New Years in Bend

Last year for New Years we headed out of town for a last minute camping trip and had so much fun we thought we would get out of town again this New Years, but this time trade in the trailer for a comfortable VRBO. After much consideration on where to go, we decided on Bend, OR. We have been to Bend a couple of times, but always in the summer months. This was our first experience there during the very cold winter months. The location of our VRBO was perfect, walking distance to downtown and views of the Deschutes River. 

View from the outside

The kitchen

The unit

Brisk morning run along the Deschutes River

Bend is known for many things, but it seems best known for its many breweries so we made a point to drink our way through the town, trying a new brewery every day.

First brewery stop: GoodLife Brewing

Second stop: McMenamins Brewery in the Old St. Francis School

Final brewery of the trip and our favorite: Three Creeks Brewing Co. in Sisters, OR

 

Another thing Bend is known for is Mt. Bachelor and backcountry trails so we packed our ski and backcountry gear and explored as much as we could in the few days we were there. We checked out Mt. Bachelor ski resort and did a few climbs while we were there. The conditions were amazing and the snow could not have been better.  

Our first climb to dust off the gear on Mt. Bachelor in bounds hike zone

I sure wouldn't want to do this climb when it was windy!  

Driving to Mt. Bachelor

Luke tearing it up

Luke skiing down one of our favorite spots on the mountain

Sisters mountain range in the distance

Getting ready to climb Potato Hill outside of Sisters, OR

Last few hours of 2012, getting ready for 2013

Gorgeous new Year's day climb on Mt. Tumalo 

Wonderful way to start 2013

Top of Mt. Tumalo, Sisters in the distance

Well earned turns!

Fun little bowl we found

Oregon, we love you! Thanks for another memorable trip.