Day 8 - Sunday

This is the day we head for Oregon. BTW, while I'm thinking of it, I was informed by a local that it's pronounced OR - E - GUN. Apparently my Midwest accent has it as ORE - A - GONE.

We continue following the Oregon Trail (Route 20) across Eastern Oregon,, heading towards Bend, Or. This is high desert country. It is interesting how the area is transformed with the massive irrigation systems. There are fields stretching as far as the eye can see. I have never seen so many onion fields and the aroma is quite strong even while cruising by at 65 mph.

We stop for gas and a quick cup of coffee at Vale, Or. There is a seating area inside so we take a break. In the process we start up a conversation with an old timer who is playing around with an old Brownie camera, with the original box. It was an interesting story. Turns out he had bought the camera while stationed at Pearl Harbor during WWII. He had used it to take photos of the aftermath of the attack and had kept it preserved all these years. I inquired about the photos he took and he said they were home in a shoe box. I mentioned that he should get them out and display them. He said he still had the negatives as well. Apparently their whole family was out for coffee this Sunday morning. They sure were interested in the Harley's and we had a good chat about the Indian motorcycles that they used to ride in the early 50's. Anyways, very nice people out here.

It's a long ride to get to Bend, but the road in the high country here is just great. It has a flow to it that just sucks you in. We see antelope out in the range, none close to the road thankfully.

Route 20

We make Bend by lunchtime. Asking around again, this place was recommended. I think it is kinda like the Big Boy west, but it was a good lunch.

Lunch in Bend Oregon

Open range along 20 - there are Antelope out there but you can't see them in the pic.

From Bend we head up Route 126 towards the town of Sisters. I believe this is part of the Cascade Mountain range. We take Scenic route 242 from Sisters and head deep into the mountains. At the top we encounter the lava fields. They are quite amazing to see. It almost looks like someone ran a plow through the rock.

Lava Info

View of the Lava field from the top

Hanging out at the lava field

Additional photos of the area....

http://www.city-data.com/city/Sisters-Oregon.html

Route 242 did not disappoint. 10 mph switchbacks! It took forever to get off the mountain, but what an enjoyable ride. 242 eventually connected back into Route 126 and we took it into Eugene. Grabbed a room and dinner at the Holiday Inn then it was lights out.

Day 8 = 457 miles