Finally, some snow in Bend

Ponderosa in Shevlin Park

We finally got a little bit of winter in Bend.  About six inches of snow followed by a clear, crisp day.  perfect for a stroll through Shevlin Park - or just about anywhere in town.  

Tumalo Creek

Depoe Bay

 

Looking south toward Depoe Bay

While growing up in the Eugene area, Depoe Bay was a favorite coast destination for our family.  In a small area re found sandy beaches, rock headlands, a cool harbor, and salt water taffy shops.  When looking for a three-day weekend getaway at the coast, we decided Depoe Bay would be perfect.  And it was.  Beautiful weather and great wave watching, including the resident "spouting horn" gave us just enough to do.  It was a great, relaxing coast getaway.

Rocky beach waves

Seagull at Government Point

Sea Arch

Otter Crest, south of Depoe Bay

Ochoco Snow Shoeing

 

Near Bandit Springs Sno-Park

In a continuation of the year of Covid crowds in the outdoors, I decided I wanted to go snow shoeing and not be surrounded by crowds of people.  That is a tough prospect on a Saturday in Central Oregon. Going west is not going to do it so I headed east to the Ochocos.  Success!  Arrived at the snow park to find it empty and enjoyed blissful solitude the entire day, seeing one other group of two skiers as I was returning to the truck.  Just what the doctor ordered!

Gold Lake

 

Salt Creek coming out of Gold Lake

Another destination I have not visited in decade; Gold Lake. We were returning from Eugene and decided to take Hwy 58 and stop at the Gold Lake Sno Park for a quick snowshoe outing to Gold Lake.  Nice to get away from the bend crowd and enjoy some relatively empty trails.  I'll have to remember to come back in the summer.