Bend: The land of brews and heavenly vistas

Last weekend I flew up to Bend, Oregon to visit family and enjoy a three day weekend. It actually snowed the week before I arrived, but the weather during my trip was perfect. My dad recently relocated there, and I also got to stay with my grandma and grandpa who live nearby. Halloween was spent handing out candy to the throngs of trick or treaters that trek up to my grandma's neighborhood. There were lots of great costumes and festive houses, like this one.


I've also noticed some disturbing new developments in modern-day trick or treating. First of all, even groups of middle-aged children were accompanied by an adult right up to the doorstep. I've always felt that having to leave your parents and/or responsible adult at the sidewalk was sort of important. Yes, it can be scarier to go it alone, but it's a step every kid has to make someday. I also observed more than one parent not only walk up to the door, but actually hold out their own pillowcase as if to suggest they should also be given candy. I'm not one of those stickler types that won't give candy out to kids who don't have costumes, or who are clearly over the accepted age limit. But the line must be drawn somewhere. Needless to say, we had a steady stream of trick or treaters for over two hours and estimated we probably gave out candy to over 75 kids. It was great fun.

The next day, my dad and I spent the afternoon exploring his new home. It was wonderful to be amongst the trees and fresh air with him. My lackluster photography skills really don't do justice to the natural beauty there.

Smith Rock and the Crooked River

Rock climbers from around the world flock here to test their mountain-dangling skills. Dad and I decided that we probably weren't cut out for scaling the rock face across the river, but could possibly hike up the small hill he is pointing at below.

We enjoyed a night on the town in downtown Bend, which boasts some really awesome beer, beautiful parks and laid-back townsfolk. Bend just East of the Cascades, and the desert climate means sunny days year-round during which people can ski, snowboard, go mountain biking, rafting, hiking, fishing, camping....you get the idea. I think he's going to have a lot of fun living there.

Drake Park



Thankfully, Lily and Adam did a great job watching over the house while I was away.