The 13th Landstrom Family Reunion in Bend, Oregon

Last week Seth and I returned from the 13th Landstrom Family Reunion in Bend, Oregon.  The last time I was in Oregon I was really little and of course don't remember it at all; I only know I was there because I have pins from Oregon obtained back in the day when I used to collect a pin from every state we drove through.  I was pleasantly surprised at how clean, green, and progressive it is.  Oh, to be back in Oregon!

Seth and I arrived in Portland late Saturday night, met up with Mom, Dad, Andrew, Jen, and the boys, then on Sunday drove south about 3 1/2 hours to Bend.  By the way, the outskirts of Portland have crazy blackberry bushes, just like in Seattle.  We pigged out during the middle of our Sunday morning jog on a huge wall of berries, probably almost 100m long and 3m tall.  I was worried I wouldn't make it back to the hotel with a belly full of berries :P 

Mom was in charge of the opening reception at our resort in Bend.  It went smoothly, though we bought enough snack foods to last several happy hours... Regardless, it was excellent to see everyone that first evening.     

We got to wake up every morning to this gorgeous view overlooking the Deschutes River.  The sound of the river was also delightful!

Heading down to the river on our first morning jog

The running in Bend was dusty but excellent.  In addition to the premier River Trail, smaller single track trails branched off in all directions. 

Spotted along the way.  Deer: make sure to clean up after your pets!

Our first  afternoon was spent with Mom, Dad, Andrew, and Co.  Poor Mom had a bum knee and couldn't go too far.  While she caught up with her books at the Lava Lands Visitor Center, the rest of us walked up Lave Butte to admire the surrounding lava field.

Lava Butte in Lava Lands

Our next stop was the 1 mile long Lava Tube.  Notes to travelers:
1) There is no restroom in the Tube 
2) The final 75 min of the walk are just like the first 15 min 
3) There is no big surprise or reward at the end of the Tube.  Just a crappy sign that simply marks where you turn around and stumble another 45 min in the dark back to your car.
That being said, it was actually a really cool experience and highly recommended!

Descending into the 1 mile long lava tube.  Goodbye daylight!

Sawyer made it to the end of the tube!  After all that hard work the only thing waiting for us was a sign saying to turn around and head back. 

90 min never felt so long...