The trip to Bend

Bend, OR at sunset

My wife and I left Saturday morning for a nice little jaunt to Bend, OR. Bend is known for a few things, to my knowledge. First, it is absolutely gorgeous there..great views of several snowy peaks (3 sisters, Broken Top, Mt.Bachelor, Mt. Washing ton and one called 3 fingered Jack - which sounds like a hand insult of some sort...), the Deschutes River and more trees than you could count in a lifetime. 2. Tremendous mountain biking, kayaking and skiing at Mt.Bachelor. and 3. The Deschutes Brewery. If you like beer, and you havent tried Mirror Pond ale or Black Butte Porter, then you are missing out! Amazing beer, and my favorite micro-brew and possibly favorite beer of any I've ever had.

When we first got there, we stopped off for lunch at the Deschutes brewhouse and pub. We both had chicken sandwiches and each tried a 6 pack sampler of beer. There were so many good beers, we were in heaven. I'd have to say the local Bachelor Bitter, and the Saison, were outstanding. We tried to not have the ones you can buy in the stores. After eating and downing the brews, we were feeling pretty good, but headed over to the actual Deschutes Brewery and took a tour of the place. But first, the feed you 5 more beers. The tour, and the beer, was FREE. After 6 beers at lunch, and 5 more..we were each quite happy and made our way to the hotel. We changed, took a walk, and relaxed and then headed out to dinner.

We went to Merenda's (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!) for dinner, and instead of ordering the tradtional meal and maybe a salad or appetizer, we split a bunch of small plates and appetizers. The cost was about the same for us and we got to try a lot of foods, and since I felt a little sick (maybe from the brews?), I didnt want some big meal in front of me.
So we split an order of the humboldt fog cheese appetizer (big thumbs up) and the tomato and basil plate. The tomato plate was basically a caprese appetizer, without the buffalo mozarella..but it was a one GIANT tomato, followed by a bunch of different varieties of tomatos all stacked on top, drizzled with olive oil. It was..amazing. For our other courses, we ordered the spare ribs (which are a must-have apparently..really really tasty), the roasted corn, and a warm, creamy butter encrusted goat cheese tart (that comes with a small portobello and bacon salad)..all were absolutely terrific and more than we could eat. Apparently they also have an incredible wine selection and the bar was very impressive..but we had had so much beer earlier in the day, that water and a coke was all either of us desired.


Bend at sunrise

The next day we went for a nice walk in the morning around part of the town and down by the Deschutes river. We talked a lot about my wife switching jobs perhaps and other stuff. It was a good walk, and a good chat. My wife and I had the first year problems, that many marriages do, and I would have to say, that a good 75% of the stuff was my fault. But we have persevered and our relationship is terrific now. We have been married for 2 1/2 years now...and are quite happy!


Drake Park in Bend

We went then walked downtown after breakfast and did some window shopping. Most stores were closed on Sunday, which was a bummer, so we walked a bit by the park and then drove up to a great place for lunch, called the Parilla Grille (really good fish tacos!). On our way back to Portland, we stopped in Sisters, OR for an ice cream and a little walk and then came back to Portland, saw "The 40 year-old virgin" which we thought was funny, but a bit hokier than some people had said. Had a decent noodle dish at Zoa noodles and came home and relaxed.

Monday, we got up earlier to go out for breakfast, but our favorite local spot was closed, so we went up to NW 21st to a great artisan bakery and enjoyed a good brunch. Then over to Pottery Barn to drop a few grand on a dining room table and chairs, and over to an Italian pottery store for a platter and basket. Coming home, we did a little housework, and then over to our neighbors for a little bbq dinner. After dinner and dessert, we took a walk, then came home, played a tile board game called "Carcassonne" (which I won 2-0) and had some tea and went to bed.

All in all, a really good weekend, good weather and good company. I am not looking forward to work tomorrow. C'est la vie.