Sunday, March 22, 2015

Winter Comes to Bend

Mid-February, snow was in the forecast, there was but one thing to do.

Time to visit Central Oregon!

A snowy Mt. Washington

After that snowy Thursday (the one that had my skiing friends doing the happy dance), the clouds opened up.  Although Mt. Hood only gained a couple of inches, Central Oregon was the big winner in the snowfall jackpot.  Mt. Bachelor reported a whopping 6 inches.  Even in town, Bend boasted a thick blanket of the white stuff.


My brother's snow-covered front yard

Early Saturday morning found me traveling over the Cascades, Bend-bound.  Winding down Santiam Pass, I just had to stop and take some photos of Mt. Washington's breathtaking snow-covered peak.


Some of the neighborhood locals

Pulling into my brother's street, I was greeted by a herd of locals, calmly munching on the neighbor's landscaping.


Lovely winter scene

Although I was eager to sample Mt. Bachelor's new snow, they were reporting high winds (aka 60 mph gusts) that effectively shut down most of the lifts.  With skiing no longer an option, my brother invited me hiking.


Snow covered bushes

You know me, I never say no to a hike!


Domino loves chasing snowballs

So my brother, his wife, and their young dog Domino all headed to one of their favorite trails on the outskirts of Bend.


A happy pup

There's a huge trail network west of town that follows the Deschutes River.  My brother comes here often to exercise his dog.  Domino always has lots of energy, and it's the perfect place to let her run.


Wind-blown snow makes a pretty scene


We parked near a closed road, covered in a thick blanket of white fluff.  Following the road, I marveled at the lovely snow-covered trees.  Mother Nature does a great job of decorating!


A sunburst peeps through the forest

So... many.... photo subjects!  I lagged behind from the very beginning.


"Domino, fetch!"

The road we followed was above the Deschutes River.  Every once and awhile the trees would part enough to give me a teaser glimpse of it.


Deschutes River view

Meanwhile Domino was having a blast running after pinecones, and jumping in the air trying to catch snowballs in her mouth.


 Snowball action shot


Is that a happy dog, or what?


Face of a happy dog


After a short trek, we drove down to the banks of the Deschutes.  While Domino took a dip in it's frigid waters, I roamed the bank looking for interesting subjects.


Lovely white bushes at river's edge

Of course, I found tons of stuff to photograph.  Such as these snowy bushes.  Or some colorful vegetation lining the river bank.


Bright colors along the Deschutes





It was wonderful to take a walk in the newly-fallen snow.  And nice to be outside on a sunny winter's day (and be reminded that, yes it is indeed still winter!)


Sharing with:  Saturday's Critters and Scenic Weekends.

35 comments:

  1. I love the winter, Linda, and I love winter photos. These are absolutely gorgeous!

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  2. What delightful pictures! The happy dog lifts my spirits.

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  3. Beautiful snowy landscapes! I love the deer. Domino is so sweet. Have a great week!

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  4. Absolutely love that first photo of the totally white mountain against the gorgeous blue sky. Wow!

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  5. What a great way to spend the day! Yes, that is definitely the face of a happy dog. And a fantastic shot! I can't say I'd be as thrilled getting snow right about now :)

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  6. I have been to Bend in July and it was HOT! Nice cool images. Tom The Backroads Traveller

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  7. We only see images like these on Christmas cards! And the dog, Domino. Amazing that he cavorts along with the humans in the snow. Have a great day. Jo

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  8. Pretty snowy scenes! Yes, Domino does look like a happy pup! Beautiful photos! Thanks for linking up, have a great day!

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  9. Glad you got to enjoy some real winter!

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  10. Just enough snow to be truly beautiful, Linda! It warms my heart to see people enjoying snow this time of year. I'm not as tired of winter as most people I know, I admit.

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  11. Domino is a beautiful dog, Linda. Loved your snowy pictures this Monday morning. Sorry you didn't get a chance to ski!

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  12. Wow you got a great shot of the dog! AND I love the slobber bubble on the end of her tongue!! What a fun hike that was:)

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  13. That happy dog photo is wonderful!!! I have yet to get to Bend, but it's on my list. It looks like a beautiful spring snow.

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  14. I love your adventures!! You make me feel like I should venture outside more when it is cold instead of watching television under a blanket on the sofa. But soon it will be too hot here to go outside..lol. It seems to be a window of about a week for perfect weather..haha. Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos and I love, love the photo of the happiest dog...:)

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  15. You can truly see your love of snow in these shots. They were wonderfu and I really loved the look on Domino's face, pure joy.

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  16. Such beautiful scenery, I can understand that you would have lagged behind with so much to capture. Your dog is unbelievably happy, so much fun and so photogenic! Have a great evening, keep safe and warm xx

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  17. That is one happy dog, all right. Love the pictures of the snow (we never got any in Bellingham all winter long) but now I'm looking forward to spring! :-)

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  18. Love your face of a happy dog! and am pretty sure that there was a happy face of a woman when you saw the new snow. Lovely shots!

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  19. Beautiful photos Linda! Glad that you got to spend time with your brother and his wife. Domino is too cute and I love his snow covered face. Always love the sun shining through trees!
    hugs,
    Jann

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  20. A walk in the snow is always enjoyable!

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  21. Linda, you live in just a stunning place. the pictures are beautiful. Im a bit tired of snow, but these were still so enjoyable to look at!

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  22. GREAT name for such a cute dog!! I love Bend as you know and the Deschutes River trail is really awesome and has plenty of my favorite aspen trees (well at least where we went)! I thought I was over winter, but looking at your photos rekindled a little wish for some snow :)
    Blessings, Aimee

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  23. A fresh dumping of snow is my favorite thing about winter, everything looks so new and clean! It's great that they allow dogs on the trails there. Dogs here are confined to the beaches or dog parks. If I could take a dog trail running with me, I'd get a husky. :)

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  24. Love your beautiful dog! And such pretty snow shots.

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  25. Glad you got your snow- love the happy dog

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  26. A dog trying to catch snowballs?! Wow. She does look happy, and everything looks beautiful! I love hiking, and I'm glad you had a great time.

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  27. Dearest Linda; The happy face of sweet Domino gave me a big smile after dishing dishes♡♡♡ Starting with the first picture of 'A snowy Mt. Washington', awesome snow scene which I haven't seen! Thank you very much for sharing them with us. We did have a bit more snow here when I was little :-)

    Sending Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan to my Dear friend, xoxo Miyako*

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  28. I can't decide who has it better, you in Oregon or Sharon in Tennessee. You both live in states that seem to have tolerable weather most of the year, and access to snow if you want it. Even I would have had fun in the snow with Domino along, seems like a charmer!

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  29. Beautiful shots, your dog looks so happy and gorgeous.

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  30. That looks like a beautiful day to be out and about.

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  31. Domino must be really happy that day. What a scenic views you got there. The snowy sight is such a wonder. Although I am not really missing snow right now, I still would say snow is always beautiful. :)

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  32. To answer your question on my blog, the mountain is Pikes Peak.

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  33. A perfect day and it doesn't even look cold.

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  34. Absolutely stunning views. Love Domino!!!

    Mersad
    Mersad Donko Photography

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