Central Oregon

Deschutes River, Lava Island

Spent the weekend outside of Bend, Oregon. In the past ten years Bend has exploded from a homely Highway 97 strip to a vibrant "in" place today. The sprawl is still there, but unlike many Pacific Northwest communities Bend actually looks and feels much better now than it did decades ago. Of course, it is now so expensive that few can afford it. Still, a great place to visit and a nice respite from the moribund feel of Eugene.

The east slopes of the Cascades offer beautiful Ponderosa Pine forests - open and parklike, especially where they have been allowed to burn occasionally. A visit to these forests is very therapeutic for me - like stored up sunshine and warmth, even on a late fall day.

go there: http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=43.99237&lon=-121.39307&datum=nad27&u=4&layer=DRG&size=l&s=50