Smith Rock #2

I was lamenting to my husband that I didn't get to see any rock climbers on our recent visit to Smith Rock. I did see a couple of guys pulling equipment out of their cars, but we didn't have the time to stay around. So I was content to take a few shots of the rocks as we were leaving. Then to my great surprise, when I dld the photos, what did I see!! Can you spot them? There are 3!

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Well if you can't here's a cropped shot.

Smith Rock

On our recent trip to central Oregon, we stopped by Smith Rock, just east of the town of Terrebonne, north of Bend. I can't begin to do justice to it's colorful, massive shear cliffs. Smith Rock State Park, overlooking the scenic Crooked River Canyon, has received international fame for its rock climbing opportunities. I took a few 'tame' photos, from the parking lot and roadside.

Beautiful Central Oregon

The Cascade Mountains form a stunning backdrop for Bend. Autumn color is just beginning to show. In the mild Willamette Valley, Salem gets clouds and rain while Bend, at an elevation of 3600+ ft above sea level, and at the western edge of high desert country, gets a lot of sunny skies and snow. Not sure why our autumn is weeks ahead of theirs.

A visit to Bend

Drake Park sits in the heart of Bend and is well-used by both folks and fowl. Large Ponderosa Pines are prevalent in this historic neighborhood. The park is adjacent to the quaint downtown shopping area with the Deschutes River on it's western boundary.

On the Road

I want to share a few shots from a visit to Central Oregon. Taken from Highway 20, just west of Bend you can see that a little snow has fallen on the Cascades. This is two of the "Three Sisters" -- Middle and North. South Sister is off to the left.