Happy girl – Letting Go

Friends, I had the opportunity to head down to Borrego Springs a few weeks ago to check out the “Wildflower Superbloom.” Words simply cannot describe this glorious scenery, and the smells… oh the smells. Standing in the valley floaor at sunset, completely surrounded by a seemingly infinite supply of wildflowers, is a feeling I will never forget. We went to this valley the first evening and it was insane! Driving by it’s a beautifully vast landscape, but getting out of the car and among the flowers was a different world.

The smell of these flowers was like honey and heaven

The next day we headed to Anza-Borrego State Park – with the swarms of other folks. I happened to be staying with some locals and we went the opposite way of the crowds and had these hills to ourselves (thank God!)

Choose your path wisely 🙂

The purples mixed with yellows was just so lovely!

Flowers or butterflies?

And of course the cacti…

Mr. Bee getting busy. If you can, zoom in!

How many types of flowers do you see…

Look at the multi-color stems! Looks like they belong underwater

This fence!

What an incredible experience! We were told the blooms hadn’t been this glorious in 38 years. Blessed to have seen it.

God is good friends. God is good.

I’ve always imagined I would end up in a small, mountain type town, with beautiful lakes and snow capped mountains, great restaurants with outdoor seating, and residents really making it feel like a community. Though I have dreamed of this place, I have never actually been to said destination. Then, I went to Bend.

On the cruise up we decided to swing by Crater Lake. WOW! This place is gorgeous! It almost looks fake – this volcano inside a volcano! A must see if cruising through southern Oregon. I would also recommend staying at the Green Springs Inn & Cabins outside of Ashland. It was in the middle of the… forest?… and we loved it! The rooms were amazing – and the restaurant was great! The gift shop even had a box for PCT hikers like I read about in Wild!

Ah yes, Bend. Bend is… well, it’s perfect. It’s technically high desert, but Mt. Bachelor sits just a stones throw away, snow capped even in mid summer. The downtown is absolutely delightful, with the Deschutes Rivers meandering through – full of folks floatin’. You can stroll the darling shops, great restaurants, craft breweries and chat with all the NICE people! We actually saw a sticker saying “Be nice, you’re in Bend“. Ha!

We had the privilege to spend the 4th of the July weekend there – and boy oh boy do they do it big! The parade was massive, and after the parade everyone heads down to the park by the river for a huge festival. Tons of booths, drinks, food, games – you name it.

Accommodations:
We rented the cutest studio! Just 2 blocks from downtown and perfect!

Exploration of the Cascade Lakes:

Devil’s Lake – The most clear, turquoise lake I have ever seen! And freeeeezing!

Loved this shot I got of some paddlers!

Todd Lake – super peaceful and secluded with beautiful views from the parking lot!

Mt. Bachelor in the background

Elk Lake – not a great shot – but a perfect spot to rent a kayak or lounge on the beach.

4th of July Madness! This is where you want to celebrate ‘merica!

Yes, that’s a dog up there 😦

Pano of the post parade festivities!

Craft Breweries!

Side trip up to Sisters
A must do!

The town of Sisters is absolutely darling – and not far from Bend. You MUST eat at Cottonwood Cafe!

First Fridays! SO happy we stumbled upon this! I would actually encourage you to plan your trip to Bend during a First Friday. All of the shops offer free beer/wine/cocktails and snacks and the whole town comes out! There’s live music on just about every corner, and it really solidifies the sense of community.