Mother's Day marks just about the one year anniversary of when we first came to Bend on our trip cross country. I can not believe it has been a year already! It's really neat to see the springtime in Bend for a second time. Last time we were here at this time, we missed out on seeing lots. This year we are gung-ho about seeing as much as possible. One of those places we weren't able to visit, due to lack of time were the Painted Hills, about an hour and a half east of Bend. I decided this was where I wanted to spend Mother's Day this year!
Mitchell, Oregon was the little town right outside of the Painted Hills that allowed for gas fill-ups and food before heading into the colorful, sandy hills of the desert. Here is Erik trying to figure out how the hell to work this old school gas pump. We found out 5 minutes later that this pump was not for public use, but for "special" card holders. The people in this town were some of the kindest people we have met.
Looked like a very small cowboy/ghost town.
Our first views that we drove up to, of the painted hills. WOW! The colors were so vibrant and full of life!
A picture with my two little girls on Mother's Day is a rarity these days with how fidgety Autumn has become.
Joss our little photographer is still taking amazing photos. She has such an eye for it.
A family photo that lasted two seconds before Auty was off and running. She just doesn't want to be still for any length of time.
I find it hard to believe that something so drastically different from the climate and landscape of Bend is less than two hours away. One of the many reasons we chose Oregon as our home was for all the amazing landscapes you can visit within hours time. It has the lush, thick forests laced with dripping moss of the Williamette valley, to the rugged and majestic awe-inspiring coastline, to the quirky, food mecca of Portland, to the sandy canyons and hills of the deserts, to the crystal clear, blue and green lakes of the Cascades, to the crisp white snow capped mountains off in the distance to the black, hardened lava lands that are widely dispersed throughout. This place has it all!!
The only way to keep Auty still is to feed her. She was loving the trail mix.
Spring time wild flowers are alive and kicking in this harsh environment. The beauty that perseveres is magical.
The little lizard hoping no one sees him burrowing his way deep into the hardened ground of these colorful hills to make a home.
A beautiful little trail getting close and personal to the painted hills.
Love the colors nature is showing off in this picture.
I think everyone was starting to get a little tired of exploring. I could have gone all day! Being out in nature anywhere, always makes me feel alive.
Our last look, for now, of the sublime patterns and spectacular colors of Mother Nature's beautiful artwork. She leaves you speechless.
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