Yesterday morning I finally checked out the new Bella Tazza, which opened in Tumalo a few weeks ago. If I had been on top of my game, I would've been there the day it opened; landing a Bella Tazza in our neck of the woods is big news.
The locally owned coffee café has been a popular downtown Bend hotspot for several years. Tumalo (located about five miles northwest of Bend), on the other hand, is a sleepy little unincorporated community of several hundred folks, most of whom live on mini-ranches or working ranches outside the blink-and-you-missed-it town center -- and some of whom have lived and ranched here for many years. In other words, Tumalonians aren't what you'd consider the typical $4 cup of coffee customers.
But here it is, a handsome little café, stocked with an impressive selection of hot and cold coffee and espresso drinks, coffee by the pound and the now ubiquitous coffee accompaniments (muffins, biscotti, sandwiches, desserts) that can be found at that other famous chain of $4 coffee hotspots. There's even outdoors seating, which folks seem to be taking advantage of pretty regularly. At least, I've seen people seated at the umbrella-topped tables just about every time I've driven by (and, according to the barista I spoke to, the café has been doing brisk business since they opened).
I'm sure there are some longtime Tumalo residents who fear the world is coming to an end now that a fancy-schmancy coffee shop has come to town. This is, after all, the home of Tumalo Feed Company, the old-fashioned steakhouse and saloon that is a local institution; Stellar Ranch, the studio for custom chap-maker Marianne Fellner; and The Ole Tack Room, a secondhand shop for used cowpoke gear. This is the place whose outspoken residents have, for more than three years, kept a planned destination resort from being developed in its backyard.
But Bella Tazza actually seems right at home here -- situated as it is across the street from a lazy stretch of the Deschutes River, which runs along the edge of town; down the block from Farmer John's fresh produce market (which also sells grass-fed beef from Deschutes River Ranch, also located in Tumalo); and not far from the headquarters of world-famous Breedlove Guitars.
It is a sign of changing times, no doubt; but to me at least, a welcome one. Even if I don't buy $4 coffee. Not often, anyway.
For the July 4th holiday, we headed to John Day, where a group of us gather each year for a weekend-long celebration at our friends' Herb and Diane's place. On Saturday, Diane treated us to a trail ride in the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness, a 68,700-acre range with elevations between 4,000 and 9,038 feet, located in the Malheur National Forest.
We parked at the Strawberry Campground, about 12 miles outside Prairie City, a charming little town of 1,100. (Known as "the Gateway to the Strawberry Wilderness," it's worth a day trip in and of itself.)
The campgrounds were packed with hikers and campers (no surprise; this is a popular spot) -- so much so that some not-too-clever chap had even parked his little Jeep so that it blocked one of only two spots designated for horse trailers, and of course he was nowhere to be found. That made for very tight quarters for our two three-horse rigs. The park job wasn't pretty, but it was doable, all things considered. We were just grateful no other horsemen had beat us to the trail.
After winding up and up about a mile to Strawberry Lake, we rode another mile to the impressive Strawberry Falls, which drops some 60 feet from a rock cliff and can be heard long before (and after) it's seen. Then we backtracked a bit via the Slide Basin Shortcut Trail and wound up at tranquil Slide Lake, where we stopped for lunch. We had planned to venture around the corner, over to Little Slide Lake, but some lingering large snow drifts changed our plans; the route to Little Slide Lake was blocked, so we headed back down the mountain.
It's a gorgeous ride that I highly recommend for folks who aren't afraid of heights (or steep trails) and who have hearty animals that are in good shape (we moved at a pretty good pace and made the 11-mile trek in about six hours). I lost track of the hikers we passed -- probably a dozen couples and several families, most of whom were envious of our mode of transport. Not everyone was familiar with trail etiquette when encountering horses, though, which could have made for some tense moments if we hadn't all been on well-behaved animals (all users are supposed to yield to horseback riders).
The wildflowers were just beginning to bloom; during the next month they should be spectacular.
If you'd like to find out more about the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness, check out the entry at oregonphotos.com. Wikipedia's entry on the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness also has some helpful info.
Here are some photos from the trip:
Much of the trail runs along steep cliffs, but the trails are plenty wide
and the switchbacks aren't too sharp.
Isn't she lovely: April the mule takes a break at a lookout that served as our first pit stop.
The views from here were impressive in several directions.
Our first glimpse of snow: riding along Strawberry Lake as we headed to Strawberry Falls.
Diane at the roaring Strawberry Falls, which drop about 60 feet from a rock cliff.
Wildflowers were beginning to bloom all along the trail (these were located on
the edge of a cliff at the first lookout we passed).
The glass-smooth surface of Slide Lake shows off the still-snowy mountain range behind it.
We weren't the only ones enjoying the solitude of Slide Lake; we shared
the spot with two fishermen across the way.
We encountered snow about halfway up the mountain trail. It made
the journey to Little Slide Lake impossible.
Last year, several folks in our group took a pack trip into the Strawberry Mountains
and camped at this meadow, located at Slide Lake. Looks like they'll have to make
other camping plans this summer; the meadow is still flooded from the heavy winter snowmelt.
Last night, our RE/MAX office hosted its annual summer Mix N Mingle soiree for the Sisters Chamber of Commerce (which holds a Mix N Mingle at a local business each month). Usually, we host our party at our downtown office, but decided to show off the new Pahlisch Homes subdivision, called Saddlestone, which we're representing. It's Pahlisch's first venture in Sisters, and it's a first-rate project.
So this year, it was a REMAX/Pahlisch production. The site for the event was Saddlestone's outdoor pavilion, which also includes an expansive lawn and elaborate playground area. Along with the barbecue festivities, three of the new subdivision's homes were open for guests to visit (the model home, which has been staged beautifully, will be on the upcoming Central Oregon Association of Builders' Tour of Homes in July).
Seems like the whole town turned up! Then again, it never hurts to provide food, wine, beer, a live band, children's activities and prizes. Best of all, everyone seemed to have a great time.
Below are a few photos of the event.
RE/MAX Town & Country owner/principal broker Peter Storton manning the wine and dessert table.
Folks gathered around the Saddlestone pavilion for the festivities.
RE/MAX Town & Country broker (and burger flippper) Rob Durand, left, and local appraiser Scott Buckles.
The crowd took advantage of all the good grub.
The kids had plenty of fun all their own.
If you'd like to know about Sisters or Saddlestone, visit my website or call me toll free at (866) 963-2760.
Friday, we headed to Mount Vernon to show my listing there. This trip, however, we decided to dawdle a bit on our way home Saturday.
I always love making that drive from Prineville to Mount Vernon. Even on a bad day, it's a picturesque setting. First, 
you wind your way through the towering pine forests of the Ochoco Mountains and slowly segue into the exotic prehistoric rock formations of the John Day Valley. Then there's that touch of the unexpected near Mitchell: the hilarious spectacle of the infamous Shoe Tree (see photo below). It's actually this area's second version; you'll find it near mile market 89.
This year, the Ochocos are as lush and green as I've ever seen. A bonus from the wet winter, I suppose. The spring wildflowers are all in bloom, and the rivers are all running high. Just gorgeous.
Meanwhile, we played tourist and stopped in at the Sheep Rock Unit visitor center of the John Day Fossil Bed National Monument, home of some pretty incredible prehistoric fossilized remains. Even though I've driven through the John Day Fossil Beds countless times, it never occurred to me that this area is one of the richest fossil beds in the world. Holy smokes! Hidden in the vibrantly tinted and striated rocks are some 40 million years of history of plant and animal life. Believe it or not, more than 22,000 specimens have been recorded by the park's Fossil Research Study Collection.
The James Cant Ranch House Historical Museum, which sits at base of Sheep Rock, was once home to a prominent Scottish sheep rancher. It now features an exhibit on cultural history of the John Day Valley and serves as National Park Service headquarters for the Fossil Beds. The ranch house, surrounding buildings and 200 acres have been designated a National Historic District.
There are two other popular stops on the Fossil Bed tour: the Clarno Unit, famous for its so-called "nut beds" (formed millions of years ago when massive mudflows engulfed a forest), and the Painted Hills Unit, which contains 3,132 acres of scenic wonders unique even in the Pacific Northwest.
Below are a few more photos from the trip. Enjoy your stay!
The Ochoco Mountains awash in vivid greens.
Playing tourist at the Sheep Rock visitor center.
Another view of Sheep Rock, from the James Cant Ranch House Historical Museum.
Mountain lupine in bloom in Mt. Vernon.
An apple blossom in the Ochocos.
The wacky shoe tree near Mitchell.
As of Sunday (June 1st), Central Oregon has officially entered fire season. That means that burning permits are now required on all private and state forestlands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry within Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson counties.
So it seems as good a time as any to remind everyone of the importance of ensuring that the property they own or are about to purchase in Central Oregon is fire-safe. Wildfire is, after all, a very real concern here in the high desert.
According to an article in the Bend Bulletin, since 2002, there have been seven fires in the Sisters Ranger District larger than 3,000 acres. The largest, 2003's B & B Fire, scorched more than 90,000 acres.
Last year, the residents of Black Butte Ranch were evacuated when the G.W. Fire came within a quarter-mile of the resort. In 2006, the Lake George Fire threatened the Sisters' communities of Crossroads and Tollgate, along with Black Butte. In 2005, The Black Crater Fire burned 9,400 acres west of Sisters and forced the evacuation of 1,500 people. (The photo of the Black Crater Fire shown above was taken in Tumalo -- almost 15 miles from the fire.
Below are a few resources for those who'd like to learn more about ensuring that their home is as safe as possible against wildfire.
** Here are some tips on keeping your home fire-safe, from Firewise.
** Here are some more tips on keeping your home fire-safe, from the Oregon State University Extension Service.
** Here's a virtual tour of a fire-safe home, also from Firewise.
** Here's a great illustration and tips on creating a defensible space around your home, from Keep Oregon Green.
** Here's a 48-page full-color publication detailing fire-resistant plants for landscaping, also from Oregon State University.
** Here are 10 Tips for reducing your risk from wildfire, from Bend-based Firefree.
** Here are some outdoor safety tips for building a campfire, from the U.S. Forest Service.
** To track the status of a wildfire, visit the Oregon Department of Forestry website or the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests Crooked River National Grassland website.
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Your Resource for Central Oregon Real Estate sales & information, especially Rural, Resort & Horse Properties in Sisters, Tumalo, Bend & Redmond. Learn more at www.CentralOregonHome4You.com
If you've 
ever visited Central Oregon, that's an easy question to answer: because it's one of the most gorgeous settings in the country, with an unparalleled quality of life (can you tell I love it here?).
Comprising three counties-Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson -- and three main cities -- Bend, Redmond and Sisters, plus a handful of smaller communities (Prineville, Powell Butte, Tumalo, Sunriver, La Pine and Caldera Springs) -- Central Oregon is one of the fastest growing regions in the Pacific Northwest. With its combination of ideal climate (300 days of sunshine), extensive recreational opportunities, its entrepreneur-friendly environment and broad slate of cultural outlets, Central Oregon has proven a popular destination among young and old alike.
To find out more about Central Oregon or to search for properties in the area, please visit my website, http://www.centraloregonhome4you.com/.
Good question. And, in truth, there are a number of things that should factor into your decision about whom you select to represent you in your next real estate transaction.
But what expectations do you have for the real estate professional you choose to work with? And remember, you do have a choice -- actually, in Central Oregon you have a lot of choice -- so don't settle for just any real estate broker; we really aren't all the same.
What qualities do you value in the people you do business with? Obviously, you want someone who's experienced, competent, trustworthy and knowledgeable, so consider more than just their skill sets. Think about the type of person you're most comfortable working with. Because the business of real estate is really a business built on relationships. As Realtors®, we live or die based on the success with which we satisfy our clients' expectations. And remember: The decision you make about the real estate professional you choose can affect not just the type of experience you have (i.e., an enjoyable one or a nightmare) but the quality of the process itself.
Those of us who take our job seriously spend our time focused on our clients, ensuring that they are well-informed, well-educated and well-prepared for every aspect of their transaction. Yet we aren't focused solely on the transaction itself, because we know our job doesn't end with that transaction. Our goal is to establish clients for life, so we follow up and nurture the relationships we have so they'll endure over the long haul.
Here's what you can expect from me:
I'm not a native Central Oregonian, but I love this place. Even before I became a Realtor®, I explored the area every chance I could get. And I love the business of real estate. I love making what can be a very stressful, intimidating process for my clients a positive experience for everyone I work with (that means clients, other agents, lenders, title officers, home inspectors -- everyone).
I'm passionate about what I do and give 100 percent of my focus to every task I undertake. I don't do things halfway. I was a journalist for 20-plus years, so I actually enjoy asking questions, solving problems and investigating issues. Research is my middle name.
But if you're looking for a fast-talking, Palm-toting, appointment-driven, call-me-at-midnight-on-a-Sunday-if-it-means-a-sales-tonight style agent, I'm not your gal. I spent 25 years living life on the edge, and too much of the really important stuff (my family, friends, personal life, etc.) passed me by while I was out working myself sick. My approach these days is much more relaxed, and my business is, by design, primarily referral-based. I don't ever want to be too busy juggling transactions to devote the time to my clients that they deserve.
But if you're looking for someone who will work diligently to make your real estate experience a positive one, who will work closely with you to address each issue that comes along in an effort to find the ideal outcome, look no further.
Not surprisingly, the Central Oregon real estate market has shown the effects of its rapid growth. From 1988 (when the city ended its last major real estate slump) until 2007, the average price of a Bend home rose an average of 11.3 percent per year, In 2006, home prices here appreciated faster than any other city in the country, according to the National House Price Index. (To put that in perspective, nationwide, the price index rose 5.9 percent.) From the beginning of 2002 to the end of 2006, home prices in Bend appreciated 104.5 percent.
Actually, for a while there, the real estate speculating and building-for-the sake-of-buildling mentality had gotten out of control. City and county planners could no longer keep up with the workload, appraisers could no longer keep up with the price increases, and buyers and sellers could no longer agree to much of anything.
Meanwhile, too many builders built too many spec homes and too many investors hung their fortunes on the quick flip. So after what seemed like an unstoppable boom, things came to a grinding halt. Inventory began to pile up. The national mortgage industry's free-wheeling lending policies began to catch up with them. Homeowners who thought they were on firm financial ground found out otherwise. More and more people began to learn the meaning of "short sale" and "bank-owned."
And home prices began to decrease. (By the end of 2008, the median price for a home in Bend was $289.450, compared to $351,978 at the end of 2006.) Because the high inventory meant that homes that once would have been on the market for four days were know sitting dormant for up to 14 months (or longer), sellers began to slash their prices accordingly. Even so, buyers, by and large, sat on the sidelines, waiting for the dust to settle. And the frenzy that had been Central Oregon real estate sales was no more. We had rejoined the real world.
But the long-term real estate picture in Central Oregon is enviable. This is an incredible place to live!
"People are going to continue to come here," Roger Lee of Economic Development for Central Oregon predicts. "It's a very attractive Western U.S. community. It's hard to find other places that are comparable. They're out there, but many of them are larger or are smaller and don't have the amenities that the tri-county area offers.
"Plus, if you look at the job creation here over the past seven years, I think there were 16,600 jobs created," he adds. "There's not a metro area in Oregon outside Portland that can match that -- even though there are much larger populations. So our population growth here in the past 15 years has been dramatically larger than the rest of the state -- and the nation. And the forecasts are, in the next 10 to 12 years, that we're supposed to actually pick up that pace. So if the forecasts are correct, we'll see more jobs created in the years going forward than we have in past years. And that's obviously really important to sustaining our economy long-term."
So How Can I Help You?
My areas of expertise include resort, rural and horse properties, investor opportunities and first-time home buyers. I've earned the Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI) designation, and as such have completed a course (including 90 hours of specialized education) that most real estate professionals never even pursue and have gained skills many agents will never have.
This spring, I received my Certified Distressed Property Expert designation, which provided me extensive education in dealing with sellers facing foreclosure and buyers interested in purchasing short sales. Like most communities, Central Oregon is seeing a significant increase in the number of short sale and foreclosure properties on the market.
I'm committed to the business of real estate, but I'm also committed to my community. I'm a member of the Communications Committee for the Central Oregon Association of Realtors® and participate in fellowship whenever possible at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch.
If you'd like to know more about me, please visit my website, www.centraloregonhome4you.com, email me at lisabroadwater@remax.net or give me a call at toll-free (866) 963-2760.
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
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