Checking out “our” site!

Hello!

We had such a nice and late lunch yesterday, that we ended up staying in and snacking on the things we had – carrots, radishes, etc. and no one was starving!  I did inquire as to whether R wanted to explore downtown Bend, but he is in the middle of a good book, so it was in for the night. 

Hilary and me at breakfast

Three astronomers in front - R, Zappala and Burt!

Zappala, Hilary, Burt & Burt's daughter Michelle

Bill Alschuler, astronomer #4

When we walked into our room initially yesterday, with the A/C blasting away, it felt like a meat locker!  We turned the A/C off and opened the sliding door to the balcony.  Got to a lovely and coolish temperature.  Then, last night, it got really chilly (!) and R shut the door.  It has been SO long since we have had cool weather all night, it was surprising and very nice!

Up this morning about 6, and ready to go about 7 am.  Zappalas had told us they would meet us at 8, but when we walked to the office to pick up our breakfast coupons, there they were!  We had a great breakfast and good get together in the breakfast room.  More people from our group coming in as well as old friends, and it was great to meet and see everybody! 

Along with Robert, Bob Zappala and Burt Jones (the three astronomers that I already know) we met astronomer #4, Bill Alschuler.  Not sure where astronomer #5 is.  Robert and Burt were interested in reconnoitering the spot Zappala had chosen to watch the eclipse, but Bill decided that, because of the fires, he wanted to go west (towards the fires, which makes no sense to me!) and wanted company doing that.  At any rate, it was like herding kittens!  Everybody want to go their own way, and with everyone looking at various Oregon maps and talking, it was hard to get anything done!  Finally, it was decided that we were going to find the Zappala site, and Burt and his daughter Michelle were going to meet us there.   Additionally, Hilary wanted to come … so the upshot was that I decided we would put together a picnic and meet the people who wanted to come at the spot, and then go on to look at a fossil area a further along the road.  So … picnic for 8, right?

Hamlin cousins, Katy and friends

I like this one of Burt!

Reservoir at Prineville, heading to our spot!

 

Back to our room and picked up the picnic basket and the cooler, then out and heading to Costco.  It occurred to me that Costco would probably be a great place to make up a picnic lunch, and they certainly didn’t disappoint!  So:  Tub of excellent tortellini salad, salami, cheese platter, hummus, good French bread, veggie platter, 4 lbs. (they do everything BIG at Costco!) of grapes, chocolate chip cookies and voila! Picnic!  Then out to the proposed spot.  Actually, we beat them there – and Bob & Kate, Hilary, Michelle and Burt all in Burt’s Subaru!  Who knew?!

Agreed that the spot was a good one, and then off to the Painted Hills branch of the fossil park.

Lovely picnic ground – nice shaded grassy area, with tables.  Brought everything out, and we all had a lovely lunch!  I had also picked up a sparkling wine from Domaine St. Michelle – called – surprise!  Michelle! – and brought that along too.  It was excellent, very much Prosecco-like, although being the DD, I could only have a sip! 

Burt wanted to go through the town of Mitchell and visit the visitors center of the fossil park, so we said we would meet them in Mitchell.  However, Mitchell was having quite a day in the sun (or shade, on Monday!) being a very tiny town crowded with many people – mostly outsiders, I’m thinking, and we must have missed them.  Decided then, as it would take a bit to get back to Bend, to head that way…it’s about an hour and a half drive.  Stopped off again at Costco and picked up a few extra bottles of Michelle … definitely something to bring home and enjoy!  Got back to the hotel around 4-ish.  Oh!  Also stopped and topped off the gas in the tank!  Taking no chances on running out of gas!

R deep into his book, and I’m blogging, as we have reservations at a Thai restaurant called Noi in town tonight.  So!!  More later!

Lots of love,

m

xxx

Back from beautiful downtown Bend, Oregon. 

Painted Hills

Beautiful downtown Mitchell!

Me at Noi in Bend

It’s really a lovely city – I think the population is somewhere around 10,000, and it is home to a community college and a campus of Oregon State University.  The downtown area is really exquisite.  Lots of shops with al fresco restaurants and beautiful flowers everywhere. 

Our fresh rolls!

Chicken satay with peanut sauce

Spicy green beans with beef

Chicken Pad Thai

Noi, our Thai restaurant for this evening, was amazing.  They have a very large space, and it is divided into all sorts of crooks and interesting spaces – there were filmy curtains dividing some spaces, and we had a great little nook in a corner but right next to the window on the street.  For dinner, we started with a fresh roll that included shrimp and a slice of pork, along with fresh veggies and an accompanying peanut sauce.  That was my favorite.  We also ordered chicken satay, also with peanut sauce, and again, great!  For mains, we had an order of spicy green beans and beef – yum! Along with chicken pad thai, which was pretty spicy.  For once, we actually didn’t order too much food – which we usually do at a Thai restaurant -  and that is good news, as our refrigerator is stuffed with picnic leftovers!  All in all, a great dinner! 

We walked around town a bit and then headed back to the Shilo Inn.  Great day, and I’m looking forward to turning in!

m

xxx