Bend over

This is weird: The picture I thought my phone deleted is back. Also, the berries I thought were raspberries are actually blackberries... Jack dropped me off on Rte 97 on the northern edge of Bend at about 1:00 today, so I am now heading north out of Bend. We went to Newberry Volcano and Paulina Peak the other day. The obsidian flow was very cool. It was nice hanging out and getting to know Jack and Phyl, but it's time to move on. I felt kinda sick for at least a few days during my stay; I wonder if it resulted from my rare opportunity for extensive relaxation. Bend is a nice little place. It is pretty; a very green desert. It's mostly flat here, but the trees and landscape provide a natural backdrop that keeps you from feeling like you're in a huge desolate expanse. My new boots feel a little awkward right now, but I'm sure they will feel great once I've had a few days to break them in.
It now feels like a lot of work to carry my pack. Hopefully I'll get used to it pretty quickly.