Summer arrived late for me. June was a blur and didn't count in my book as I was fully engrossed in transitioning from my previous job and getting ready to leave Seattle, Wa, and move to Bend, Or. I'll write more about my move in an upcoming post, but right now I want to share with you my camping trip at Cultus Lake near Bend, Oregon.

It may have happened in July, but to me, it feels like the perfect kick-off to an amazing summer!

And what a trip! I've been a city girl for the last 19 years and it felt so good to spend several days soaking in nature. It was the perfect transition from life in a city of more than 3.5 MILLION people in the metropolitan area to a population of approximately 94,520!

We arrived at Cultus Lake around 4 pm on July 4th after a festive morning in Bend. The city of Bend goes all-out for the 4th with the nation’s largest pet parade followed by a street fair in Drake Park.

After setting up camp and getting Paris and Berkeley (cat glamping) settled in we headed to the beautiful Cultus Lake Resort for a delicious dinner.

We then ended the evening after taking a last look at the lake and snuggled up by the campfire.

Our mornings started with a campfire as the mountain air is quite crisp and chilly, coffee and fantastic breakfasts!

Once it warmed up we jumped in the boat to play on the lake.

After which, we'd come back to camp for lunch, a mini nap, and then head out to explore! We hiked around Cultus Lake, drove over to Irish and Taylor lakes (close by), and explored the gorgeous scenery.

A fun little fact is that the cracks in the bark of Ponderosa Pine trees smell like strawberries!

We also came across an area with beautiful wild lily's and in one we found a goldenrod crab spider devouring a wasp! I'm not a fan of spiders but this was pretty neat to come across as they are rarely seen!

On our hike around Cultus, we came across this adorable little homemade dock someone made at a secluded little beach area.

We definitely didn't lack for yummy camping foods!

If you ever get the chance to come through Bend Oregon in the summer it's worth the time to travel the extra 50 mins to Cultus Lake to camp, stay at the lodge or just enjoy the lake for a day!

We had an amazing time!

xx Sarah