Spring Break for 2022 was initially planned for 2020 & 2021.
Thanks to Covid, they were both cancelled.
2022, we finally made it to Bend, Oregon. In prepping, I dreamt of warmer days, some nice hikes to lovely waterfalls, sitting on the balcony looking at the river.
Haha, Mother Nature had other plans.
This was our drive to Bend
The odd angel is compliments of the back seat rider who was pretty convinced we were going to die. This mountain Pass is not the usual (or easiest way) to get to Bend, but we had gotten a tip to stop at Joe's Donuts in Sandy, Oregon on our way. Rumor was, they make amazing donuts. Rumor is true. And I don't really like donuts.
GPS led us through Mt. Hood pass on our way to Bend. It's mid-April - who needs to check a pass report before traveling, right?
I started to see illuminated signs stating traction tires under 10,000 feet, chains required over 10,000 feet. As I'm driving, I am thinking, holy crap, I have never been over this pass I have no clue what to do. So I followed the crowd. There were not many drivers going over the same time we were, but there were vehicles like mine. Turned on the 4-wheel drive, turned on the anti-skid and off we went. I've had this Ford for near 8 years now. Not until now had I ever known how well the anti-skid works. And thank goodness, once we got a few miles in to the drive, I started to breathe again. It was slippery and blowing snow in much of the way. Not once did I feel like I was in over my head. But I was so very happy to see wet pavement on the other side.
Cold and snow was the theme for the vacation. It snowed every day. Temps ranged from the 20's-40's. Our plans to hike ended. We attempted one, but got in fresh snow on the drive there so we turned around. None of us had enough gear to hike in the snow. With the exception of a few walks, all our outdoor plans did not happen.
So we found other things to do.
Like swimming (and walking to the pool in 32 degrees!)
A really cool museum.
An indoor fun center.
Pizza
Food Trucks
Gelato
Family time in the condo
This snow covered bench was there to greet us as we walked in to the museum.
4 inches fresh snow
"NO HUMAN BEING, HOWEVER GREAT, OR POWERFUL, WAS NEVER SO FREE AS A FISH"
A quote that speaks to my swimmers heart.
❄ The temp on our way to the pool ❄
Our view from the room
Bumper cars
Virtual Reality Games
Laser Tag (I came in last, but was able to get Ryan once!)
Couple games of bowling
Taken the morning of our departure
Despite my request, Kathryn declined to take part in the photo shoot.
Ryan is looking quite grown up.
On our way to Bend, post the snowy mountain pass we came upon this amazing roadside gem.
Look at those clouds!!
The following is the incident to never be spoken of again. We call it "the incident"
Just after arriving in Bend, my car got up close and personal with a nice white Mercedes SUV.
Totally my fault. 🙁
I was tired, hungry and unfamiliar with the roads. On a one-way two lane street with parking on both sides, I turned left in attempt to park but did not realize I was in the right lane.
The white Mercedes was in the left lane. 😖
I've never hit another car except backing in to a parked car in a horribly tight parking lot years ago.
Mainly our mirrors, my drivers side, her passenger side - hit. Since the mirrors have hinges, both were able to go back to proper position. My front tire wheel well rubbed up against the passenger side front bumper and wheel well, scraping it and transferring paint. Not much of a dent. Both cars were drivable. My car had the most damage and because the car is old and dented in other places, I am not going to pursue repairs. Grateful for my insurance that basically dealt with the issue 100%. Also grateful for the graciousness of the person I hit. What a way to start a vacation.
