Family Vacation 2017–The waters of Central Oregon

 

As has become our favorite vacation spot*, Caldera Springs beckoned again.  In truth, Central Oregon provides the best chance of good weather and offers the most options for children and adults.  Because of the big reunion  in Canada** last year, we didn't go to the area and everyone missed it.  So this year, back we went with some changes.  I had feared they would get bored with family vacations, but no.  Or if they were, they kept it to themselves.

CS has something foreveryone

The last time we were here, we saw indications that indeed the kids were maturing.  This year, they were in full blown 'independent' mode. At least twice a day, they went off on a cousins bike ride—no adults allowed.  They could ride to the pool alone and that became a new custom.  Actually, it was kind of fun watching them participate in an activity that didn't need chaperoning. But, since adults weren't invited, we have no photos of that momentous event.

A random pile of pine logs in the back yard looked to be fort potential and became another project that challenged their increasing physical strength and creativity. 

New for Jack

There was another change this year. We took our Thai friend with us.  He had never been to Central Oregon, so everything was new.  As in Lake Oswego, viewing a familiar setting through different eyes is an enjoyable experience.  He even rose to the challenge of preparing a Thai dinner for 10 without whining.  Although a 25 year old man, Jack looks younger, the four grandchildren granted him honorary "kid status". We had to keep reminding them that he was an adult and could go to bed when he wanted.  But he didn't have to ask permission to enter their domain. Jack even walked every morning with my granddaughter, Earl, Skeeter or the trike, and me.

Skeeter and the trike

The hazard of going back to the same place every year, it Is the fear of running out of new things to do. I forgot the benefits of the 'maturing factor'. The grandchildren were still children, but they weren't little any longer.  They were ready for more adventure.  We had never taken them boating on Cultus Lake before, or tubing on the Deschutes River, but everyone was old enough now and up for whatever... No one seemed to miss the horseback ride or the Mt. Bachelor snow slide from previous vacations.

Cultus Lake

Of course they were still willing to play games (Scrabble, Uno, and Taboo), but came to the table with their game face on and a 'take no prisoners' attitude.  That was another change.  They had become fierce competitors.  Even Jack joined in, being competitive by nature.  However, winning a game when english isn't the first language, was pretty humbling for the native–born adults.

S'mores

The house had a fire pit that became dessert central (S'Mores) on the last night.  Jason,the group photographer,  took the photos, but is conspicuously absent.  Professional hazard.

The Man...

Another custom on the last day was the Pacific Coast Duathlon.  Earl chose the Olympic distance (A 25 mile bike ride, transitioning to a 10 K run) and placed first in his age division of 70–75.  Being the only person to compete in that division didn't matter a bit.  A friend told him, "Hang in there long enough, stay upright, and victory is yours—eventually."

The lesson:  Kids don't age out of family vacations if there is fun to be had.  And, there is always fun to be had.


*Previous post: Family Vacation 2015—Time Happens
**Previous post: Oh, Canada!