A walk along the Deschutes at Trout Creek Trailhead

It was a fine spring central Oregon day so I wanted to a do a family outing we could all participate in.  We drove about 1 hour north to an area called Trout creek that flows into the Deschutes River.   This is a deep canyon area that has some amazing basalt formations around.  There is a rough trail that allows you to climb up to the base of some basalt bluffs but that part of the hike will have to be a trip for another day perhaps in the fall with just the older boys.  Today was clear in the low 60's.  This is a perfect time of year to go, where everything is green and its not too hot yet.  

We got lunch at Subway and the kids got their own carrying bags with the lunch!

The hike upstream along the Deschutes River Trail from Trout Creek Trailhead

Cool trail bridge we passed under on the way down the canyon and back out.

 

Hunters first Mountain Summit

With good weather this weekend, I thought it might be good to let Hunter and Noah attempt their first real mountain summit.  Noah came down with a sore throat and flu symptoms during the night Saturday, so it was just Hunter and me.  My target peak was Pen-y-fan in the Brecon Beacon area of South Wales.  At 2907 ft it is the highest peak in south wales and the highest in southern Britain south of Snowdonia.  Of course we were up Snowdonia in North Wales last summer, but as we gained the summit by train except for the last 100 ft, it doesn't really count:).  

Hiking was great.  Sunny, breezy, turning quite gusty at the summit.  Hunters first mountain summit!  Note the sheep in the pictures beside Hunter.  This was an uber friendly .... and smart sheep that has figured out that people will feed it on the summit of Pen-Y-Fan.  If you made eye contact with this friendly creature it would head your way.  


 


Gower Trip - Rhossoli & Worms Head

After Oxwich, the weather started to clear late morning and with the low tide hitting about mid afternoon, I wanted to take the boys to beautiful village of Rhossoli and see if we could hike across to Worms Head.  Worms head is a tiny spine of rock that hangs off the Western tip of the Gower, and you can only cross over to it at low tide when a rocky land-bridge is exposed.   Historically 'Wurm' is another word for dragon and the rocky outcrop is called this due to its resemblance to a sea serpent.  

 Worms Head off in the distance and waiting for the tide to recede before making the crossing

The crossing and pictures taken from the Island

Looking at the seals far below.  Third shot you get a good view looking back to the mainland with the land bridge exposed

Shots of Rhossoli bay - considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK

Summer 2013 Visit to Bend

Just returned from a work trip back to our headquarters in Bend Oregon.  A couple of my colleagues from the UK were with me this time.  We were there over a weekend so took advantage of the nice summer weather and events in central Oregon.  Link if you cannot see the video below


Smith Rock Hike

After flying into Bend yesterday (Saturday) evening, with good weather predicted for Sunday a few of us from work decided to get up and hike Smith Rock this morning.  Plus, getting outside in the sun is a good way to reset your internal clock to reduce the effects of jet lag.  It was a spectacular walk over Misery Hill and then back along the river.  First time hiking over the top for me.  Great views of the snowy cascades as well as the famous Monkey Face rock formation.  We also saw a rattle snake on the trail too, which is quite rare.  One of the dogs in our party scared it out of its hiding place in the grass beside the trail.  No bite on the dog thankfully.  


The Heritage Coast

Today was clear sunny and cool. What a treat considering the winter we have had. I had to get out. The kids were not interested in getting moving this morning so I headed off for a couple hours on a 6 mile hike in the countryside and coastal areas near our house. The photos below are from the second half of the hike as I hiked along the Ogmore river to the sea and then back along the headlands to where I parked by Dunraven bay.

Tam MacAurthur Rim

Its been about 3 months since my achilles surgery so I thought I would try a light hike in the mountains around Bend.  I chose to head up to the Tam MacAuthor Rim trail which is about 20 minutes out of Sisters Oregon.  Its still early season for this altitude.  There was snow right down to the parking lot at 6500 ft.  The snow was good and solid up to the top of the rim.  at 7700 ft.  Weather around was very unsettled, but made for pretty skies.  The achilles held well with no pain!