Bend, Oregon (Part 1)

I took part of the Elkhorn Drive and Journey Through Time Scenic Byways on my way to Bend.  Oregon Highway 26 is a good road, and very pretty, and I had it mostly to myself.  There were a couple of 5400ft summits, with a couple more almost that high, so you need to be conscience of the weather.  The scenery changes from farms and ranches, to mountains, and back again, crossing and following rivers, and then turning into High Desert shrubbery.

There is a "shoe" tree about mm88 off to the side of the road; it is completely covered in pairs of shoes tied together by the laces and hanging over the branches! I've seen these from time to time, but not as completely covered as this one. I see so many "interesting" and beautiful things I would like to photograph, but it just isn't possible solo in a big rig.

Two things you quickly learn about Bend:  They must be the round-about capital of the world, no kidding.  In the center of each round-about is a nice planting of flowers and shrubs with a unique metal sculpture in the center, some of which are really interesting.  Second, it is must be the gateway to the outdoors because there is an abundance of outfitting businesses - and frequently there is a canoe, kayak, mountain bike, etc. strapped on a vehicle.  Also, fishing is big here.

Beside Highway 97, you can see a big cinder cone mountain .... Lava Butte

Lava Butte in Newberry National Volcanic Monument

Here are some views from the top ....

The center picture is the road up to Lava Butte

View of Mt. Bachelor from Lava Butte

There is a short walk (about 1/4 mile) around the edge of the crater "hole," and beautiful views of the Cascades.





I also made a trip to Tumalo Falls, about 20 miles SW of Bend ...
Tumalo Falls has been called "the tallest and most impressive waterfall along Tumalo Creek". The 97 ft. vertical curtain waterfall pours out into Tumalo Creek at a pitch of 90 degrees.

And then I found ... Built in 1963, Rock O' The Range Covered Bridge passes over Swalley Canal for a total of 42 ft., making it one of the shorter covered bridges in Oregon.

Look at the picture in the upper left - you had to cross the bridge on these support "ramps" (you can see them in the other pictures as well).

Lots more to see ..... unless it snows.  It's been in the 30s at night and may get up as high as 50 degrees by afternoon; the sky/clouds look ominousness, but no rain so far.  They close this campground on October 1st because of snow.  I'm hoping it will warm up next week for a drive to Crater Lake!