Long day

I woke up in a Hampton Inn in Eugene, Oregon. It’s a nice place. College town. Reminds me of Tucson…with trees and mountains.

Set out a little after 7 am following a free hotel breakfast. Nothing like undrinkable coffee and processed OJ. At least the yogurt tasted normal. Hopped into the rental Sonata and headed toward Bend. Beautiful drive on the ORE126 to US 20 over the Santiam Pass. Much of the drive is along the McKenzie River and is an absolutely amazing drive. I wish I could have taken my time and had more than the point/shoot camera with me.

Anyway, meeting in Bend and then back on the road through Sisters and then along the 22 to Salem and I-5. I spent about 5 hours driving through some of the most beautiful country…and got to see Mount Jefferson and the Three Sisters up close. Some pics are in my gallery.

Anyway…made it back to base camp by 3:30pm and after some light unpacking proceeded to pass out for an hour. Woke up and went to Best Buy for a microwave and TV. Have to love NO SALES TAX!!!

Now, I’m back finishing a bowl of soup on a slightly rainy evening and drinking a local IPA…India Pelican Ale. Nice hoppiness with a surprising malt for an IPA. Very enjoyable on a cold tired evening. Wish I had two.