A Quick Hike

Walking along the shore of Lake Aspen at Sunriver

Sunriver Resort is a great walking site, especially in the winter. There are literally miles of walking paths, normally filled at the height of the season . . . not so much in the winter.

For the most part, roads and parking areas are quickly cleared of snow. This means we can get in ‘our steps,’ without the need for snowshoes. With a dog, that is an important detail.

Winter trail

During the winter, we often venture to the Nature Center. From its location on the northern edge of the resort, a lightly used trail runs past the lake, under the road and out along the edge of an airfield. At the west end of the runway lies open fields, often filled with geese. Last year we watched a convocation of Golden Eagles just chillin’.

With no natural barriers, the wind is a constant. There are times the cold cuts through gore-tex and wool. The upside, the open trails allow you to see far enough ahead to spot bicyclists and walkers in time to get the lead back on Tip.

Trumpeter swan family
Wildlife watching . . . us

We’ve posted many times about the nature center and the lake it sits next to. The signets are full sized now and make for an impressive family group. The other inhabitant of this body of water, an otter, is much harder to catch a glimpse of . . . though we are always looking.

A beaver, or two, have started a logging operation on the south bank. There is evidence to suggest it takes time to chew down a five inch Lodge Pole. Made a note to explore for their construction site on another visit.

The Morning Ritual

 

Wild fires have wreaked havoc on the west. Even without a fire burning in your area, the smoke from a regional blaze has likely drifted over your house.

A smoky haze obstructs views and along with acrid air, you’ll swelter in the summer heat. All this makes being outdoors difficult. We’re constantly checking the air quality alerts before going anywhere.

Regardless of the reduced outing schedule, we don’t miss the morning walk. Typically in Central Oregon, even a blazing hot day starts with temps in the low 40’s.

The neighborhood remains in a perpetual state of construction. There are dirt roads linked to paved paths, all of which run through forest and fields.

We’ve settled into a route that takes nearly an hour, stretches our old legs and gives the pup plenty of sniffing time.

While it is a developed neighborhood, we’re still treated to encounters with wildlife, mostly deer, rabbits, coyote, and a wide variety of birds. And while there is highway din, the forest is relatively quiet at dawn.