Jun 25, 2015

We headed off a bit later today and had a lot of looking around so didn't get in until after 6pm but we had a great day. We loved the High Desert Museum and enjoyed the Volcanic experience but the highlight was without doubt the ride from Sisters Via McKenzie Pass and Hwy 126 where we climbed from sandy pine forest a lot like around the Narribri area up into and through mountains and  initially alongside a massive lava flow then through and over it and down again through incredibly cool, moist and luxuriant forest. Magnificent ride and awe inspiring scenery. WOW! An excellent road surface and lots of twists and turns and ups and downs. Not fast but a lot of fun. We are in Eugene tonight, a University town. Pictures tell the story:

Indian Chief head dresses at the High Desert Museum where the history archeologically and anthapologically were covered well.

　

An otter who posed beautifully before diving in for a swim.

　

And one of many beautiful sculptures throughout the museum.

　

Heading for the butte on the shuttle at the Newberry National Volcanic Monument.

　

A shot of Mt Batchelor from the summit of the Butte.

　

And a view from the Pilot Butte of Bend and the Sisters mountains in the distance.

　

And a slingshot parked beside our bikes when we emerged from lunch.

　

Sisters, a cute and quirky little town. A sign unfamiliar at home.

　

And this tree has literally been built around in the ground and first floor verandas. Told you it was quirky.

　

Lava flow on the way to Eugene.

　

And ultimately it goes from beside us to the road going straight through.

　

The Dee Wright Observatory in the Willamette Natioal Forest. Quite bizarre, literally construted by lava rocks on the top of the summit of the McKenzie Pass.

　

A shot of the Three Sisters from the Observatory.

　

And a  shot of the Three Sisters as we descend.

　

And we descend into the forest. Didn't get a shot where the forest was the most dense. So should have had a GoPro on.

　

A Covered bridge across the Blue River as it galloped alongside the road.

　

And a shot of some buildings in the University of Oregon, Eugene being a University city.

Bits and Bobs:

　

Breakfast room wisdom from this morning.

Last Night's Accommodation:

　

Hampton Inn and Suites Bend, 730 SW Columbia Street, Bend, OR 97702

Lovely room and building. Parked our bikes under the portico at the front. Included WiFi, hot breakfast and parking. Staff very friendly and comfortable bed with short walking distance to many restaurant options for dinner. Comfortable spot to drop.