Tuesday, October 17th, 2017
Miles: 270

It was a long and cold night, last night. There's no one in this campground besides the host, or at least I think there's a host in that RV. Snowy and dark, this moonless night didn't allow for stargazing because of some mean clouds that rolled in.

But it's finally past 6am, still at 25 degrees, but it's getting brighter out there. I have some breakfast and get ready to go to the boat launch ramp and take some photos of the lake before the Sun rises.

I'm surprised to see a boat there, its occupants already fishing, because I didn't hear anyone driving by. But they aren't making any noise and the morning is still silent and peaceful. Some fog as the lake gets warmer. Birds and squirrels are waking up, and attracted by the smell of my coffee.

I take quite a few photos here, including some long exposures. I was hoping for some more cloud coverage but it was a mostly clear morning.

Once done here, I head to Bend where I spend a couple hours at Starbucks working on some photos and videos, and then take a walk at Drake Park. It feels good to be out of the car for a while. It's also sad because it's my last time in Bend, one of my favorite cities.

I was considering some other places to go to and spend another night, but all this driving and above all the cold of last night make me want to just head back home. And that's what I'm going to do.

We drive through the Deschutes and Willamette National Forests, stopping by Detroit Lake. The fall colors are stunning on the road!

Last stop, somewhere I never stopped by before: the Detroit Dam. The atmosphere is incredible, I love this wet, rainy and foggy weather. I take what could be one of my favorite shots ever, if I don't mess up the development. I get a digital copy just in case, but film is best right?

This was the best way to end this short trip to Central Oregon. I'm keeping two eyes on the forecast trying to decide my next move.

Update: added video below.