Hillside Inn

Snowboarding / Skiing at Mt. Bachelor

by Etoile2B

Mt. Bachelor resort is a great place for beginners and advanced skiiers and snowboarders alike to test their skills. The ski school offers a variety of lessons for every skill level. The mountain boasts a vast terrain and three lodges. The snow is usually stellar and the runs, groomed. And when the winds allow, the Summit Chair offers great advanced runs and bowls at the peak. Sunrise lodge is the oldest on the mountain and is often less crowded than the more popular Pine Martin Lodge. Long, wide runs and exceptional powder are some of the benefits to this resort. The main drawback: no ski in / ski out. The nearest overnight lodging is 20 minutes away under the best of conditions. This keeps the crowds down, but after a long day on the slopes it can be difficult to sit in traffic on the drive back home. With a variety of great lift ticket options, Mt. Bachelor is a personal favorite. Rentals are available on the mountain.

Bend, Oregon ~ The Perfect Getaway!

by dee_1NiteAngel

"Something For Everyone..."

Whether you're on vacation, business traveling or just networking with family and/or friends, the unbelievably beautiful town of Bend, Oregon is the perfect place to spend time breathing in the sweetness of mountain air complimented by the tranquil sounds of nearby crystal clear waters.

Just short-miles bordering the town of Bend are adjacent sister-cities, Redmond and Sunriver offering peaceful surroundings of natures beauty welcoming newcomers with snow-capped mountains and rivers for family fun and activities that only extends this glorious quandrant of our Pacific Northwest state of Oregon.

Something for everyone is actually understating the beautiful eastern town; locals enjoy their commutes by either horse back, cycling, kayaking, canoeing, river boarding or power-walking. While we were taking in all of the magic via bicycling along Sun River, we were joined and inspired by Triathlons from many states and cities in the Pacific Northwest region attempting to challenge their disciplined training(s).

Various outside markets and outlets offered the occasional bargain proving to be productive as well as educational. Street carnival artists, musicians and traditional bar-b-que vendors serving up an array of meats aplenty were just a few of the enticements we paused to enjoy. Evening, we dined on exquisite cuisine at 'Zydeco', an elite restaurant establishment located on the southwest end of downtown Bend. Alaskan Red Snapper with Papaya and Pineapple Salsa was recommended and later highly rated. An after-dinner-stroll along the eastern riverside of town was nothing short of a perfect end to a perfect day by capturing the beauty of a majestic sunset!

FLOWERS OF TUMALO

by mtncorg

Tumalo Falls is a grand sight to see in its own right. Water tumbling over basaltic cliffs in an neverending crescendo of power. Summer brings flowers to the arid landscape. Purple penstemons brighten the scene.

With such beauty, how can one hurry? Senses fill as you stand in awe.

Sunlight glistens, colors glow.

Waters thunder and mists drift away.

Primeval beauty and you are there to experience.

You can't believe what you see through your camera.

Each picture as good as the last.

Tarry and savor the natural world. Feel the excitement seep inside your soul.