May 16 - Loop to Bend and Back

Mountains, mountains, and more mountains. What a refreshing day! This week has been particularly trying and I was in need of some wind-therapy as well as some “girl” time. So, I headed to Bend, Oregon for lunch with my best friend since high school, Michelle Martin. I was treated to multiple mountain views both going to Bend via Salem as well as returning via Mount Hood. The ride was just what the doctor ordered.

Heading out from West Linn I went south to Salem on I-5 and then headed East on Highway 22. I like to go to Bend this direction earlier in the day because there are so many pretty lake, river and Mountain views including the Santiam River, Detroit Lake, and Mount Washington and it is easier to see them when the sun is overhead instead of in your eyes. There was still snow on the mountains but not on the road and the route was curve-filled and fun.

It was wonderful to catch up with Michelle and enjoy a delicious burger and handcut fries at Jackson’s Corner in Bend. I so much miss their wood-fired pizza but am happy they still serve organic, fresh, delicious salads and sandwiches.

From Bend I headed north on highway 97 through Redmond and then highway 26 west on to highway 212 and Oregon City. This route goes through many farms and pastures and is also surrounded by mountains. For large sections of the trip back I either had a Mount Jefferson west of me or Mount Hood north of me. The air was clean and crisp and the views stunning as I returned home through the Mount Hood National Forest. What a great end of the weekend.