Two full zeros in Bend was amazing! We ended up renting a car since this city is much bigger than most of the little towns we have been through. We wanted to be able to see as much of Bend as possible (which really means we wanted to try as many restaurants and breweries as possible!😜). Plus, then we were able to pick Maddie up from the airport and she will be able to drop us off back at the trailhead as well. We went to the highly recommended Victorian for breakfast on the first zero which was fabulous. I love champagne and blackberries, and as luck would have it, they have a blackberry mimosa! 3 sizes to choose from, so of course I had the large one…the “man-mosa”, amazing!
While Maddie took her Physiology final in the hotel room, Link and I went to REI to grab some stuff. Link picked up his new hiking shirt that has a hood like mine…super handy for cool mornings as well as when it’s bug central! We also got a new liter bottle for collecting dirty water (old one had a hole which I had to cover with my finger unless I wanted to get sprayed all over). Plus I got new shoes! I switched to Alta’s which makes me nervous since I’ve only hiked in Brooks Cascadias for the last 12 years or so. But Alta’s have a wider toe box which is what my feet really need right now, so hopefully all goes well these last 650 miles 😬
Then we grabbed Maddie and walked around the Old Mill District area right by the hotel and the Deschutes River. It was a gorgeous day!
We attempted to try a few different breweries for dinner, but it was a Friday night and with the social distancing rules, they were at capacity already. So we ended up at Pine Tavern which was tasty and I had the best hard pear cider I’ve ever had before. The second zero we started with Dutch Bros coffee which Maddie was really interested in trying. Then we went to another fan favorite breakfast spot, McKay Cottage…really cute and super yummy!
THEN…Maddie was craving an adventure. So we drove 2 hours to Crater Lake! Since it was our most favorite sight on the trail so far, we were absolutely game! It was so much more clear today, unlike the day Link and I were there when it was pretty cloudy. SPECTACULAR, as always!
The afternoon consisted of Crux brewery and relaxing in the air conditioned hotel because it was 100 degrees outside…yikes!!
Later in the day we tried 10 Barrel Brewing, and then Mantis & Pants got into town! So we met them at El Sancho for super good Mexican food to celebrate Pants’ birthday which is tomorrow. I love that we get to keep seeing them in towns! Each time we say goodbye I never really know if it’s the last time…thank goodness that hasn’t been the case yet!
Well, we had a great couple of days off with Maddie, but we only have 652 miles to get to Canada so we gotta keep movin’ on! Back to the trail tomorrow and the last week of Oregon…woohoo! Credit for the blog title today goes to Maddie…very creative! 😁 Thanks for sharing our adventure with us…DoubleDown
What wonderful two days with family and friends! For as long as you have been on the trail you two look great! Glad you are refreshed…. Stay Safe! 🥰🥰
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Glad we look refreshed!! I don’t think our legs and feet would say the same 🤣.
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Oh how fun you guys! I love that Maddie can join you. Crater lake looks so amazing.
Enjoy your last week in Oregon!!!!
❤️Somer
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Fun photos this morning. Yesterday, we crossed PCT on Sonora Pass on our way to June Lake. We thought of you and your grand adventure.
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Oh, we loved Sonora Pass area!
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I have to hand it to you. After 2000 miles of hiking you decide to walk around the town and see the sights. Wow amazing
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Wow how beautiful Bend is! How nice it must have been to spend some time with Madz. You all look great.
And those mimosa prices!!:). Miss you! Be safe!!
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I know! Mimosa was soo good!
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So glad Maddie was able to join you for this Bend-er (ha!). Looks like a beautiful little town.
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Haha…ur clever too! 😁
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How fabulous!! I recognized those spots in Bend having just been there a year ago. So glad Maddie was able to join you! 🧡💛
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Crater Lake, Amazingly beautiful You pictures throughout you journey have been amazing and so great to hear about your amazing adventures. Thank you for sharing!
Great to see that you are able to reunite with the kiddos along the way. 650 miles left..seems like it was just yesterday you were embarking on this adventure. Go Double Down and Link!
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Ha ha ha…. The end seems so close yet still so far away
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Those Crater Lake pictures are beautiful! WOW! a hop, skip and jump to the end! You got this!! Good luck on the new shoes!
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Hope you are staying dry lot of rain in sisters.We are just off the coast in Tidewater which is about 3 1/2 hours away. Your photos are great.Glad to hear Maddie got to see Crater Lake.It really is beautiful here in Oregon (until mid September before it starts to go cold). Enjoy everything you are doing , stay safe.
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So glad you guys got to explore Bend with Maddie + friends – great company in a great little town! Amazing pics as always – can’t wait to see what the rest of Oregon and Washington holds for you two. The miles are just going by so fast (easy to say from the comfort of my couch) 😉
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