Newberry Volcano National Monument

We spent most of the day driving and walking around the park. Pretty cool to see the obsidian flow, and Paulina Peak and lakes! I would definitely recommend taking a trip a little south of Bend to see all of the natural beauty and cool stuff at this place. You might even make a new furry friend if you have lunch at one of the picnic tables.

Tumalo Falls

Tumalo Falls is a must see if you're ever visiting Bend. Although we hiked this last time we were here, this time we went farther up the trail so we could see some of the additional falls. I'm really glad we did, because farther up we were able to get all the way down to the base and take some good pictures!

Bend

Stacey and I were able to get away for a long weekend without the kids. Despite the current situation, traveling was pretty much the same as past trips except for a few minor differences. Here are a couple of random photos of me goofing around at the airport and the last Blockbuster Video store in operation in Bend.

Family Photos

Best Friends

Cabin Work Days

We got through the entire woodpile!

Tarryall Reservoir

Earlier this week I came across a ride route very near to the cabin since I was heading up to the cabin to help for a few days, this was the perfect opportunity to explore the area on bikes with Dad. Mom was once again the team car and even had a furry helper named Bailey for this ride.

We met at the parking lot...25 miles one way, bringing the total ride to 50 miles. The fall colors were beautiful, and we quickly realized that this was going to be one of those amazing and memorable rides. There was very little traffic and the road was in great condition. No question that this will be a repeat, and definitely the place to road ride whenever I go back up to the cabin. Additionally, the reservoir and surrounding areas were a great find for ATVs, paddle boarding, fishing, and other water activities compared to some of our existing spots.

All said, the ride was great and another memory shared for the scrapbook!

The Secret Life of Pets

SS Stage Race

This year for Labor Day I went up to Steamboat Springs with a bunch of teammates to race in my first stage race. Given the course and that it was my first time racing a TT (without any prior practice), I was really just going up there for the fun, the experience, and to hang out and get to know some of the people on the team a little better.

I got in on a nice rental with Erik, married couple Ron and Marisa, and eventually a friend of Marisa's. We had fun racing during the day and watching the Tour de France at night if we weren't going out to dinner. Luckily we had great weather for our race times and avoided the hear, wind and smoke some of the other people or neighboring towns experienced.

In terms of the race, our field was limited to 25 people in the combined Cat 3/4 40 and 50+. I Think we had 16 people in my age group, and I finished 11th overall. Like I said above, it really was for fun given the course and that it was essentially the last race I planned to do this year. I rode with Ron the entire time on Sunday's RR. At the very least, the trip was well worth the amazing pictures I got from Marisa and the fun times hanging out with friends.

Julia Got Braces!