From our weekly issue dated June 18, 2008

We enjoyed a recent business trip to Bend, especially because the editor, former young trucker that he was, got to drive a rented Ford E150. Yeah, we had to pick up our 2008-09 Valley Visitor covers in White City, take them to the Bend Bulletin and then pick up the finished product. Last year we used our own vehicle, but it was overloaded.

The cargo van was more comfortable than I thought it would be. And it had a 225 hp 4.6-liter engine plus plenty of cargo space. Actually it was more comfortable than the two-axle bobtail refrigerated truck I drove Way Back When. Or the 2.5-ton delivery truck.

Anyway, we had an enjoyable time in Bend. I always like the aroma of the Ponderosa Pine trees that abound in the area. We happened to hit the city during the annual PPP event. I made up several definitions before learning that the letters stand for Pole Peddle Paddle. Contestants have to ski, ride a bicycle and navigate the Deschutes River in kayaks for fun and fame.

Jan and I went to Central Oregon Community College in Bend for a Native American event. We got a free salmon lunch, and looked at the two booths in the upstairs gym. One had handmade flutes; the other handmade jewelry. And it was fun watching three youngsters “playing basketball.” There were two girls about 10 and 12; and a boy, about 5. He caught the ball with his face several times.

Many memories were stirred for both of us when we visited the Deschutes Historical Museum. It’s the former Reid School, operated from 1914 to 1977. It still feels like an elementary school though, and we got a kick out of the old classrooms, wooden floors, the stairwell, the windows, the doors. I mean, this place reeks of nostalgia. Plenty of neat displays about the area history too.

Besides a bit of shopping, our major event was to visit the High Desert Museum. The building is made of lava rock and pine wood. It’s dedicated to broadening the understanding of the high desert’s wildlife, culture, art and natural resources. We took the behind-the-scenes tour, and it was quite interesting.

One cool deal involves paintings by some of the critters who live at the museum. The staff put down large sheets of paper and some paint (I’m hazy on the details), and the creatures leave their creative marks.

There also are lots of what guys call “neat” displays. They include an 1860s Concord stagecoach, a 1935 fully restored Chevrolet fire truck used by the U.S. Forest Service, and a couple of full-size teepees, one inside and one outside. There are a number of other items on the grounds too, including bronze-type statuary, and a settler’s cabin.

Oh yeah, there also are a goodly number of high desert denizens in various enclosures. Plus dioramas. Birds, lizards, turtles, snakes, cats and stuff like that. They were fun to view also.

Bend is a nice place to visit. But we call Cave Junction and Illinois Valley our home. We have our own critters to view here.