My daughter lives in Central Oregon, and last week my parents, my sister’s family, Bob and I spent some time there.

Central Oregon is high desert.  You wouldn’t know it when you’re at Pronghorn, thought!

My Mom and Dad have a “fractional ownership” in the Residence Club there.  I loved the sage blooming just outside the door.

We spent about three hours on a float trip on the Dechutes River.  What a blast!

One day Bob and I drove east through the Ochoco Forest to see the Painted Hills.

They were truly amazing.  The clay that forms them was deposited 33 million years ago!

We lunched in the tiny town of Mitchell.  It may be tiny, but it has everything, including this gas station.  Really.

These wild flowers were blooming along side the road where we stopped to take photos of the painted hills.  I think they’re black-eyed Susans, but I don’t know for sure.

One morning, Mat, Melissa, Ray and I hiked to the top of Pilot Butte.  That gets the old heart pumping!  But the view was magnificent.

We drank the local brew, Dutch Brothers.  I love their logo!  And the sunset isn’t bad either.