7/9 Day off spent rafting 11 miles of the Deschutes River

Met up with John at his house just outside of downtown Bend last night. Unloaded my stuff and shortly thereafter met up with his girlfriend and headed out to the Deschutes Brewery, one of several in town. Went through all kinds of beers they make and had the best burger yet of the trip. Great night.

Had to meet the rafting guides, two young cuties, at 8am this morning so needless to say wasn't feeling too well to start the day! met up with 12 others and drove up an hour and a half to start on the lower Deschutes river for a day of Class 3 and 4 rapids.

Could not have picked a better way to relax and rest the buttocks than float down a river. Was predicted to get to 98 degrees and the water was frigid but so refreshing. Told the guides that I wasn't interested in doing any work whatsoever yet I still found myself sitting in the front of the raft. So at least some work had to be done.



Met some great people as has always been the case on this trip especially this 6 yo boy, John. The smartest 6 year old I have ever met. A vocabulary that was just incredible. Was such a joy to have with us. Brought so much laughter as only these young kids can. Had lunch halfway down the river.



Near the end we were able to float through the rapids without the raft. Had to do it a couple of times, of course.Just an outstanding day!

Somewhere this week I realized that I had plenty of time to enjoy the coast and slowed down more than I wanted to. Unfortunately, I am going to have to cut the Oregon coast a little bit short so that I can still go through it requiring less mileage and still make it back to MN when I was planning.

So one last pass over the Cascades leaving the high desert behind and entering the much cooler and lush region west of the Range. I figure 2.5 full days to the coast that I have been so anxious to get to.

Seafood will hopefully be on the menu every day soon!