Traveling with Tucson : Crater Lake to Bend, OR

Before leaving we do the Logging Museum

They grow them big here

So you need a big saw

The Place goes on for acres

Tucson takes a break he can bearly walk

Next stop is Lava Lands not to be confused with La La Land

It doesn't officially open until Mid May

But the Molten Land Trail is open

It simply amazes me that anything can grow here.

Who's that rough and rugged man coming around the bend

Such a stark landscape

Made it to the top of the trail. Lava almost as far as you can see.

The Volcano erupted 7000 years ago700 years after Crater..

Too bad the loop drive up to the Cone was closed

Next stop is the High Desert Museum

Not sure how it will compare to the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum

They do have some rehabilitated wildlife

Where's my tail? I know I left with it.

Wanted to get a shot of it coming out of the skull but didn't think I should push the 8 year old aside.

This guy was in a large dark glass enclosure. I thought it was just a diorama until I saw the head following me.

Cool U.S. Forest Service Fire Truck

There were cool sculptures all around. This is made from barbed wire.

It is more of a living history museum. The Miller Family Ranch.

Maybe Gary is shopping for a Pony for me for Christmas

We went to check out the otters but they weren't out but this family of squirrels was entertaining

There was a section on Indian life

Spirit of the West

Looks like Gary is looking for provisions for Alaska or a saddle for my Pony

Cool Motorcycle

We finally get to Bend where we are staying with some old neighbors of Gary's from Albany

They are very Gracious hosts and Nadine loves to cook but I think she may have been an Army cook in a past life as she makes enough for a large platoon. First night is Ribs and Chicken

Tucson finally gets to enjoy a yard with green grass

A group shot while enjoying a campfire and wine

The next morning we are treated to Breakfast. Bacon on the Grill

and Eggs Benedict = an omelette for me since I've gone Gluten Free

We were only going to stay one night but it is a nice day and Roy and Nadine want to show us around so they twisted our arm -ouch! Plus it is free fishing weekend an added enticement for Gary. So we drive up to some scenic lakes and this fish hatchery.

The sun has gone away and the wind has picked up so we decide to scrap the fishing idea.

It has rained in Oregon quite a bit this year so the water everywhere is high. I sure hope this guy at least caught some fish. That water was frozen not very long ago.

We went to see Pringle Falls but the river is running so high there are no Falls to see

We stop for lunch (as if we haven't eaten enough already)

Yes they built this section of the restaurant around the trees.

Back to the house to put a Prime Rib Roast on the Grill for dinner

Not wasting that nice day to travel has its consequences. Santiam Pass has gotten 5" of snow overnight and expects another 3-8". We meet up with friends Alan and Carolyn from Tucson at their home for Coffee, Danish and Fruit for breakfast to give the Pass a chance to warm up and get plowed.

Then we're off