Mother's Day Part 2 -- Sunriver, Oregon Adventures

Wayne and I had been recently talking about driving out to the desert with my mom. She is always looking for excuses to hop in the car and just drive. I knew she had to see Sunriver, and it is so close to so many awesome places! It would be our little hub. My sister and I split the deal, and my mom got to have all of her kids, and grand kids under one roof for 2 nights. I knew that alone would mean something to her even if we did nothing at all.

First stop: Fort Rock

It is 1 hour from Sunriver, and well worth the drive. The views leave you speechless.. The wind on the other hand left us whip-lashed. The museum is seasonal, and we were not able to enter. I am not sure we would have spent too much time in there anyways.. The wind was FREEZING!

On the way back we spotted Newberry National Volcanic Monument (AKA Newbarry Caldera). We were suddenly in a winter wonderland! 

Once back in Sunriver, we went to the lava caves, and then back to the house to BBQ.

I've decided that a 2 night trip anywhere is not enough. The first night is spent figuring out what the plan is or the next day. Run around all day, and go to bed planning your departure. You really only get 1 day to see everything. So we plan to go back! :) It was a wonderful adventure. I know my mama had a good time. Her shop just blew up as did mine, so we needed a break from the stresses of being a single person mass producer. This was just what the doctor ordered.

Fort Rock Adventures

Yesterday was one of the best days ever! We woke up nice and early, coffee in hand, and a Bon Iver playlist. We drove out of the morning fog, and into the hot dry desert. We could have spent the whole day looking at the surrounding area, but had a mission to get to Fort Rock. I can't believe how beautiful this state is. On the drive Wayne actually said in a sarcastic voice, "Wow, this state sucks". While looking around I laughed, because we were driving along a river, and past many lakes and resorts. Even a ski resort with year round gondola rides! My mind was blown, and we hadn't even met our destination..
First stop: Homestead Village Museum. The homestead era peaked in 1912, most of the 'new' inhabitants had never farmed in the high desert before, and were forced to leave. Some managed well. All of the buildings were moved from their original locations to the museum to be restored, and preserved. The church is still used for weddings, and memorials! You can see Fort Rock in the background. It is part of an ancient dried lake, and an extinct volcano. In 1938 a archaeologist discovered prehistoric artifacts in the caves dating back 8,000 years ago.

If you are ever in Oregon, or if you live in Oregon I highly recommend going there! The museum is open Fri, Sat & Sun 10am-4pm May 18-Sep 16. ♥

This crater is called the "Hole in the Ground". It is 4 miles down a very bumpy dirt road, about 6-8 miles from Fort Rock. It is a volcanic crater formed by steam explosions. 1 mile wide, and 300 feet deep. Quite an impressive sight..