Day Trippin' #1: Smith Rock State Park

We didn't intend to end up at Smith Rock on that fine Saturday morning, but who could argue with the call of a perfectly blue-sky day? I packed my camera and we grabbed jackets in case we ran into cool weather. In the Northwest, an hour in any given direction can mean a drop or a spike in temperature. We headed east.

The Bend area is a lovely splash of sagebrush, wildflowers, and gnarly junipers that have withstood decades of heat, snow, and even fires. Artists flock to this high desert region to paint those trees, many of which were blackened in a fire that swept through the area decades ago. I've grown to love their scrappy appearance, and appreciate that no two juniper are alike. We took U.S. 97 to Redmond, and were heading out of town when we noticed a small formation of mountains sitting a few miles off the highway. A sign pointed to a campground, so we decided to check out their facilities.

Little did we expect to find such beauty on the backside of ordinary-looking hills.

Ok, this is the part where I issue a disclaimer. Underline it if you wish. I need you to know that I have never rock climbed anything more than a big boulder, and chances are fairly good that I won't ever dangle in mid-air, at the mercy of rope and metal hooks.

But I sure like watching those who do.

Smith Rock State park welcomes thousands of visitors every year, and a large percentage of them are there to challenge the cliffs. Located in the high desert of central Oregon, it has become known as the birthplace of American sports climbing.

1. De-stress from your everyday cares. If you can't afford a fancy-schmancy vacation, it doesn't mean you have to feel homebound. Do something simple, even if it means picnicing at a local park. Get out and go.

2. Enjoy a change of scenery. If you saw nothing but the same setting for 365 days, your head might explode from boredom. Day trips afford the opportunity to take in new vistas, explore new types of terrain, and stimulate your senses. You'll return with a headful of new sights, sounds, and impressions. It's got to be healthy.

3. Fresh air! 'Nuff said.

4. Make memories together. Life passes us by at a steady pace, and the older we get, the faster it flies. Stay active, or you might end up in that recliner with your remote pointed at the old movies channel.

5. Add to your photo albums. It's fun to go through old vacation (or staycation) photos and remember all the places you've visited together. Keep those memories going! Digital cameras are relatively inexpensive now, and you won't have the expense of film and film developing. No excuse not to record your day trips!