Snowshoes and Beer

We had some friends visit us from Corvallis this past weekend and thought it would be perfect time to learn snoeshowing. 

[As a side note, this being our first winter, employed, in Oregon, Rob and I both wanted to experience Bend the way it was meant to be - on the slopes.  So Rob went all out and bought skis and a season pass for Mt Bachelor.  I, on the other hand, chickened out.  Why does waking up at 7am, spending all day in the cold, falling down in the snow not sound exciting to me?  While everyone else is counting the days left in the ski season, I am counting down the days until I can wear flip flops again.]

We headed up to Todd Lake, at the base of the Sisters and Mt Bachelor, to spend the afternoon.  Rob and I went there last year and cross-country skied, which was more terrifying and exhausting than it probably should have been.  This time I brought my camera and blue skies.

I wish that I could say that the weather is always so gorgeous and the snow so perfect, but I really think we lucked out.  It's great for convincing people that we live in paradise. :)

Todd Lake trail: ~6 miles round trip, flat terrain, back country trails.  

South Sister in White:

The Crew: Drew, Carrie, Rob, myself.  I met Carrie at a book club in Corvallis.  Rob and Drew were both grad students at OSU, coming from UT, by way of Colorado.  I remember the first time I met Carrie at a book club meeting, after introducing myself from Austin, TX, she asked if we wanted to watch the OU/TX game together that weekend.  I said, sure, but I'll be rooting for OU.  Hence, the rivalry continues.  (OU beat TX that year).

Mt Bachelor in all his glory:

My head:

After Carrie's food meltdown. 

These suckers dive bombed us repeatedly until Drew almost killed one with a snowball.  

Sorry, PETA.

Todd Lake:

After heading back into town, we thought it was a good excuse to do some pub crawling.  We tried out the new brewery Crux then my favorite Cascade Lakes.  I always like to sneak in an excuse to eat at BTBS (Broken Top Bottle Shop) - so we headed there for dinner.  They have THE best beer selection, THE best food, and THE worst service in town.  Total ski bums as wait staff, but god, their food!  I have been known to go there 3 times in a week.  Just sayin.

Sunday we headed to my favorite breakfast stop, then did a quick hike up pilot butte:  

No better way to spend a weekend than with great friends, great food, and great weather.