Bend

We vacationed in Bend, Oregon in September for a week. It's such a great city. Not too big, not too small. 10 breweries, a ski hill (Bachelor), and plenty of biking and hiking trails!

We attempted to camp for a few nights, but weren't very good at "tent" camping so we hoteled it for more than half of our stay.

We particularly loved that it was such a bike friendly city. We biked everywhere the first couple of days because we were so glad to be out of the truck. And because it was a beautiful place to bike around and explore, as you can see.

 

 Deschutes Brewery

 Eating out on the patio for dinner. Beautiful view of the Deschutes river.

Jason wanted to come to Bend to watch Nationals. It was pretty cool to watch. It was also nice to see Sam, Karen, and Rufus.

Sam getting ready for his race.

 Carter playing with some new friends we met.

 

 He's (I don't know who? someone) off the front!

 Mt Bachelor

A pretty waterfall. I forget the name.

 Fun bike ride along the river

 

 

Breweries, breweries, breweries! We visited Deschutes (well, I did and got a tour!), Boneyard, Cascade Lakes, 10 Barrel, and Silver Moon. The best food and beer was at Cascade Lakes. Boneyard was the most unique and had the best espresso/chocolate tasting beer. Deschutes was HUGE and the tour was fascinating to me. I discovered on this trip the Pacific northwest is known for its hops because they produce so many hops in the area! I am not a huge fan of hoppy beer. I like pale ale's (I know...boring) and stouts. I like some dark beers, it really just depends. I LOVE to sample them all!

Our beer purchases from boneyard. Cherry wheat and a chocolate/espresso. Mmmm.

Deschutes tour. Huge beer making machines transported to Oregon from Germany. See those big bins? hops, hops, hops!

They were bottling tons of Jubelale for the winter season

Camping! We weren't great at starting and keeping fires, cooking, or keeping clean. Camping in the back of your truck is so much work! Unloading bikes and supplies, then loading them back up during the day. What a pain!? We also got very bored at night and went to bed especially early. 

Doritos kid

 Getting ready for bed in the back of the truck

 Our camp chef was pretty good making breakfast

We visited the High Desert Museum in Bend and it was fabulous! It was a museum and a bit of an aquarium as well. Very interesting. There were also amazing parks in Bend - SO SO nice, and the library was fun too.