Ladies!
Okay, I'm writing this posting for two reasons:
1. To report on our lovely weekend; and
2. Because no one has written in anything in nearly three months!!!!
This weekend marked the official close of our first summer in Oregon. And, as I'm learning, what would a summer in Oregon be without a good old-fashioned family roadtrip to some outdoorsy location? Luckily we got one in just in time!
It all started a couple of weeks ago, really, when we were in Napa for the weekend. Point B hosts a company getaway for all associates and their partners each year, and this year's was at the Silverado Resort in Napa. So, down we flew, dropped off Ian at the grandparents and spend the weekend eating, drinking and participating in the Point B Olympics, which included the now-famous "crab catch."
Now, I know you are all wondering what Napa has to do with an Oregon family roadtrip. Well, Jeff was recently appointed the Point B "Culture Director" (all positions with the company are voluntary and contribute to your annual bonus). In the role, he was immediately informed upon our return from Napa that Point B was already behind in planning next year's getaway, which would preferably be somewhere in Oregon given that the Portland market is getting sizeable enough at this point to do its own thing. So, being the helpful, event-planning, resort-finding spouse that I am, I put my handy skills to work and hopped on the computer to locate some perfect options for next year (i.e., nice resorts in OR where I would most like to go).
Enter Sunriver Resort. This is a name that seems to come up often in these parts. Family-friendly resort with lots of activities outside of Bend in Central Oregon. With a little convincing, we decided a mini family getaway was long overdue since our trek out West and booked a condo at Sunriver for Labor Day.
It was a wonderful little getaway. We left around Noon on Friday. The drive there takes you out of Portland and immediately into the mountains around the base of Mount Hood, which is amazing beautiful. Then you drop into a valley and follow along the Deschutes River for a bit until you eventually come into Bend - which, you probably know, is the hoity toity place to be and be seen in Oregon these days. Sunriver is just on the other side about 15 miles outside of Bend. It's a very pretty area with quite the woodsy feel. The resort itself is huge with a main lodge, three golf courses, several pools, a spa, it's own airport, river rafting, horseback riding, miles of bike trails, kids' playgrounds, a nature center and many condos and vacation homes. W
e had a two bedroom, two bath condo with its own deck that overlooked a lake and clear views of Mt. Bachelor. (Molly & Erica - It reminds me a little bit of Yosemite Valley, but bigger, I think.) The weather could not have been better as there was not a cloud in the sky all weekend with daytime temps in the 80s.
e had a two bedroom, two bath condo with its own deck that overlooked a lake and clear views of Mt. Bachelor. (Molly & Erica - It reminds me a little bit of Yosemite Valley, but bigger, I think.) The weather could not have been better as there was not a cloud in the sky all weekend with daytime temps in the 80s.Friday evening we ventured back into Bend for dinner at a cute little Italian place, then sitting out under the stars, wine in hand, after Ian went to bed. Saturday morning we took a long stroll to the village to check out the restaurants and shops and then back to the condo for Ian's lunch and nap. Midday our friends Zach and Brianne joined us where we hung out lazily on the deck most of the afternoon and then went to gather nuts for dinner (just kidding - we went to the grocery store). I tried to push for Tater Tot Casserole, but the group instead voted on hamburgers, with Tater Tots. Close enough, I guess. Lots of wine and amazing star gazing/meteor showers that evening as well. Sunday more laziness and walks, with the required trip to the playground, of course.
And the Monday morning - back to reality - time to pack up and head back to Portland. But not before a Dairy Queen stop along the way. (Cat - you know how I love the Dairy Queen!!!)
All in all, lots of fun and hopefully just the beginning of all the beautiful places along the coast and in the mountains we have to explore in Oregon and throughout the Pacific Northwest. Next up: A visit to Timberline Lodge this winter for skiing on Mount Hood.
All in all, lots of fun and hopefully just the beginning of all the beautiful places along the coast and in the mountains we have to explore in Oregon and throughout the Pacific Northwest. Next up: A visit to Timberline Lodge this winter for skiing on Mount Hood.
I hope everyone else enjoyed a labor-free weekend!
