Wrapping up Bend

The rest of the week-long reunion was filled with casual gatherings, such as micro-brew hopping in downtown Bend, spending afternoons at "happy hour" with the family (as if there wasn't enough booze already!), and admiring the views of the river. 

Darlene and Francisco joined us for a tour of the Goodies chocolate factory

I couldn't get over the view of the sunrise from the bedroom window

Cute woodsy homes along the morning jogs

Mergansers on the Deschutes River

The view of Oregon from Pilot Butte

Half the fun of these reunions is "Happy Hour," the time when everyone regathers to visit and plan for the next day

Uncle Dennis, Andrew, Darlene, and Uncle Kevin

The Kubb tournament winners!  Somehow the Swedish couple on the left won every single one of our competitive events: the golf tournament, poker night, Kubb, and, though never having swung a bat before, even the batting cage!   I think something is up...

Mom relaxing on the balcony.  I got to try out that hot tub behind her on one of the chillier nights (it got down to 40 degrees a couple times!).

On our last evening the cousins went to a typical Oregon hangout joint: a park-brewery-food truck-live band venue place full of hippies and hipsters. 

My cousins :o)

Like father like son ;o)

Crater Lake

Wednesday was "Day Trip Day".  In other words, Happy Hour was scheduled later than normal so people could go out and take a bigger trip somewhere.  We decided to check out Crater Lake, about 3 hours south of Bend. 

The Pumice Desert just outside of Crater Lake National Park,
where a volcanic eruption years and years ago spewed sediment over the land, leaving it (almost) barren.

Crater Lake!  How incredibly clear and blue.

I love how there is nothing on the water, just a little boat that takes people to Wizard Island.

The deepest lake in the US! It is crazy to think it is just sitting atop this sunken in crater.

We took a drive around the lake to view it from all angles.

Phantom Ship island

No need to go to NZ to experience a beautiful lake!

Reunion Picture Day

Tuesday morning was picture day.  I don't think anyone is a fan of picture day, but at least our matching shirts are especially attractive this year.  :P

Waiting for photos

Here is the group, about 143 of us Landstroms, including 9 visiting from Sweden!  Actually, that is how many made it to the reunion.  There are 221 descendents of Emily and Otto Landstrom (my great-grandparents).  This includes 29 first cousins, 63 second cousins, 55 third cousins, and 63 who wanted to join in because we are awesome (ie. in-laws).  This is an excellent lesson in fecundity.

25 of 29 first cousins, including Dad

Second cousins!  This would be my generation.

Cute little 3rd cousins, which includes Carter and Sawyer (I see some 2nd cousin parents scattered in there...)

Maynard and Melinda's clan! 

Most of my cousins, plus some in-laws ;o) 

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...

Island hopping, Boston style

A couple weeks ago Bo, Leah, Hubert, Elaine and I spent a lazy, steaming hot Saturday afternoon picnicking and exploring one of Boston's many harbor islands, Georges.  I had no idea there were so many tiny little islands (over 30!!) speckling the waters around Boston.  It was another world out there.

Disembarking the ferry at Georges Island

Fort Warren fills most of the island

Picnic by the Rock the Fort concert

   

Exploring the fort walls

A view of some of the other Boston Harbor Islands

 

 

 

Day 8: Full Circle

Ah, our last and final day in Iceland!  It would have been great to spend a couple hours before the flight wandering around Reykjavik or checking out the heated pools next to the campground, but we had to settle for a morning jogging tour of the city followed by packing up the camper for its return.  At least the weather was completely agreeable!

Reykjavik's Old Harbour

As a country that depends heavily on its natural resources, Iceland sets the conservation of the environment at high priority.  Conversely,  Icelanders proudly support commercial whaling, and will starkly defend their whaling position against the majority of the world.

The irony of creepy whaling ships to the left, and whale watching tour boats to the right!  I don't think I have seen whaling ships before and they gave me goosebumps...

After that awkward end to our stay in Reykjavik, we carefully packed our bags, headed back to Keflavik, returned our trusty camper, and came back to Waltham.

During the trip I wondered what it would be like on the island during other times of year, such as winter, with only 3 or 4 hours of daylight and near endless nights, or even in mid-summer, swamped with tour groups filling campgrounds and hotels.  I really liked going pre-peak season, and I doubt the weather would be much improved later in the summer.  Next time we will bring rain pants for longer hikes and we will make sure to soak in thermal pools! 

Heading back to Keflavik, where we started!