Gotta get away…. ‘fore I lose my mind

That lyric is dramatic, but sometimes you just do have to get away.  All I know is that the fact Becky and I were both sick when my parents arrived in Bend last Friday – we were not going to let that prevent us from getting away.

So with what little was left of Becky’s voice, and my lingering cough, we packed up and headed Southbound towards one of our favorite Winter haunts.

There is something about this high desert basin that keeps me coming back.  It truly is a place to get away.  No crowds.  No lift lines.  Just an expanse of sky, a snow lined rim, and my best friend(s).

And a lovely little river runs through it all.  Weaving between dunes and pastures.  Sometimes it feels like you are casting into the sky.

Memories seem to lurk around ever corner here.  This particular spot and photo was an exact spot where I took a photo of Sampson as a puppy.  It has become a tradition to re-create the photo each year.

And taking the time to get away here with one you love ensures more memories will be found on my next visit.

Sampson even guides me to the right spots on the river, picks out a fly for me, and puts me on top of feisty trout.

All I know is – I can’t wait to go back.

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for helping make it happen <3.