We hooked up with our friend Bryan from Yuma and he showed us around the LaPine State Park. We didn't have a clue that there was such a wonderful place so close to our campground.
One of the major sites in the park is "Big Tree". This tree us published to be the largest Ponderosa Pine tree in the state of Oregon. It is estimated to be at least 500 years old, standing 162 feet tall and measuring 8.6 feet in diameter! It was a giant, to be sure.
We walked a short way to view the Little Deschutes River. It was so peaceful and beautiful. Bryan told us that he sees Elk here all the time and occasionally Bear!
We ventured into the city of Bend for some shopping and whatever else we might find. When we were in Albany, we had occasion to try some beer made by the Cascade Brewing Company - so we decided to check out the brewery. Unfortunately, we discovered that the brewery is in Redmond Oregon - but we located this "Lodge" which is run by the brewery here in Bend. The food was fantastic and the beer was totally awesome. This time we tried the Monkey Face Porter and their seasonal Grizzly Mountain Stout. Both were great, but the Stout was absolutely wonderful. The waitress asked if I wanted it "Nitro" or "Regular CO2". Not knowing the difference, she brought samples of each. The "Nitro" won hands-down!!!! It was so creamy and smooth I could have it every day and never get tired of it. I believe this is only on tap and only usually in the Winter time. Sure wish they put it in a bottle!
Just about in the middle of Bend there is this huge "hill" that we have been curious about for many years. Well today we decided to drive up the road to check it out. They call this "hill" a Butte - it is just like a huge pile of dirt on the valley floor. The road is two lanes, but just barely - not for large vehicles at all. In fact most of the people that go up to the top are hikers or bikers - not for us! The road winds around and climbs up at probably a 20% grade - the Jimmy did it in low gear - I can't imagine riding a bicycle up. Once on top the views were magnificant!
If you expand this photo you can see some of the beautiful mountains that are in this area. This picture shows several, possibly including the Three Sisters, Broken Top, and maybe Mt. Batchelor. It is hard to tell for sure. The clouds made it hard to see what was in the picture while it was being taken. I am surprised that you can actually see the difference between the clouds and the snow-capped mountains.
Tomorrow we are back on the road again, traveling to Mountain Home Idaho for a stop at the Mountain Home Air Force Base to stock up at the Commissary and see what good stuff they have in the BX, before going to Idaho Falls to get busy on our storage unit!
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