Day 134. Just Around The Bend.

Thursday, August 31

Location near Mount Bachelor Ski Area on Cascade Lakes Highway west of Bend, OR to lodging north of Bend, OR

26 miles

Total Miles Hiked: 1988

Brendan, Myself & Larry

This morning I get up at 5am and I’m on the road walking by 5:30.  I’m starting ahead of the guys because they are faster and will eventually catch and pass me.  The miles hobby surprisingly quickly and the hard road seems easier on my feet and legs today although warming up in the first half mile is brutal.  The temps are colder than past mornings too and I keep on nearly all my layers of clothing until several miles hobby and the sun rises high enough to reach me.

Around 10:15, Brendan and his friend, Larry deliver drive-up coffee, a scone and water.  T-Bone and Bam-Bam are still 2+ miles behind me and Brendan drives back to them for their coffee deliveries while I walk a little further to a visitors center where I will meet Brendan & Larry on their way back.  After breaking with them, they show me a bike path route under construction that has just recently been dirt packed.  It is a perfect & peaceful alternative off pavement for a few miles.  Once again, I must give a huge thank you to Brendan for all his help.  B, you made today so much more tolerable and special!

We were also tipped off to get pizza by the slice at Pacific Pizza in Bend for lunch.  We got our veggies in with salads too.  Next was a stop at Safeway next door and then REI for a new water filter and socks.  Last stop was coffee and wifi at Strictly Organic.

Bend was quite the cool little town.  All the buildings seemed newly constructed or renovated old brick mill buildings and it was very outdoorsy.  I’d live here in a heartbeat if it weren’t for the longish winters!

One part of Bend….

Old Mill District of Bend, Oregon (photo from internet)

REI in Bend (photo from internet)

We finally walked out of town about 5pm, not too shabby for such a strong vortex pull from this cool town.  We hiked 5 more miles this evening before stopping for dinner to go from Panda Express and walking the final mile to our motel for the night. Not a bad day at all.

~Sunkist~

PS.  Below is one of my most loved that I had to leave at home:   

Miss you, my Murf!