Bend Premier Real Estate Blog

Bend Oregon Residents Love Their Dogs

As more and more states are beginning the reopening process after the initial COVID-19 pandemic shut downs, many of you may be finally getting ready to go back to work after months in quarantine. Being dog lovers ourselves, we know how much people love their furry companions and we are sure the dogs have enjoyed having you all home during this time (we're sure the cats have been just waiting for you to finally leave!). However, with your pets being so used to you being around all the time during these last few months, the change to a work schedule may get very tough on them and separation anxiety may begin to show. We love our pets and want them to be confident, happy, well adjusted animals and that includes when you are away. Wondering how to start getting them ready for your upcoming work schedule? Here are some step by step training tips...

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Black Butte Provides for Stunning Views and a Great Aerobic Workout

During the Covid-19 Pandemic with many of the most popular trails shut down, we have been looking for places to hike that may still be open and accessible this time of year. Yesterday we hiked Black Butte Trail for the first time. We have lived in Central Oregon since 1985, but have never attempted this hike before. The drive to the trail head was over 5 miles of dirt road (Forest Service Road 1110), after leaving paved Forest Service Road 11 with that last mile of road very rough. But we discovered that this is a very popular hike and the parking lot was full; forest passes are required to park.

We had had a light dusting of snow the night before, so our hike started in the pines with the path highlighted by the snow on both sides. As we climbed, the snow was more prevalent in the trees and once we got close to the top, we had to traverse a slippery snow patch to reach the summit. But the views were stunning and all who were there seemed to appreciate wandering around the old fire lookout buildings and finding the best place to enjoy lunch and the Cascade views.

The hike was just under 4 miles up and back with the elevation gain 1600 feet. This is a moderate hike, not too long, with the trail pretty well maintained. With the high Cascades still closed, Black Butte has become our favorite Central Oregon hike for this time of year.

Fix & Repeat Has Delicious Plant Based Food

Culture is a paramount piece of the Central Oregon community. During this temporary shut down it may feel like our community is losing its culture, but this situation is just challenging us to build something new. Here at Bend Premier Real Estate, we see the affects that COVID-19 is having on our community and we've decided to take this culture challenge and turn it into a platform to build upon.

What is Central Oregon Culture? While this is different for each individual, we think it is safe to say that collectively we love our outdoors and being active. And with the weather turning in our favor, most of us are getting outside to bike, hike, run, and explore. But we know that the first few rides, hikes, and runs can welcome a new soreness we haven't felt in sometime.

Most of us understand that muscle damage is part of exercise, whether you feel it today or tomorrow, it's just an aspect of pushing your body further and growing stronger. While injuries, tenderness, and soreness are prevalent in our active community, we understand that sometimes we need to relax, stretch, or fuel our bodies back to recovery so that we can get back to our sports and training as soon as possible. A huge factor in preventative, and recovery is nutrition.

While nutrition can be an intimidating topic for some, our friends at Fix & Repeat are on top of your nutritional needs in the form of bowls, smoothies, juices, and more. This company embodies the culture of Central Oregon. They provide their customers with the fuel needed for vitality, recovery, and do it in a sustainable manner. We are starting to call them the, "Do good, Eat good, Feel good" restaurant. Their diverse menu is focused on plant based meals. Each menu item has ingredients associated with a whole gamut of health benefits.

Some ingredients used are packed with macro and/or micro nutrients geared towards repairing muscle damage, free-radical fighting, and immunity boosting. All items are made to order, with the freshest ingredients possible.  While these dishes are good for the body, they're also good for the soul. A portion of monthly sales are donated to various organizations and charities that align with Fix & Repeat's beliefs.

If you have not already checked out this restaurant, we highly recommend it! They are open 7 days a week from 10 am-3 pm. Ask for Leila or Kristen- those ladies know their stuff about plant-based benefits, and are so welcoming!

Suggestions you ask? We've recently tried the Rice bowl, Traditional Bowl, Mango Pride smoothie, and the Tropical Mango smoothie bowl, and we recommend all of them. Each meal provided us with different bold, dynamic, and fresh flavors, and the presentation alone was incredible.

Please help us continue to support local businesses such as Fix & Repeat during this uncertain time. You won't regret it!

Fast Flowing River, Springs and Easy Walk

We have lived in Central Oregon since 1985.  During this time we have never hiked the Metolius River until this weekend. The day was overcast and light rain came and went. When we started the hike, we only saw one person for the first 2 miles - a fisherman casting his line in a quiet place on the river.  

We started our hike at the Canyon Creek Campgound at the West Metolius Trailhead and followed the river downstream over 2.5 miles until we reached the Wizard Falls fish hatchery.  The hatchery was closed due to Covid-19 and the bridge over the river was blocked. However, since we were on the hatchery side of the river, we walked on the bridge to view the beautiful blue water of Wizard Falls before returning the same way we came upstream back to the campground.  We stopped to enjoy the early blooms of wildflowers scattered along the trail and the stunning spring flowing into the river 1/3 mile from the campground.

All in all, the hike was easy with little elevation change and a little over 5 miles total. To access the hike, travel west of Sisters on Hwy 20 until you reach the road to Camp Sherman. Travel on road 1419 4.8 miles until you reach road 1420. Travel straight on this 3.3 miles until you reach the sign for Canyon Creek Campground. Travel 1 mile on this dirt road until reaching the trail head.

Joolz Offers Mideastern and Southwestern Food

A Downtown Bend fixture for many years, Joolz markets themselves "Where the Middle East Meets the Wild West".  Their blend of Middle East cuisine with Southwestern overtones creates a great dining experience that has been popular to Bendites for some time.  

As part of Bend Premier Real Estate's Adopt a Bend Oregon Restaurant during the Covid-19 pandemic, we ordered two takeout meals from Joolz last evening.  We had Oregon Beef Shawarma featuring rubbed Oregon beef, grilled onions, hummus, tabbouleh, Armenian pickles and grilled naan. We also had Chicken Kabobs over rice with grilled vegetables.  Both meals were excellent and very filling. Dessert was not an option f...

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