Travels with Dash: California to Oregon
Redding, Crater Lake & Bend
Dear Family & Friends,
Thank you to the 293 of you who read my first post! I am grateful to have so many caring individuals in my life, and hope that as you read along you feel inspired to embark on similar adventures of your own. Since Manton, Dash and I have had many more journeys. We traveled to Redding, stopped by Crater Lake and finally made our way to Bend.
After a beautiful drive through the winding Northern California foothills, we arrived at Matthew and Lyla’s house which is perched atop a small hill just north of Redding. Dash, quickly getting accustomed to this new lifestyle, has realized that he can vacuum up scraps from any new place if fast enough. “Sorry Lyla!” I exclaimed after Dash lapped up a bowl of dog food when we first arrived.
The following day was the Fourth of July, which Matthew and Lyla showed me how to do in style. We began at Redding’s famous Sundial Bridge, sister to Buenos Aires’ Puente de la Mujer. Lunch was at Shorty’s Eatery, a charming “gold rush style” roadside sandwich shop sporting a Blacksmith next store. And finally, the day was topped off enjoying the pool and Matthew’s delectable BBQ prepared “Asado Style,” yet another Argentinian influence making its way to Redding!
The most exciting element of Redding, however, was discovering all of the Boone Family’s “life hacks:” from Matthew’s weekly sourghdough baking, to Lyla’s nutrition insights, to Sam’s backyard vineyard. I was astounded by all the ways in which this family has learned to live fully. We talked late into the night about the state of our union, sustainable farming practices, and how to live happier, healthier lives.
After three nights with the Boone Family, Dash and I began our journey North passing by Mount Shasta on our way towards Oregon. A chance conversation with an Oregonian Rest Stop Visitor’s Center Employee led us towards Crater Lake, where we were able to snatch up a campsite. After a stunning “rim-side” sunset, Dash and I enjoyed our first night “boondocking” together. We made a campfire and noshed on some of the many delectable treats my cousins had gifted us. Before making our way towards Bend the next morning, we took time to enjoy some of Crater Lake’s many wonders including a quick jaunt along the “Lady of the Woods” trail, a view of the lake from Merriam Point, and lunch near the Cleetwood Cove Trail.
Our first campsite near Bend was at the Fall River, a spring-fed stream open to fly fishing. Clear and cold, it springs full-blown from the ground about 2 miles northwest of Pringle Falls and winds its way northeast to join the Deschutes River. I had dinner that night with my fitness coach, Don, and his friend Andy who happened to be in town for a Track & Field event. While the trout avoided our lures the next morning, we enjoyed our time with them and with each other at this burbling Oregonian brook.
The next three nights I stayed at Paulina Lake and ventured out to Bend a number of times where I made more incredible memories than I can describe here. Highlights included meeting a brilliant MedTech engineer, karaoke at Wonderland Chicken Company, paddle boarding the Deschutes River with Dash, listening to a Billy Currington country music show riverside while enjoying fine dining, and more fly fishing. Suffice it to say, I intend on returning to Bend in the very near future…
With that, I’ll leave you with an ode I wrote this morning to one of the many small surprises I’ve had while camping:
That is what I call good Ole cowboy coffee. The best when camping
great journey, keep up the info and fun details!!