Monday, November 16, 2009

Road Trip: Along Oregon's McKenzie Hwy

The McKenzie River

McKenzie River OregonOk, I know this blog is called Bend Oregon Photos. But, from time to time, as I travel... you'll probably see some photos from other places around Oregon. Plus it's my blog... I'll do what I want! ;)

This shot comes from along the McKenzie Highway. I was on the way to an Oregon Ducks (Go Ducks!) game this last weekend. I wanted to get out of the car and stretch my legs, so I pulled in to this little day park off the highway. There was a trail that led down away from the park, and I followed it.

The air was wet and fresh. It smelled great. The ground was covered in large, yellow, wet leaves. The McKenzie river babbled on in the distance.

It was such a great time of year to be there. No else in sight. The air was cool, and crisp. It felt clean as you inhaled. Almost energizing.

I loved the walk down to the river. The leaves soaked my shoes, but that didn't matter. Fallen trees covered areas of the path. Moss grew wildly across everything two feet off the ground and up. As I came to a clearing by the water, there were large stones all around the water. I was able to build a make shift bridge, by lining up these large stones in the water, all the way out a large rock. Once I got out there, I was able to just sit there for a while and take it all in.

Mixed Feelings About Bend Video

VisitBend.com's Promo Video

I love Bend, Oregon. Let's just get that straight right off the bat. I grew up here.



It is annoying however, to watch your town start to deteriorate slowly as the population grows. Crime increases. A 10 minute drive becomes a 20 minute drive, due to traffic. Big chain stores move in and wipe out local businesses that have been here for years. Property prices blow through the roof, and make home ownership an impossibility.

The video is right though, Bend, Oregon is probably one of the greatest places to live in the Western United States. Bend is big enough to have all you need. The natural beauty is truly breath taking. So, while I love Bend... I hate to see it advertised.