Thursday, July 14, 2011

Super Summer Fun Times

My blog seems to have taken an unscheduled vacation, but I’m not too mad at it. Must have needed one and probably didn’t have too much to say... And I sure know how sometimes a vacation is important.  
I’ve been doing a lot of fun things in Bend lately, things like kayaking down the Deschutes , going to the Bite of Bend, driving up to the mountains to see how the snow melt is coming along at some of our favorite trails.
On Friday, I was hanging out on the bridge at Old Mill in the lovely twilight, catching the sounds of the Alison Krauss concert that was going on at the Les Schwab Amphitheater. This is a picture from the bridge that beautiful night.
 A lot of these activities and events will work their way into the 44 trilogy. I really love writing books that are based here in Bend because there really is a lot going on, especially in the summer!
In 44 Book 2, which is scheduled to come out in August, Abby spends a lot of time in the Old Mill area and even has a job working at the concerts. I've seen a lot of concerts there, including Lyle Lovett, Bob Dylan, The Fray, Chris Issak and even the Alison Krauss concert a few years back. It's a magical venue, where you can sip wine with your toes in the grass, watch the sun fall behind Mt. Bachelor, and listen to great music.
As I was scanning the horizon on Friday night, right before the sun disappeared, I couldn't help but wonder if summer would ever really happen up in the mountains this year. I’m a little worried because of the crazy amount of snow we received this past winter (Mt. Bachelor broke a record) and that my favorite hike, the trail up to Green Lakes, won't be snow-free this season. It’s an awesome hike that follows Fall Creek up to the lakes, wandering past waterfalls, wildflowers (in July), and a ridge made of black, shiny obsidian rocks. When you make it to the lakes (about 4 1/2 miles away), you're right under the incredible South Sister, with Broken Top just to the  right. It's stunning and no matter how many times I go, it always takes my breath away. I try to get up there at least a couple times during the summer and early fall.
In other news, I wanted to shout out a huge congratulations to the 44 Blog Tour Giveaway winner, Krysta Banco! Thanks Krysta for leaving such great messages on the tour! Your winner package, which includes a print version of 44, was mailed out so you should be getting it soon!
Well, don’t want to overwork the blog on its first day back, lest it will be off on vacation again. I hope you all are having the best of the best of summers!
Jools