin balls paired with a Hurricane cocktail. The Boudin balls were okay. The drink was one of my favorites.

We go to Zydeco for special occasions and ate there last night in celebration of my sister’s birthday. Maybe I’ll write a post about their food in the near future.

Not my favorites

The local Head Start Food Service also served food at this event. This organization serves food to our children in need. The grilled chicken was mixed with ancient grains, carrots and other veggies, and topped with a cherry. I thought they were trying to sneak in a lot of healthy food into this dish. I liked the unexpected inclusion of a cherry on top. They served a lemon spritzer with this dish.

Blissful Spoon is a gluten-free restaurant downtown. They served pita chips with a selection of dips including Moroccan hummus, zaalouk, and muhammara. It was paired with Monkey Bay sauvignon blanc. I thought this dish was just okay. Maybe it was partly due to the almost monochromatic presentation. I expect food to be a feast for the eyes and the palate at events like this.

I liked some of the bakery items I’ve tasted here in the past and also like their well-laid out interior design.

Bend Foodie Crawl 2026 desserts

We went to the after party to check out some of the desserts. McMenamins, Bonta Gelato, Mom’s Kitchen, and Eberhard’s Dairy Products provided the food. Desserts included gelato, cheesecake, pecan bars, lemon bars, brownies, and ice cream. By the time we got there, I think my taste buds were dead but I liked the wide variety of sweet treats.

Here’s the map for the Bend Foodie Crawl 2026. I look forward to going to this event next year.

The money raised during the Foodie Crawl benefits NeighborImpact, a local nonprofit. This organization provides resources for finding food, housing, and paying bills. They also provide services for Head Start and Early Head Start for Central Oregon families. I give them a generous donation every year. Please consider donating to them here.

In case you want to see more, here’s my post about the Bend Foodie Crawl in 2025.

Foodie Friday

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Northern Paiute shelter & saying: Wordless Wednesday

May 6, 2026May 6, 2026 / SoyBend / Leave a comment

Northern Paiute shelter & saying at the Oregon Trail History and Education Center, Glenns Ferry, Idaho

“In the beginning, the creator gave to every people a cup of clay, and from this cup they drank their life.” Northern Paiute saying

Wordless Wednesday

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Star Catcher mural: Monday Murals

May 4, 2026May 4, 2026 / SoyBend / 2 Comments

The Star Catcher mural in downtown Portland, Oregon, was painted by Rustam Qbic in 2015. This mural depicts a person with a conch shell head catching stars in a net and using them to light a lantern and campfire.

Qbic’s art contains small details you may not notice at first. Did you see the magical window on the back of the person in the Star Catcher mural?

Rustam Qbic is a Russian street artist whose work can be seen in countries throughout the world. His murals, illustrations, and graphic art pieces are often inspired by literature and classic poetry of Eastern countries. Qbic’s murals include vibrant colors and whimsical elements.

Monday Murals

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Clouds and quotes: LAPC & WS

May 3, 2026May 3, 2026 / SoyBend / 14 Comments

For this post, I’m showing several pictures with clouds as a major element. The Lens-Artists Photo Challenge this week is to post quotes illustrated with your photos.

The first one shows a view of Red Canyon in Utah. The quote seemed to fit this picture perfectly.

May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.

Edward Abbey

I took the next picture in my backyard in Bend. The nighttime rainbow magically appeared in this image taken with my phone.

There are nights when the wolves are silent and only the moon howls.

George Carlin

I took this picture of a tree in my yard in winter. My juniper tree muse looks beautiful with a coating of snow.

In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect. Trees can be contorted, bent in weird ways, and they’re still beautiful.

Alice Walker

The next picture was taken on the Oregon coast, south of Seaside. Misty clouds collect along the shoreline.

Change is the only constant. Learn to surf your life instead of planting your feet.

Amy Poehler

I took the next picture on top of Steens Mountain in Oregon. The yellow aspen leaves contrasted well with the blue skies and puffy white clouds.

Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.

George Eliot

I took the last picture from my house of a sliver of sunset in the final moments of a day. My drone captured great pictures of the setting sun and dark clouds over volcanoes in the Cascade Range.

A day without sunshine is like, you know, night.

Steve Martin

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge – Pick a favorite quote and illustrate it

Weekend Sky

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Two white sturgeon: Wordless Wednesday

April 29, 2026April 29, 2026 / SoyBend / 2 Comments

Two white sturgeon at the Oregon Zoo, Portland, Oregon

Wordless Wednesday

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Salt ponds viewed from above: WWE

April 27, 2026April 27, 2026 / SoyBend / 12 Comments

These salt ponds viewed from above are in San Francisco Bay, California. When I flew into San Francisco, I wondered what these colorful ponds were and had to look it up.

Salt water is collected in a series of ponds and as it evaporates, it turns into a thick layer of crusty salt. Initially, the color is green or brown but it becomes more pink when the water evaporates. The last stage is called “pickle” brine.

Though most people call them salt ponds, they are called “crystallizer beds” by Cargill, Inc., who harvests the salt. The beds are rolled, graded, sloped, and compacted.

Historically, Native Americans collected salt in this area. During the Gold Rush era of the 1850s, demand increased dramatically. Before refrigeration became common, food was preserved in salt. Salt-making continues to this day. After 80 percent of San Francisco Bay marshes were lost to development, there was a shift towards habitat restoration. Restoring those marshlands is part of the largest project on the West Coast.

Water Water Everywhere (WWE)

Windsurfing the Columbia: LAPC

April 26, 2026April 26, 2026 / SoyBend / 22 Comments

Windsurfing the Columbia River is a popular activity. On one of our visits to Hood River, Oregon, we happened to be there during a national Association of Wind Water Sports Industries (AWSI) event. In September, they host the AWSI Boards Sports Expo for their members.

You can see windsurfers and kiteboarders up close, and from farther away.

Why is windsurfing the Columbia River so popular? The Columbia Gorge is like a natural wind tunnel. It’s often referred to as the windsurfing capital of the world. Click here to see a map showing the numerous water sports launch sites along the Columbia.

When you’re there, you’ll get great views of the mountains surrounding the Columbia Gorge.

This photo was taken from the south shore of the Columbia.

You can see the Hood River bridge in the background.

If you drive over the bridge, you’ll get more views of windsurfers and kiteboarders. Note Mount Hood in the background.

I took this picture from the north shore.

One of the great things about this sport is that everyone can find a place to watch it from. 😀

Do you want to learn how to windsurf or kiteboard? There are several companies in and around Hood River that offer lessons.

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge – Looking Back to #151 – On the Water

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P Ranch Long Barn, Inside and Out: LAPC

April 21, 2026April 21, 2026 / SoyBend / 16 Comments

The P Ranch Long Barn is at the south end of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in eastern Oregon. This historic barn was built in the early 1880s. The land was originally owned by L. C. Porter, but was later acquired by Peter French and Dr. Hugh Glenn.

French and Glenn ran the French-Glenn Livestock Company. Through legal and sometimes questionable tactics, they eventually owned the entire Blitzen Valley. After purchasing land in nearby valleys, the French-Glenn Livestock Company ran their 45,000 head of cattle on 150,000 to 200,000 acres.

This 150-by-50-foot barn was a place to store hay and shelter horses. Hay harvested during the growing season stored here was fed to cattle and horses during winter months. This practice was uncommon at the time.

Though Pete French had a limited education, he was an astute businessman. The French-Glenn Livestock Company “was considered one of the best run and most profitable in the Pacific Northwest.” However, French’s driven, domineering style made him unpopular with neighbors and settlers. French legally contested the construction of fences on open public lands. Ed Oliver, a local settler, disagreed strongly with French’s management practices. He shot French dead in the back of his head on December 26, 1897. Even though French and his ranch hands were unarmed, the jury acquitted Oliver on the grounds of self defense. There’s a reason it was referred to as the “Wild West.” 😉

In 1935, after passing through several hands, the P Ranch and other Blitzen Valley ranchlands were purchased by the federal government and integrated into the existing Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Habitat restoration after decades of agricultural alteration became a priority.

P Ranch Long Barn preservation and restoration

The P Ranch Long Barn is on the National Register of Historic Places. Two rows of juniper trunks support the pine-shingled roof. French shipped the lumber for the walls from 100 miles away by train.

The barn has been stabilized and restored over the years. When the barn was in danger of collapsing, heavy steel cables were attached to the ceiling beams to support the structure. Concrete pads installed under the support columns help protect them from high water levels. As you can see in my photos, the barn could use a new roof.

The pictures below show the hay wagon originally in use on the ranch. Since it was deteriorating because of the harsh weather conditions, it was moved inside the barn.

Harney County Migratory Bird Festival

I visited the P Ranch Long Barn on tours during the Harney County Migratory Bird Festival in mid-April 2026. Birds in this area include Bullock’s Orioles, Cedar Waxwings, Western Tanagers, and Red-naped Sapsuckers. Just northeast of the barn, you’ll find “Bobolink Alley.” Breeding pairs live in a large meadow area from late May through July. Turkey Vultures often roost on the ranch’s lookout tower on summer evenings. There’s also a Bald Eagle nest just east of the turnoff for the ranch.

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge – History through the lens

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Tacos El Machin: Foodie Friday

April 17, 2026April 14, 2026 / SoyBend / Leave a comment

Last week we ate Mexican food at Tacos El Machin in Bend, Oregon. We were pleasantly surprised by the flavor of the food and the reasonable prices.

I ordered the 3 Taco Small Plate. This meal includes 3 street-style tacos with your choice of meat, garnished with onions and cilantro. You also get rice and your choice of whole beans or refried beans. For my tacos, I chose pollo (chicken), al pastor (marinated pork), and cabeza (beef cheek). I liked the al pastor the best and appreciated the simple garnish. The rice and beans were both good and did not include a lot of other ingredients.

My companion ordered fajitas with steak. You can also choose chicken or shrimp. The large serving included small flour tortillas, grilled bell peppers and onions, with a side of rice and beans. The meat was flavorful and tender.

I ordered a Passionfruit Margarita with my meal. It came in a LARGE goblet that was so heavy I had to use both hands to lift it. This margarita had a fresh, fruity taste and was one of those drinks where the alcohol might sneak up on you. It included a straw covered with a hard layer of spices that you can stir your drink with to get more flavor.

In my previous picture, you may have noticed a reflection on the table that says, “$2 tacos.” On Tuesdays and Fridays, tacos are only $2 each. That’s a good deal!.

Their menu also includes burritos, quesadillas, torta, asada, tostadas, camarones, and alambres. They have five kinds of hot sauces, a slightly spicy salsa, and tortilla chips. Tacos El Machin serves churros and fried ice cream desserts. If you want to try these, it’s self-serve. The beverages include cocktails, horchata, Jarrito, and beer.

Tacos El Machin location and hours

Tacos El Machin is at 2570 NE Twin Knolls Dr Ste 145 in Bend, Oregon. They are open from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm Sunday through Thursday, and from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm on Friday and Saturday. They also have restaurants in Albany and Corvallis, Oregon.

Foodie Friday

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Otters at High Desert Museum: Wordless Wednesday

April 15, 2026April 15, 2026 / SoyBend / 4 Comments

Northern River Otters at High Desert Museum in Bend, Oregon

Otters at the High Desert Museum 27September2016

Otter at the museum in Bend, Oregon 27September2016

Wordless Wednesday

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Two Triceratops in black & white: MM

April 13, 2026April 13, 2026 / SoyBend / 2 Comments

Two Triceratops in black and white at the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, Montana.

Monochrome Monday (MM)

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A well-designed garden: LAPC

April 6, 2026April 6, 2026 / SoyBend / 23 Comments

A well-designed garden considers hardscapes and softscapes
in the foreground, middle ground, and background

Hardscape waterfalls and pergolas anchor scenes in the background
In the fall, softscapes of colorful foliage add visual interest

In winter, the structure of leafless trees and shrubs is prominent

Sand gardens serve as a neutral middle ground
In the fall, color is a main character in large gardens

In winter, string sculptures add an element of artistry

Rock-lined pathways curve ahead in the foreground
In the fall, in a well-designed garden, the colors pull you forward

In winter, structures are revealed beneath twisted, leafless trees near bamboo-bordered trails

These photographs were taken in the fall and winter at the Portland Japanese Garden in Oregon.

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge – Framing Your Shots: Exploring the Foreground, Middle Ground, and Background

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Tool of enlightenment: LAPC

March 29, 2026March 29, 2026 / SoyBend / 16 Comments

In moments of darkness, I reach for the tool of enlightenment tucked inside my pocket.

Click! Click! Click! Click! I enlighten exhibitions.

4th Floor to Mildness by Pipilotti Rist, Portland Art Museum in 2026, Oregon

Fulfillment of Emptiness by Jang Jin-ik, Portland Art Museum in 2026, Oregon

Forest at Night by High Desert Museum staff in 2026, Oregon

Infinite Moment: Burning Man on the Horizon by High Desert Museum staff in 2020, Oregon

In moments of darkness, I reach for the tool of enlightenment tucked inside my pocket.

Click! Click! Click! Click! I enlighten landscapes.

Subway Cave, Lassen National Forest, California

Sunrise over Bend, Oregon

Steam over hot springs, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Playa at Summer Lake, Oregon

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge – Phone Photography

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Burger and fries in Bend: Foodie Friday

March 27, 2026March 27, 2026 / SoyBend / 4 Comments

There are a lot of places to buy a burger and fries in Bend, Oregon. Today, I’ll feature burgers from three different restaurants.

Americana burger and fries

If you ask a local where to buy a good burger and fries, many will mention Americana first. They used to only serve their burgers from a food truck, but now they have a brick-and-mortar location downtown. They still have a truck at one of our food truck pods.

Americana serves smashburgers. This is a type of burger that’s smashed flat before or during cooking. Their menu is limited to eight burgers, two kinds of fries, soft drinks, beer, and milkshakes. The food truck only serves three kinds of burgers. It kinda reminds me of the ‘Cheeseburger Cheeseburger‘ sketch that was on Saturday Night Live.

Here’s a close up of The Popper burger I ordered. It includes pickled jalapeños, jalapeño cream cheese, white American cheese, caramelized onions, bacon, shredded lettuce, fresh tomato and secret sauce served on a brioche bun. I admit, I like thicker burgers, but I liked this nicely spicey, very flavorful burger.

The fries, shown below, were another story. The pieces were small and didn’t have much flavor at all.

Americana’s restaurant is at 1033 NW Bond St, Suite 100 in Bend. Their food truck is at at the Podski pod at 536 NW Arizona Ave in Bend. Both locations are open from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm on Tuesday through Saturday. They’re closed on Sunday and Monday. The prices at Americana are relatively low.

Killer Burger

Next, I’m showing a burger from Killer Burger. Their menu includes nine beef burgers, including a Peanut Butter Pickle Bacon one. They also serve three chicken burgers, chicken tenders, and eight sauces. You can order three sizes of burgers, Pint, Original, and Double. Drinks include beer, cider, and soda.

I ordered a Classic burger in the Original size. It included bacon, American cheese, crisp lettuce, tomato, grilled onion, pickle, mayonnaise, and house sauce. I’ll have to go back and try something more unique next time. I thought the burger was better than average, but not outstanding.

The fries, however, were great! Nice and crispy and full of flavor.

Killer Burger is at 20789 NW Henry Ave, Suite 180 in Bend. They are open from 10:30 am to 9:00 pm daily. This restaurant is right next to Costco. They have other restaurants in western Oregon, eastern Washington, and in parts of Texas. Their prices are low to moderate.

Bend Burger Company burger and fries

Next, I’m sharing a picture of a burger from Bend Burger. I ordered the Pole Pedal Paddle burger. It included fresh cut charred jalapeños, mango ginger chutney, aged cheddar cheese, bacon, and mayonnaise. This burger was a wonderful combination of sweet and spicy. It does get messy, so be prepared. Do NOT attempt to eat this one while driving.

The fries were thick-cut and the serving size was large. However, they were a bit soggy, not crispy.

Bend Burger Company serves eight beef burgers, two chicken burgers, a tri-tip steak sandwich, BLTs, and a grilled cheese sandwich. They also have three salads. Bend Burger makes three kinds of fries, two kinds of tater tots, onion rings, and seven sauces. They serve the usual drinks plus milkshakes in six flavors.

Bend Burger is at 1939 NE 3rd Street in Bend. There’s also a Redmond location. They are open from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm daily. The prices are on the high end, but I’ve never had a bad burger there.

Best burger and fries?

So which place had the best burger and fries? I can’t really say. One burger was a smashburger, one was a classic burger, and one was a gourmet burger. If I rated just the beef patty, not including the bun or condiments, I’d have to say Americana.

The fries were easier to pick a favorite. Killer Burger’s fries were crispy and flavorful, just the way I like them.

Foodie Friday

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A falconry experience in Ireland

March 17, 2026March 17, 2026 / SoyBend / 19 Comments

When I visited Ireland with my daughter, one of our favorite things was a falconry experience in Dingle, County Kerry. The guides at the Dingle Falconry Experience tell you a bit about each bird they fly. You also get a chance to have the birds perch on your gloved hand.

Owls at Dingle Falconry Experience

One of the most impressive birds we saw was an Eurasian Eagle Owl, Bubo bubo.

Guide at Dingle Falconry Experience Ireland March 2020

I mentioned it in one of my previous posts. It is so heavy, the guide helps support your arm when it perches on you.

Our guide flew it from one post to another. See it in action in this video.

The bird with the most beautiful plumage was a Western Barn Owl, Tyto alba.

Barn owl up close, Dingle, Ireland March 2020

I took this photo of its back to get the details of its feathers. Note, I wasn’t really paying attention to the alignment of the background. 😀

The birds fly from person to person as you stand in a large circle. Here’s the Barn Owl flying around our group.

A stunning hawk

The Harris’s Hawk, Parabuteo unicinctus, had a powerful presence. Here it is up close.

Here’s the bird perching before it flies to the next participant.

A falcon in flight

When we were there, the guide used a lure with a piece of prey attached to exercise a falcon. Here’s a video of the bird in flight.

The Peregrine Falcon, Falco pergrinus, was gorgeous in flight and on the ground.

Here’s the bird eating a snack with the guide.

If you’re looking for an up-close and personal encounter with birds of prey, check out the Dingle Falconry Experience. It was educational and fun!

Birds of the Week

Hope you all have a Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

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Crane Hot Springs

March 15, 2026April 3, 2026 / SoyBend / 18 Comments

If you’re looking for a relaxing oasis in the middle of a desert, check out Crane Hot Springs near Burns, Oregon.

Hot springs in this area were first developed for commercial use in the 1920s. A dance hall and restaurant were built near Crane Hot Springs, but they burned down around 1930.

Over the years, this business has passed through several owners and is currently managed by Dan and Denise Kryger. They have been busy renovating and upgrading the property. They dug out the pond, built bathhouses, added RV facilities, and renovated the motel and cabins. Previously known as Crystal Crane Hot Springs (CCHS), the current owners shortened the name to Crane Hot Springs.

The restrooms and changing rooms are clean and comfortable. Here are a couple photos of them. I visited this hot spring decades ago and there have been huge improvements since then.

The large outdoor pond is the big attraction at this site. It measures 9,728 square feet in size and holds 323,143 gallons of water. Water in the pond reaches depths of almost seven feet. Water temperatures range from 99 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Private soaking tubs are also available.

One of the wonderful things about this place is that you can sit in the hot springs and view spectacular sunrises, sunsets, and dark skies bursting with stars.

Crane Hot Springs accommodations

This site has many overnight options available. There are several cabins to stay in, but you might also consider staying in a teepee, covered wagon, or their 5^th wheel rental. The smallest cabins, pictured below, have no restrooms but they are nearby. If you want to camp, there are dry camping or RV camping sites with full hookups available. We’ve stayed in our campervan here, in one of the rooms with its own spring-fed hot tub, and at a for rent by owner house nearby.

If you don’t want to spend the night, you can pay for day use at the hot springs. Prices for the large pond range from $5 to $15 for up to four hours. If you want to rent the smaller, private soaking tubs, it costs $15 per hour per person or $50 for two people for two hours.

Wildlife at Crane Hot Springs

The ponds on the property are great places to see some of the local wildlife. There’s one right next to the hot pool and another one a short walk away.

In past years, while participating in the Harney County Migratory Bird Festival, my tour group stopped here to look for birds.

You’ll see plenty of waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds in and around the ponds. Raptors can be seen feeding on the ground or drifting by on thermals overhead.

Yellow-headed blackbird Rising above the mist 6April2018

Steens mountain tour, western meadowlark eastern Oregon 6April2018

Turkey vulture eating ground squirrel, Harney County, OR 13April2019

Things to do nearby

There are some interesting things to do nearby. You can visit a unique round barn, drive around Steens Mountain, see the vast landscape of the Alvord Desert, and volcanic features at Diamond Craters. You may even glimpse wild horses, some of which are direct descendants of those brought here by the Spaniards in the seventeenth century. Gas stations in this rural area are few and far between, so plan your trips accordingly.

Brilliance of the desert, Big Indian Gorge, Steens Mountain, Oregon 28 August 2019

Horses near Steens Mountain, Oregon August 2019

Crane Hot Springs is at 59315 OR-78, Burns, Oregon. The hot springs are open from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm daily. If you plan to stay there, make your reservations here.

Pets are allowed in your RV and in 15 of the rooms. Dogs must be on leash on the grounds.

If you are here for day use, be aware that pets are not allowed near the outdoor pond. You are also not supposed to leave them in your vehicle. Since many travelers like to travel with their dogs, I hope they can add the doggie daycare a staff person mentioned SOON.

Our local TV station, Central Oregon Daily, did a great story on Crane Hot Springs on April 2, 2026. Watch it here. It includes some wonderful aerial views.

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge – Time to Relax

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Andina in Portland: Foodie Friday

March 13, 2026March 13, 2026 / SoyBend / 2 Comments

When I spoke with a couple acquaintances in Bend about restaurants to try in Portland, Oregon, both mentioned Andina immediately. This Peruvian restaurant opened in 2003. Their website notes how they “bring the warmth of the Peruvian spirit into every aspect of the dining experience.”

You can order small plates, main dishes, sides, and a wide variety of drinks here. We ordered two drinks and shared four small plates on our visit last month. There was plenty of food, and I thought the price was reasonable.

The Anticucho de Pollo is like a complete meal on a small plate. It included a chicken skewer, crispy potatoes, huancaína verde, and salsa criolla. The chicken was nicely spiced and the potato chips were very crunchy.

The Peruvian Scalloped Potatoes was our favorite dish. It included purple majesty & Yukon gold potatoes, and ají panca bechamel, with salsa verde on the side. This dish wasn’t fancy, but it was delicious.

We ordered two ceviches. The Ceviche de Conchas included weathervane scallops, tomatillos, jimmy nardellos, sweet corn, and Walla Walla sweets onions topped with ham dust and cilantro. The scallops had a melt in your mouth texture and the spices gave it a bit of a bite.

We also ordered a Ceviche de Alcachofa. This vegetarian ceviche included artichoke, roasted peppers, avocado, pepitas, ají limo and coconut leche de tigre topped with cilantro and fennel. This dish had a blend of smooth and crunchy textures in a coconut broth spiced up with aji limo peppers.

The Limonada de Maracuya was my favorite drink on my short trip to Portland. This nonalcoholic passion fruit limeade had a refreshing taste. It was so good I wanted to order a second one, but I resisted the urge.

We arrived right when Andina opened and did not have a reservation. We sat at the copper-covered bar counter. This is a popular restaurant so if you want a table, be sure to make reservations in advance.

Andina location and hours

Andina is located at 1314 NW Glisan St in downtown Portland. It’s open daily from 4:00 to 9:00 pm. Andina serves brunch from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Happy hour is from 4:00 to 5:00 pm daily.

Foodie Friday

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Flag bridge through the seasons: Wordless Wednesday

March 11, 2026March 11, 2026 / SoyBend / 4 Comments

Rainbow flag bridge, Bend, Oregon 21June2019

Flag bridge through the seasons in the Old Mill district of Bend, Oregon

Wordless Wednesday

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Backyard Byway: LAPC

March 10, 2026March 10, 2026 / SoyBend / 22 Comments

On my backyard byway,

I paddle past active volcanoes

South Sister from Hosmer Lake

Reflected in alpine lakes

Mt. Bachelor from Little Lava Lake

I stomp along trails with my snowshoes

Swampy Lakes Short Snowshoe trail, Bend, Oregon 14Feb2017

Swampy Lakes Sno-Park

and watch skiers carve their signatures across hillsides

Mt. Bachelor

I drive past ridges reaching for roads

Todd Ridge

and hike to places of reflection

Blow Lake, Oregon

I see water levels fluctuate in reservoirs

Wickiup Reservoir

and the rebirth of forests after fire

Cedar Creek Fire

On my backyard byway,

I watch foliage explode with color

Fall foliage

and wild ones along the byway watching me

Great blue heron

I took the photos on this post on the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway in Central Oregon. This 66-mile long road snakes its way past majestic volcanic peaks and numerous alpine lakes.

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge (LAPC) – Your Journey

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Native American fisherman sculpture: Sculpture Saturday

March 7, 2026March 1, 2026 / SoyBend / 4 Comments

This life-sized Native American fisherman sculpture is at the Columbia Gorge Museum in Stevenson, Washington. This sculpture shows how people of nearby tribes fished in the Columbia River with dip nets. One of their favorite fishing spots was at Celilo Falls. When The Dalles Dam was completed in 1957, the falls disappeared within hours.

Today, you might see a Native American fisherman fishing from platforms at Cascade Locks, Oregon, near the Bridge of the Gods.

To taste locally harvested seafood, be sure to visit the Brigham Fish Market in Cascade Locks. They serve great fish and chips and clam chowder!

Sculpture Saturday

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