August 20 - Rafting the Deschutes River

Lodging: Bend, OR

Had a truly delightful day in Bend with my best friend from high school, Michelle Martin. Left Lakeview yesterday and took highway 31 to Bend. It was a super relaxing ride of only about 180 miles - moderate temperatures and pretty views. Took the bike to the local dealership for new tires (yes they were already due again) then spent today relaxing while they worked on my bike. We got inner tubes and floated down the Deschutes River in the sun. It was heavenly. Then Michelle says, “oh by the way we need to get to the other side of the river right away so we don’t go down the rapids.” I became super motivated to paddle (with my hands). It was great fun. Tonight we’re going to the same pizza place we went to last night (Jackson’s Corner) because it was some of the best pizza I’ve ever had (yes, even better than the one in Gualala). So I begged to go back. Tomorrow I head for the Painted Hills.