Vacation Rambles

As I’ve mentioned before, theTravelsletcher and I enjoy taking walks, in our neighborhood, in a park, garden or forest, and in wetlands and nature preserves. On our recent trip to Central Oregon, we found several interesting and beautiful places to enjoy some rambles. The first one, Sisters’ Nature Preserve, is just outside the historic town of Sisters.

The preserve is owned, operated and maintained by the Deschutes Land Trust. In 1868, Samuel and Jane Hindman settled here and you’ll see the ruins of their barn which is one of the oldest structures in Deschutes County.

The barn was actively used from 1870 – 1960 for dairy cows and horses. The couple paid just $400 for 160 acres (64.7 hectares) of land when they purchased it in 1868.

The meadow in the preserve is named Camp Polk Meadow, and has been an important location for thousands of years with Native American Tribes using the area for hunting, fishing and trading with other tribes.

The meadow is a quiet, tranquil place to wander with lots of interesting plants.

Crooked River Wetlands Complex was developed out of necessity to improve the city of Prineville’s wastewater system while incorporating sustainable practices. The 120 acre (48.5 hectare) complex has multiple hiking and biking trails, locations for birdwatching and picnicking. The environmental benefits have helped the local wildlife to flourish.

We also enjoyed a walk at the Lake Ochoco State Park, a pretty park nestled in the Ochoco National Forest. If you enjoy camping and fishing, this place is for you.

There have been multiple forest fires in the area which were visible as we traveled through the forest.

We worked up an appetite with all that walking so we headed to the Pine Tavern in Bend for a delicious lunch. This restaurant opened in 1936 and was a popular spot for WWII soldiers stationed at nearby Camp Abbot.

I hope you enjoyed this short post; we’re in La Conner, WA at the moment celebrating our 38th wedding anniversary. Check out theTravelsketcher’s post about our time here.

Wishing you peaceful and beautiful rambles,

Tricia