Sunriver, Oregon – Day 2

Thursday morning we decided to go check out Lava Butte and the nearby lava cave. They only allow 10 cars to drive up to the top of the Lava Butte at a time.

Lava Butte from the base 

We were lucky that we didn't have any wait and got to go right up. The views are really quite spectacular. It was so interesting to see the lava fields intermixed with green lush forests.

A little butterfly landed on Jason’s foot as we were about to walk to the top

If you look closely you can see the lava cutting through the forest

Next up was walking through the lava caves. We had no idea that the temperature inside the cave would be around 40° so we had to do a little improvising with our attire. We used towels for jackets (capes), Justin’s socks became pants for Jason and Carly, and Katie and Jason wore pajama pants to keep warm.

Here we are ready to go inside the mouth of the cave

The caves really were amazing. We rented a lantern to navigate our way down through the cave. At times the ceiling of the cave would be 30 feet above us and 20 feet wide though a few times the ceiling was only 6 feet high (which required a little ducking on Justin's part) and the path narrow and rocky. It was such a fun excursion (and free besides renting the lantern). We had a lot of fun making scary comments as we walked through the dark cave. Jason commented that one marking in the ground looked like a dinosaur footprint, Justin suggested that maybe the tickle monster lives deep in the cave, Katie enjoyed growling and making scary sounds echo through the cave walls, Carly was so sweet to hold Jason's hand in areas where he needed a little extra stability. Note to self: flip-flops and crocs are not suitable cave trekking attire.

Justin took a few pictures with his phone

I love spending time with my family and have the greatest kids ever. I'm so lucky! 

Another picture from Justin’s phone as we’re nearing the mouth of the cave on our way out. 

We successfully made it through the cave and back into the sunshine.

After more swimming that afternoon at the SHARC we ate dinner at the house then headed back on our bikes to check out the "village". Sunriver's shopping area.

Love this dude!

We saw many deer, squirrels/chipmunks, and owls during the week.  We also biked right next to a huge raccoon one evening.

My friend recommended we treat ourselves to an ice cream at Goody’s. The shop took me back to a classic candy store, dark wood display cases, bar stools overlooking the ice cream parlor and a large wall full of candy in glass containers. The ice cream didn't disappoint (though does it ever?). 

On the way back to the house we biked over to check out the house that my friend is buying at the end of August. 

Who knows maybe next time we visit Sunriver we will stay here (cause there will definitely be a “next time”).