When we finished at the museum, and finished eating, it was still early evening. The day was cold, raining, and especially dark. Across the street from our hotel was a cinema, and walking over to watch a movie was our perfect choice to round out the evening.
The next morning dawned brilliantly sunny! Remember how, two posts back, I bragged that Bend has so much sunshine? Then all I talked about was the rain. Well, on Sunday morning, Bend came through for us.
Though it was cold, the sunshine was compelling, and all four of us decided to walk from the hotel to the river nearby.
We walked into the Old Mill District, a section of shops and restaurants along the Deschutes River, that meanders through the center of the city. Along the river is a walking and biking trail, so we followed it in a loop.
Because I am helplessly in love with mountains, I could not help but notice them from all our different vantage points. First, beyond the cinema in the photo at the top, but also along our river walk.
The kids began making noises about wanting to go home. I begged them for one side trip. Within city limits is a small, dormant volcano with a trail to the top that I had hiked once. I knew the teenagers didn’t have the patience to walk anymore, but I thought I recalled that there was also a road to the top of Pilot Butte. I checked the map and there was! They agreed that if we could drive there, they would come along without complaint. (Parenting….it’s all about strategy.)
If you have noticed that the highest peaks seem to be all in a row, you are correct. This is the summit of the Cascade Mountain Range. There are many volcanoes here, stretching from California through Oregon, Washington, and into British Columbia. Central Oregon is filled with remnants of volcanic activity from millenia ago.
Just beyond the monument, I pointed to some rocks standing in the distance. I told Pedro that is the famous Smith Rock.
Though he has lived in Oregon for decades, I was astonished to hear that he had not heard of Smith Rock. Not famous for him, I guess. This place is considered the birthplace of sport climbing, and is famous around the world for rock climbers. If you don’t climb rocks, it’s just a magnificently beautiful place. I’ll include a photo I took years ago when Kellen was there studying the area with their geology class from Oregon State University.
Well, now you know which new item I have added to the To Do list of adventures for Pedro and me.
Conscious Engagement 
Fabulous walk for the wildlife. Glad you managed to get to the top of Pilot Butte, what great views
There was so much wildlife! I think the animals, like us, were celebrating the retreat of all the rain. Yes, that view from the top of Pilot Butte is wonderful. I find it more satisfying when I walk up there on my own fuel, but driving up was nice too.
Better to drive to satisfy all than not to have gone at all.
Nice of the boys to give in, sort of. Poor Pedro lost you to mountains. So sad. 🙂
They are super good kids, and they usually are ready to compromise to keep peace. Pedro and their mom did a good job raising them. ❤
A fine continuation
Thank you Derrick. It occurred to me that I could have run this post first, to give readers a sense of the area, then drilled down to specifics at the museum, but this worked too. Each stands on its own.
Exactly
Love these different perspectives of Bend. And like you, I simply love mountains.
Thanks, Jolandi. I’m not sure what makes a person love different things about landscapes. For me, I wonder if it is because I grew up with some really beautiful mountains, and parents who took me into the wilderness often, and taught me what to look for. Maybe mountains are partially my comfort zone. But also…so beautiful.
Gorgeous photos, and lucky you to have such a sparkly day! It really is a stunning place, with so much to do. If you haven’t walked along Tumalo Falls add that to your list (it can be a short hike to the falls or longer along the river). And Smith Rock is a must see. Though plan your trip – I almost died there after a wrong turn. 🙂
That sounds traumatic, Nancy! The scariest thing I ever did there was attempt Asterisk Pass. I was expecting to die, so that’s why I didn’t do it, ha ha. I’m very happy to know that you survived. I’ve been wanting to hike to Tumalo Falls forever. I’ve only been to Benham Falls.