August 5-9, 2008 Redmond/Bend, Oregon

Wednesday August 5-Saturday August 9, 2009 Crooked River Ranch and Redmond, Oregon

Sunday August 10-Tuesday August 12, 2008 Scandia RV in Bend, Oregon

 Although we stayed at two different parks, we were generally in the same area…Bend and Redmond, Oregon which sit on the east side of the Cascade Mountain range.

For those of you that are unfamiliar with the area, it is considered a “high desert” …having a dry climate conducive to pines and sage. There are visible volcanic remains of past eruptions. Black lava flows seem frozen in place along with obsidian and pumice rocks dotting the landscape. This is an area of contrast, arid yet filled with some of the most gorgeous lakes, streams and rivers to be found anywhere. The steep mountain peaks of Hood, Jefferson, the Three Sisters, Three Fingered Jack, Bachelor and Broken Top stand as sentinels keeping the wet coastal regions separate.

There is something here for every outdoor enthusiast. Be it biking, hiking, golf, rafting, angling or skiing, there is no such thing as “boredom” in this area.





 We not only enjoyed exploring the Cascade Lake Loop, the head waters of the Metolius River and the branches of the Deschutes River, but also Smith Rock State Park with its unusual rock formations.

The booming town of Bend, Oregon and the quaint shops of Sisters beckon a diverse population of visitors. Vacation resorts like Sun River, Black Butte and Inn at the 7th Mountain make for comfortable getaway destinations for out of area guests.

Moderate to upscale housing developments spread all over the area giving the feeling that this is a popular place to live. Free outdoor concerts invite families and friends to gather during the summer months for a picnic and music.

The area has a very creative feeling and I’m told that every medium is explored by local artists. Although tourism is big year round, there is a sense of family and community which is very appealing.

While in the area we were fortunate enough to visit with good friends from HP days (the Harville’s), friends from Florida that retired here (the Chmiels)

 and our next door neighbors from the Columbia River (the Deitchlers).

 Each couple was a delight to see and share time with…a true gift of friendship!

Yes, there is something for everybody...including the freedom for our dog Maizy to romp through meadows and drink from clear mountain streams...or retrieve a stick (her favorite)!