July 5, day 97
Zero day in Bend. Breakfast consisted of sweet pastries (diverse kinds of donuts), oatmeal (hot water to pour over), fruit (bananas, apples, tangerines, OJ, coffee/tea. No toast, no butter or milk, which we'd become used to in California; must be Bend regulations! But the donuts were terrific. Said goodbye to Rorie and Michael, who were all set to head for Idaho. A very heartwarming acquaintance!
Blogged. Did laundry at the laundromat. At the tailor’s next door, had Olli’s hip pocket repaired – which pocket houses our camera and had been only provisionally repaired the past 2 months. Headed for the hotel pool and relaxed.
In the evening we had a meal and drinks in downtown Bend – a lively city with an amazing night life. It is located in immediate proximity to the Cascades – and thus the Mount Bachelor ski area, which contributes to Bend’s tourism industry. Bend is also the most populous city in the region. And it boasts around 30 breweries! Had a nightcap at McMenamins Old St. Francis Schoolhouse (a recommendation from Chad, whose girlfriend is from Bend). Headed back to the hotel at 2 am.
Tomorrow we’ll resupply and depart Bend by about 3 pm. Contacted trail angels to catch a ride back to the trailhead at Santiam Pass on highway 20. Next goal is Timberline Lodge, about 150 km away, where the movie "The Shining" was shot! But first, we have to overcome the snow on Mount Jefferson, which apparently features a few dangerous spots.
Pictures