Bend

Day Trip to Bend

Posted by Lisa Eirene

On Tuesday we got up, had breakfast and then drove to Bend for a little day trip. It was only about an hour away from Cove Palisades Park.

We went to Tumalo Falls Park to hike. We tried to hike it a few years ago in the winter and it was too windy. It was nice to do in the summer!

There were a couple different trailheads at the parking lot. We did the one next to the viewpoint. I can’t remember now what it’s called. But it’s a very short walk from the parking lot to a nice view of the waterfall and then a short trek up a hill to the top where there is another viewpoint.

The trail is dusty and sandy but overall pretty easy. Once you leave the viewpoint area you hike along a creek and then into the trees. We didn’t go very far because of Logan and the time of day. We wanted to stay on schedule for lunch.

After our hike, we went into Downtown Bend for lunch. We went to the new Boneyard Pub! The last time we were in Bend they hadn’t finished it yet. It was cool to see! They had outdoor seating that was dog friendly, so that was perfect!

I got the poke bowl for lunch, which was REALLY delicious! One of the best I’ve had outside of Hawaii.

I went off the diet for the day so I could have my beer. 😀

Got the growler filled (had to deal with some house stuff since we had cell service in Bend) and then headed back to the cabin. The rest of the afternoon was chill. I read a lot and enjoyed my beer. Michael took a nap. Logan played. Dinner was hot dogs. Exciting!

Wednesday morning we had breakfast and packed up the car and drove home. It was kind of a bummer to leave. We enjoyed our time so much! We made some really happy memories and we hope to go back again next year. Logan had so much fun and it made me really happy to see how happy and dirty he was!

When we pulled into our driveway we got the phone call from our realtor that our house was officially SOLD! What a HUGE relief and one less thing to worry/stress about!!!

We celebrated with carbs and champagne!

Last Day

Posted by Lisa Eirene

Our last full day in Bend! It was a bit cooler, like almost 70, with a cool breeze. After breakfast Michael and my dad went to the driving range and my mom and I took Logan on a tour of some of the cool parks around the area. We went to Hillside Park (but it was for older kids) and then to Harmon Park, which was perfect for Logan.

For lunch we got food from Spork for takeout. We tried to go last time we were in Bend and it was so packed we couldn’t get an order in. But this time we lucked out! It was SO good! A new favorite for Bend, for sure. It’s a cool, funky Mexican/Asian fusion restaurant.

I got the Korean BBQ Short Ribs. They came on rice, arugula, sprouts, topped with seaweed, a fried egg and kimchi. Delicious!

My dad got the chicken tacos. Michael got the chilaquiles (I had a few bites and it was SO good) with steak. My mom got the best thing–the spicy pork noodles. I will definitely be getting that next time.

After Logan’s nap, the plan was to go rent one of the “Double Surrey” bikes for fun. It fits 4 adults and a kid. But unfortunately they were closed! We were one week early for their summer hours. BOO! Next time!  So instead of biking we just hung out in the front yard of the house we rented. Logan played soccer and golf and we enjoyed the warm sunshine.

Then we went for a short walk for some shaved ice (at Dakine Hawaiian Shaved Ice.) 🙂

Even though our plans to bike got thwarted, it was a nice, chill day. Like, an actual vacation with RELAXING. What’s that?!? I actually got to sit on the front porch and relax and finish reading my book!

Dinner was burgers again. They were so good last time. With grilled asparagus, coleslaw and raw veggies.

And of course, once again, Boneyard RPM, hot tub, bed. 😀 We were definitely in a routine!

Tuesday morning I went for a run. It was nice out. Cool and quiet but not too cold. I ran down to Drake Park, crossed the bridge to the other side of the river, and had Drake Park basically to myself. Just me and the geese.

It was a nice, and flat, trail. I went through the park to one end and then the other. Then I crossed over the bridge on Galveston, ran through a neighborhood, crossed the wooden bridge back to Drake Park and did part of it again before heading back.

The water was like glass. It was so peaceful out that early (like 7am).

I got back to the house just in time for breakfast.

We all had breakfast, I showered and we packed and said our goodbyes. Boo. 🙁 It was such a nice vacation. We had a lot of fun, spent time with my parents, they got to spend tons of time with Logan…we all got in naps, a hike, I finished a book and had excellent beer. I call that a win for vacation!

It’s hard to say goodbye, to my parents AND the Bend house. We love it so much. The location is so perfect for us. Close to restaurants, bars, parks and the river downtown. So beautiful and quiet. I definitely recommend Bend AND the house we rented!