Sweet + Sweaty Times in Bend!

Vacation days are so fun, yet never seem long enough. Agreed? Well, we got back from our stay-cation in Bend, Oregon a couple days ago and wanted to share some photos (of course!). You've been fore-warned: many photos ahead...! On our first night in Bend we explored part of the downtown area near our lodge. Deschutes Brewery - delish! We went back and watched some Inception and had a craving for a sweet or 2 .. or 3. *On vacation, there are no calories. You didn't know? Oh yeah, total and pure fact. :) We saw a fun spot called Powell's Sweet Shoppe and decided to check it out. When you walk in - it is a candy heaven. Any kind of candy you can imagine is in there with Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory playing in the background. Below, is an old card catalog from a library (there were a couple of these lined up) and you could find a candy (or 5) and keep on shopping.

We settled on a few scoops of gelato.

On to Day 2.. it was time to burn some calories and meet a spot we had been looking forward to: Smith Rock. You may have seen the video in the previous post, but some photos are too fun not to share.

Ok so this photo isn't exactly fun to share, but you can see a portion of the Smith Rock area.

We take our hiking very serious.. ;)

Look Ma! It's a big rock! :)  To answer your question: Yes, my calves are real.

Before a long hot day of hiking, you must get at least a couple cute fresh and happy photos!

We decided to take the River trail first (along Crooked River) that goes about 2 miles around Smith Rock. So the beginning of our trek looked a lot like this....

 

Then when you get to the other side (passing many rock climbers and other sweet hikers) you can start to see the image of Monkey Face rock. Can you find the Monkey face below??

 We started using Monkey to be our guide as to how close we were getting not only to the Summit but it also helped us see if we wanted to keep going around (meaning: UP and at a steeper incline in the 90 degree heat).

We decided: ONWARD!!

Close to the summit!

This is the view from the TOP! We made it and look at how beautiful!

The other side of Monkey.. and the VIEW! That is part of the Sisters Mountains to the left.

We did it!! YEA!!

Beginning the trek down and back to base. Our car is down the Rock we are standing, on over that foot bridge, up the small hill, then up another big hill.

This hike was quite challenging. I have some friends who have hiked it and even if you're in super duper shape, you will find some tough spots! It was a little bit of rock surfing on our way down. That trail is ironically called: Misery Trail and rated most difficult on their guide information. Bend has some fun spots to eat and drink.. but when it comes to their outdoors - they do not mess around! There is a reason everyone there is sun kissed, in great shape and all smiles.

Bend thanks for the fun! We will be back again! 
Next time though.. rafting, kayaking and more Sangria.