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BACKPACKING Backpacking is Freedom You have no worries, other than your own. You become part of a scenic landscape and survive in a primitive environment with few modern conveniences. Self-sufficient, yes, but with this freedom comes an individual responsibility to care for the environment and to respect the rights of those you meet along the way and those who follow you. Backpacking is not limited to supermen and superwomen. However, it does require physical stamina and a genuine liking for the isolation of remote country. Overnight backpacking trips should be under- taken only by those who are accustomed to hiking...

Summer in Bend, Oregon is a vacationers dream. There are so many unique and fun events. On favorite of locals and out of towners, is the Balloons Over Bend. This year the event will be July 20-30th.  You can rise early and watch the balloons fill and float off for the day. One of the fun activities is going to the night glow down at River Bend Park. Here is a schedule for this years event. July 28-31, 2017- Morning balloon launch at sunrise. - R.E. Jewell Elementary School Saturday July 29 -Morning balloon launch at sunrise. - R.E. Jewell Elementary School Night Glow:July...

Summer is high season for thunderstorms. It is also the time we all like to get outdoors to hike, bike, backpack, camp and enjoy nature. It is always important to have a plan for bad weather. Your rain jacket and waterproof gear will be helpful, but not offer protection in the event of a lightening strike. The best option is to get indoors, inside a sturdy shelter.  When a Safe Location is not Nearby If you absolutely cannot get to safety, you can slightly lessen the threat of being struck with the following tips. But don't kid yourself--you are NOT safe...

Tip #1: Visual Inspection, Washing, Waxing and Initial Maintenance of Your Boat Perform a visual inspection on your boat before placing it in the water. Check the hull for any cracks, punctures, or holes and get them repaired immediately. Keep your boat clean! Wash your boat regularly and if you own a fiberglass boat, we recommend that you wax it at least once a year. Waxing will prevent surface dirt buildup and make the boat easier to clean and rinse after using. In many respects, boat maintenance is a lot like car maintenance. You should check and change the oil,...

Water-related accidents are among the most common cause of death in some of our nation’s most visited parks, forests and waterways. Many drowning victims were not trying to swim but were simply engaging in activities as innocent as wading, taking photos or playing along the stream bank. Those victims attempting to swim in swift waters overestimated their swimming ability and underestimated river currents. None of these drowning victims suspected that tragedy was about to overwhelm them. Spring and summer activities often find visitors and their children near rivers and streams, enjoying nature's serene sounds or cooling sore feet from a...