Trip to warmer weather

 Grandpa's Farm

 Two weeks ago we headed to Madras Monday morning.  We met up with my parents and headed up to Grandpa’s farm.  It has been quite a few years since I've been up. As a kid we went up every year.  There have been many changes.  There were more trailers for family to sleep in and a bathroom…an actual bathroom.  For those of you who have never been to Grandpa’s Farm, this is huge.  We always camped when we came to the farm, and used an outhouse.  (Little did I know that this helped prep me for Mission to Mexico trips.)  Now there is a bathroom with running water.  That makes all the difference.

We went on a drive around the property.  We went off road some and had lunch up on a hill top enjoying the view.  It was a great view.  There was nice breeze that made the warm sun more tolerable.  It was in the low 90’s and now that we live on the coast we are used to much cooler temperatures.  When we got back on the road Joe realized we had a flat tire.  So we pulled over to the side of the gravel road. Once the jack was found my dad and Joe had the spare on in no time.  Never mind that is was at least 90 degrees and getting hotter.  My mom and I were sweating and were just standing there watching.

After all that excitement we headed back to the main area and relaxed in the shade and cooled off with some nice cold water.  Later we cooked hot dogs on the fire, made some smores and watched the sunset.  Joe and I slept in our tent and watched the stars.  There was a cool breeze and the crickets were chirping…a little too loudly.  Other than the loud crickets it was wonderful sleeping under the stars.

The next day after we packed up we headed out.  Waved goodbye to Grandpa’s Farm and headed to Les Schwab.  We had our tire fixed.  We had lunch with my parents.  Then we said goodbye and my parents and they headed home and we headed to La Pine.

 La Pine

La Pine is one of Joe’s favorite places.  As a kid he went camping here often.  Joe’s parents have a second home that they recently purchased and are working on fixing up.  It has been fun to watch the transformation.  

We spent time just relaxing, going for drives, and a little shopping in Bend.   One afternoon we went to Red Robin for lunch.  This is one of my favorite restaurants and I have missed it.  Although later in the week when Joe’s parents met up with us, Joe kept referring to it as Blue Robin…he he.  Another afternoon we met up with Joe’s cousin Keely, and her son Camden and his girlfriend for lunch.  It was fun to catch up.  

On Friday when Joe’s parents were here we drove around to garage sales.  We got some good stuff for great  prices.  Joe picked out a toy chain saw for Ernie.  It is so cute!!  I think I spent $10 for everything.  I love a good deal! 

Later that afternoon we headed out on the boat to do some fishing at Lake Wickiup.  It was nice and relaxing.  It was the first time I’ve been out on their boat when it was warm.  The last few times I’ve been out on the boat the weather is cooler and it is usually early in the morning.  It was fun in the warm weather.  No fish were caught, but at then end they let me jump in the water and cool off.  I like fishing, its relaxing, but jumping in the water is fun!!

On Saturday afternoon we headed home from out week away.  When we left La Pine it was in the low 90’s and by the time we  arrived home in Coos Bay, it was 60 and foggy.  Home Sweet Home : )