Black Butte Climb

Well, Black Butte is just another rock conquered by the Huni Family. Everyone decided however, after the first quarter mile of the 2 mile trail, that we were out of shape. And to further prove it, after an hour and 40 minute climb to ascend 1,596 ft, we rested at the summit below the fire lookout at 6,436 ft above sea level (about 3,000 ft above our home). Coming down was much easier, but still took us an hour. I felt the kids needed extra motivation to get back down, so we baited them with a promised visit to McDonald's. All are now resting and enjoying Ice Age 2. Hope they're not too sore tomorrow--I want to do a few more adventures like this before the summer is out.

New Neighbors

We knew new neighbors were arriving because the realtor had put up a For Rent sign. These guys and gals seem kind of shy.

Skylight Cave N44, 20.920' W121, 42.949'

We went caving today...take a look at the below slideshow.



Pictured at left is Douglas below two of the vents in the lava tube on the westernmost end (uphill side) of the cave. We explored in two shifts because Max would not go down. In fact he sat in the car while Julia and I took turns going back and forth with Doug and Bridget. It was damper and much cooler (about 10 degrees) than topside. We were surprised there was no evidence of animals (other than humans) down there. According to the Forest Service factsheet, the lava tube is about 900 feet long. We covered most of the accessible space in about an hour. The kids like that this was only about 20 minutes from home. Next up...hiking up Black Butte if the weather cooperates. Should get some really great views of Mt Washington , Three Fingered Jack, Mt Jefferson and the Three Sisters from there...hopefully in the next week.

View Skylight Cave in a larger map

The Rodeo Was Here

 

It was the usual weather for this time of year.  That is to say, we had afternoon rain and thundershowers.  We had all but given up on going to the Rodeo on Kid's Night (Friday), but something made me drive my daughter and her friend out to the grounds in spite of the downpour.  As luck would have it, a blue hole opened up and the clouds drifted away from the arean just as the Rodeo show was starting.  We climbed out of the minivan and headed for the admission line.  It was a great performance!  I practically had to drag the worn out girls back to the van...we had to get up for the parade the next morning.  Both are Girl Scouts and had to be in the procession--this year dressed up as Rodeo Queens.

Freak Hail Storm Pounds Sisters

We were treated to a thunderous hail storm that dumped the temperature down 20 degrees and left us with hail all around the yard today. It's really not over yet...but just had to share.

Pet Day(s) 2009

Pets are a big thing here in Sisters. Friday, the Elementary School had Pet Day and hundreds of pets were brought to the school. Today, the 7th grade life science class had pet presentation day. Shown above is Doug making a presentation about Pippin and Westies.