Central Oregon Exploration

All this in Bend's Backyard!! I asked Dave to share about his venture east of town last week. He says, "it helped to solidify my appreciation for winter and all that it brings." Maybe it will do the same for you! 

Global Warming
Wall of Icicles

"20,000 years ago our earth began to warm from an extensive frigid period we have come to call the Pleistocene Ice Age.  Huge amounts of frozen water melted and in so doing began to carve our landscape, eroding areas and digging river beds relatively quickly.  Jump those 20,000 years to the present on a winter day in 2017 and what is now a dry river bed, yet still the recipient of seepage, has shone forth with incredible winter beauty. Given heavy snowfall this winter, seepage through and over the walls of this river canyon, combined with sustained cold, has wrought one of the more spectacular ice falls I’ve ever witnessed.  Come explore with Wanderlust Tours or get out on your own to live in the magnitude which the stunning natural world provides!"

What do you think about those ice formations?! We have to say that while the pictures are amazing, they just don't show the magnitude of these remarkable formations. You'll just have to go see them for yourself. 

Longest Icicle
Icicles
Waterfall of Ice
Giant Icicles East of Bend Oregon
The Biggest Icicles you've ever seen
My personal favorite: the "Icicle Curtain."

My personal favorite: the "Icicle Curtain."

Animal of the Month

It's been a while since we've introduced you to a wildlife creature in our area. Since Bend and the Cascades Range are currently under a few feet of snow, it's only fitting that our featured animal is the king of winter: the American (Pine) Marten. A member of the weasel family, pine martens resemble a fox in the front and a fluffy brown tail  in the back. That tail of their has long been of interest in the trapping community and has made them reach the list of sensitive species in Oregon.

These curious creatures spend their winter days (but mostly nights) hunting for smaller prey like shrews, mice, voles, and squirrels. You may catch a glimpse of their tracks during the day, but they're much more active in the evening. They also tend to travel under the snow. Their subnivean tunnels allow them to travel unseen by their prey. Some say they're viscous, but they're also adorable. 

Best chance of spotting one in these parts: Deschutes National Forest. If you join us on one of our Moonlight Snowshoe Tours, you may have a chance of seeing one for a few seconds before they disappear in a tree or back underground. If you don't see one in real life, you can always check out the Pine Marten lift at Mt. Bachelor. The Pine Marten lift was the first express quad installed in the summer of 1986. It looks nothing like the animal, but at least now you'll know why it's named what it is. 

Wishing you a wonderful week from all of us at Wanderlust Tours! 

One Month Until...

You know you don't want to be the person who doesn't have plans for Valentine's Day. Don't let it sneak up on you (like it does every other year). We're going to help you out with 10 different ideas of ways to celebrate this day of love. Whether you and your significant other are into chocolates and hearts or helicopter rides at sunset, we've got your activities covered. This weekend in Bend will be something you'll BOTH love. So, from our staff, here are TEN ideas to celebrate Valentine's Day/Weekend. 

10. A twist on dinner and a movie. Make dinner at home and turn on your favorite Netflix original to enjoy together. Find a few recipe ideas on Country Living to get you started with dinner.

Photo by: Sparrow Bakery

Photo by: Sparrow Bakery

9. Breakfast at Sparrow Bakery. Have you tried their Bacon Breakfast Sandwich? I swear I dream about it every night. Poached egg, bacon, avocado, arugula, aioli, served on a hand-rolled croissant. Enjoy with a hot cup of locally roasted coffee and your day is off to the best start possible. 

8. Take a romantic helicopter ride around Central Oregon with Big Mountain Heli Tours. Nothing beats the view from above!

7. Ski or snowboard Mt. Bachelor and enjoy a lunch break at Scapolos. If you've never been skiing or snowboarding, sign up for a lesson together! Those who ski together, stay together. Just made that up but it sounds pretty true.

Photo by: Amanda Short

Photo by: Amanda Short

6. Take a walk through snow-covered downtown Bend and end at Dogwood or Stihl Whiskey Bar for an amazing cocktail. 

5.  If you're into music, go to the Bend A Capella Festival on February 10th. watch talented groups compete for the grand prize and enjoy a real-life version of Pitch Perfect. 

4. Spend the night outside of Bend at Brasada Ranch. The views are unbeatable and you could get that spa treatment you've been needing. Finish the evening with their delectable s'mores complete with home-made marshmallows! 

Photo by: Wanderlust Tours 

Photo by: Wanderlust Tours 

3. Take a day trip: we suggest Crater Lake or the Umpqua Hot Springs. See Oregon's only national park in all its snowy glory or visit the hot springs for a warm soak in the midst of the snow! On a clear day, you will get amazing views at either spot.  

Photo by: Pine Mountain Sports 

Photo by: Pine Mountain Sports 

2. Try something new together: rent fat bikes from Pine Mountain Sports and cruise around town in the snow!! We've seen more snow this winter than many years before so chances are good that there will still be snow on the ground next month. 

1. Romance on the Snow with Wanderlust Tours. You know we had to save the best for last. Join us for a romantic evening (offered three nights this year) on the snow. We'll snowshoe out to a bonfire in the snowy forest where you'll enjoy hot cocoa with spirits, a locally made dessert, champagne, and the glow of an amazing bonfire while sitting in hand-carved snow seats. It's every bit as amazing as it sounds. 

Photo by: Brad Bailey

Photo by: Brad Bailey