Hiking!!
First up, the Lava River Cave. We've hiked this cave before, but it's worth a return trip. At a constant 42* in the cave, you definitely need to bundle up. We rented flashlights and had a blast turning them all off when we were the only ones in a certain part of the cave and trying to find each other in the dark, hahahaha. You can't beat hide and seek in the dark! It took about an hour to get to the end and back out again.
We also stopped in at the Lava Cast Forest. We have done this one in the past as well. It's not a hike, more of an easy stroll, and it was much nicer this go-around with the temps being cooler. Last time it was in the 90's and we were roasting. The casts left from the lava flow hitting trees, and then the trees eventually rotting away, are super awesome. At the turn point of the trail, before you start to head back, the view is gorgeous. Old lava flows for as far as the eye can see.
Three years ago when Sammy and I visited Bend on our 10th wedding anniversary trip, we hiked the Deschutes River Trail. We knew the kids would love it, so we made sure to bring them during our visit to Bend this time. The part we walked was about a 4 mile loop (give or take), with beautiful views of the Deschutes River. We loved the bridge and various little wood plank walk ways that are on the trail. There's lots of areas that allow you access to the river, too. By the end, we were definitely pooped out and worked up an appetite!
My favorite of all our hikes during our vacation was Tumalo Falls. Sammy and I also went here three years ago during our 10th anniversary trip to the Bend area. Actually, Sam "proposed" to me, complete with a 10 year ring and everything, at the top of the falls lookout. Being as Tumalo Falls has turned into a special place for he and I, we knew we wanted to take the kids there!
First we hike up to the top of the falls and then continued on the trails past the falls. On our way back out, we took a more tedious route to go up to the falls themselves. The kids sure got a blast out of getting so close to the falls that you could feel the spray on your face! Truly a fun experience for them.
Our last and hardest hike, Smith Rock! The views at Smith Rock were breathtaking! There were lots of trails to choose from, easy ones that follow the river side, and harder ones that climbed up the rock. Of course, we chose the hardest of the hikes because we wanted the best views. It was hot as Hades out and the incline was steep.... "incline 100" as Tim put it, but we *almost* made it to the top regardless. I do wish we would have pushed on, but everyone was dripping sweat and the kids' little legs were quivering from exhaustion, lol, so probably a good idea to turn back. Definitely want to be smart about hiking. Sam and I would like to return there to do the hike ourselves. Despite not making it all the way to the top, we were granted spectacular views and we were very proud of the kids for putting in the effort to get us as far as we did (even though lots of bitching accompanied the effort, haha)!
When we weren't hiking, we were enjoying eating out, shopping at Sunriver, relax time in the hotel room, and cool-down time in the hotel pool!
Seriously the best vacation ever. Very thankful for the down time we were able to have and all the fun we got to experience on our hikes and concerts!!
With love,
Mama Hauck
No comments:
Post a Comment