Central Oregon Fun

So I finally explored more of what is Central Oregon this weekend...the GREAT outdoors!! Having hailed from the Evergreen state I'm well aware of some of the Pacific Northwest tourist traps; Mt. Rainier, Mt. St.Helen's, Puget Sound, etc. However, Central Oregon has it's own amazing features too! (Go Figure!) Namely, The 3 Sisters, Mt. Bachelor, Rivers, Lakes, and State Parks with different lava rocks, and caves formed from lava!

Previously, on a couple of our last 'family' summer vacations, camping about an hour outside of Bend, we quickly realized that we weren't accustomed to the scorching temperatures (yeah, I'm a wuss). The Newberry Lava Cave would be our salvation! I know it's kind of silly, but this place was so cold that if you didn't bring/wear sweatshirts and sweatpants you would come out an icicle! The cave is about 2 miles long, dark as all get out (lanterns/ flash lights are needed), part of the cave passes directly under the highway and the best part (yeah, right) you may even encounter a bat or two!

After moving to Bend, a couple summers ago, I made the quick 20 minute trip to Mt.Bachelor, paid my $15 and took a ski lift up to the summit. WHAT AN AMAZING VIEW! I'm pretty sure I could see all the way to Portland! Ok, not that far... but FAR! In addition to the view there is also a fair hunk of snow still left, even in early August! When was the last time you had a Snowball fight in the summertime?

For the last couple of years, the 'Bend-ites' that I work with have made lists of places for me to visit, and with all the GORGEOUS weather we've had recently I've decided to start exploring! This past weekend, a group of friends and I visited a part of the McKenzie river. The campground we visited was about an hour outside of Sisters, and was well worth the drive. Not the best place to enjoy the sun, as it is mostly covered by trees, but a great place to sit and relax - right next to a quick moving river. On a side note: I can't wait to actually river raft this particular river. Don't get me wrong, it scares the HE-BE-GE-BIES outta me, but I am TOTALLY GAME! (Far better to dare mighty things, right?)

Unfortunately, no pics this time, but next time I'll post some! Hopefully it'll make ya'll want to visit!