Beer, Wine and Mojitos

Before school started we still had some more exploring to do.  After going out to the Koosah and Sahalie falls, we realized that Bend was only another hour past there and that since it really wasn't that far, we should go visit our ole' pal Liz.  So the next weekend we trekked out there for what was to become a bar hopping day.  After seeing the many animals that live in the People's house, we headed over to Deschutes Brewery for lunch.  Homemade chili fries was accompanied by a Deschutes River Ale (which is now one of my favorites).  The restaurant resided in a large and beautiful building.  Not wanting to squander the sunny day, we walked around downtown and around the Old Mill mall and concert venue.  It seemed that everyone else had the same idea we had.  Runners, bikers, and paddle boarders alike were out and about.  

We stopped in for a glass of wine at Naked Winery, and enjoyed a nice refreshing white to accompany the never ending chocolate chip discs that were offered with the wine.  After another tour of the river and a park which name I do not remember, we needed to get out McMenamins stamps for our passport.  We met up with some friends for dinner and to celebrate Preslie's Birthday.  McMenamins Old St. Francis school was great place to walk around.  With multiple bars, a fireside pub and a large outdoor heated area, I wish we could have stayed longer.  It was very tempting to have a whiskey sour and sit next to the fire place and relax.

We said goodbye and headed for The Velvet, a two story bar in Bend.  Liz had been telling me how great the Mojitos were at this bar, but I wasn't so sure.  She was right.  Minty and incredibly refreshing, I definitely recommend them to anyone in the area.  With wood walls and furniture, this cozy bar featured videos of skiers and snowboarders from Mt. Bachelor.  It was very warm inside and I felt like I was in a ski lodge, warming up after a long day in the snow.  There were people of all ages, laughing and having a great time.  I cannot wait to return.

Liz, Nyla and I enjoying our Mojitos.

In September we also headed out to LaVelle Vineyards, for some wine, cheese and a tour of the vineyard.  

Our cheese and fruit platter, along with some delicious  wine.

We enjoyed some a couple tastings of their different wine, and then were taken to their deck that overlooked the entire vineyard and the surrounding area.  It was a gorgeous view and we could see for miles.  We were able to enjoy our meal and wine with a beautiful backdrop.

Wine Grapes!

 We were able to stop and sample some grapes on our tour, trying Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Merlot among many others.  It was fun to be able find the tastes in the grapes that make each wine unique.  Learning about them from our guide was a great experience.

Eugene Exploration

In September, we were finally free from school for a bit so we finally found a day where we could finally explore nature around Eugene.  We went out in search of Tamolitch Pools, but after a logging road mishap we decided we couldn't find it.  But lucky for us we found another hiking spot.  In the Willamette Forest rests a series of Waterfalls, the Sahalie and Koosah falls which are apart of the McKenzie River.  What a spectacular find this was.

Sahalie Falls

Sahalie Falls is the first falls you come across.  Right off the parking lot with access for everyone.  A trail runs between the two falls and then down to Carmen Reservoir.  The trail runs along the river that is full of rapids, mini falls and beautiful shades of blue.

Mini falls along the river

Nyla observing some rapids and contemplating life.

 The trail is relatively short, less than two miles in and out.  We soon found ourselves at the top of Koosah Falls.  Unable to see much except the falls dropping off the cliff, we moved on to the observation area, only a short walk from the falls, and a great lunch spot.

Koosah Falls from the observation area.

We decided against hiking down towards the reservoir and made our way back up to Sahalie Falls where we parked.  We found a trail that led up past Sahalie Falls and decided to adventure that way.  We discovered that the trail led to the top of Sahalie Falls and found some gorgeous rapids just before the falls.

Rapids above Sahlie Falls.

As much as I hate heights, it was cool to look over the edge of the falls.  Not sure why there was no barricade, but not my problem.