A morning in the 'biggest small town downtown'; Sisters, Oregon

Sisters at the eastern foothills of the Cascades has a small town western feel, with art galleries, vintage stores, and excellent coffee. A good way to spend a morning with the family. 

I am bunkered down for the afternoon at the window with a view, the 'boys' are braving a round of golf, the 'girls' are off swimming. 

Sisters motto: "The West at its Best"

A walk through Sisters is an experience in itself.

Beauty of trees on a path; Eagle Crest Resort

We have a beautiful lounge with a cosy fire going overlooking the canyon and the fast flowing Deschutes River here at Eagle Crest Resort. The big blue skies of our first few days in Central Oregon have changed to low cloud with misty rainy conditions. 

It's been rather nice to slow down, to watch the early morning snow, to read, to have a swim in a heated outdoor pool (only managed 15 minutes), to sit in the spa and to take gentle walks along the Deschutes River Trails. 

The beauty of trees along our trail!

Just love these moss covered branches.

Last day of 2024; the Crooked River Trail, Smith Rock State Park

To close out this year we chose to be in nature, on a path with a camera and binoculars. Smith Rock is  popular High Desert Central Oregon State Park and close to our accommodation here at Eagle Crest Resort.  

Crooked River, Smith Rock State Park

The geology of the park is quite unique, the majestic rock formations are welded tuff which is compressed volcanic ash, something new for us, which was formed 30 million years ago!

Welded Tuff, compressed volcanic ash

Imposing walls along the trail.

We chose to walk the 7 km River Trail and loved the contrast of the fast flowing Crooked River and the imposing rock formations. I love these cold weather walks and I quietly reflected on this year, so much to feel gratitude for and thank you Fred for the support and being on the path.

Crooked River and our trail on the right hand bank.

Stark contrast of the Central Oregon high desert landscape and the majestic Cascade Range snow-capped peaks.