Every town’s got a legend. One of Bend’s many legends involves a bridge that allegedly eats trucks.

Longtime locals refer to it as the Greenwood Gobbler. A low-slung railroad underpass east of downtown that’s been feasting since 1911. If you’ve ever driven a moving van toward it, you know the feeling. You grip the wheel. You pray. Sometimes, it’s not enough.

The first bridge went up when Bend was still sawdust and steam. It cleared horses, wagons, and early Fords just fine. But as trucks got taller, the Gobbler got hungry. In 1925, the wooden span was replaced with steel, painted green, and soon began claiming victims.

Fast forward to 1975. Mike Berry’s working at Dick Hodge’s Texaco when the phone rings. A panicked man says his Ryder truck’s been “eaten.” Mike drives to the scene. The roof’s peeled back like a tin can. His boss takes one look and says, “The Gobbler claims another one.”

For decades, it did just that. Box trucks, U-Hauls, RVs. Even a local furniture shop ordered a special low truck just to survive the crossing.

Finally, in 1985, ODOT lowered the road beneath the bridge. The Gobbler went on a forced diet.

Still, every now and then, someone misjudges. A little too tall. A little too fast.

And the Greenwood Gobbler gets another bite.

There’s a smell that hits you first at Lone Pine Coffee.

Not the coffee, though that’s its own kind of holy. But the butter-sugar warmth that drifts from the corner of the counter

It’s not on a massive brunch menu. There’s no mountain of whipped cream, no berries spilling over the edge of a plate, no syrup drizzle waiting for an Instagram story. It’s just a waffle. A single, golden, perfectly crisp square sitting quietly behind the counter.

You order one almost by accident. Maybe you just came for the cappuccino. Maybe you spot the waffle on the counter, cooling beside the espresso machine, and think: why not?

They hand it to you in parchment. No plate. No fork. You stand there with your coffee, maybe still half-asleep, and take a bite. The crust crackles. The inside pulls. Tiny bits of sugar melt into the waffle, sticking to your fingers.

It’s perfect.

You don’t talk. You don’t check your phone. You just eat, sip, and think. Yeah, this might be the best waffle on earth.

🐶 Goober – 2 years, Shepherd Mix
Goober’s a lovable goofball who leans in for hugs, lives for adventure, and promises to be the most loyal sidekick you’ve ever had.

🐱 Cedar – 1 year, Terrier/Pit
Young, fun, energetic pup. Needs a home that will give him plenty of love, attention, and walks.

🐶 Earl – 10 years, Terrier/Pit
Earl’s a seasoned gentleman with a love for snacks, belly rubs, and backyard adventures. Still full of life and ready to charm his next family.

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Born of Osiris @ Volcanic Theatre Pub | 6:30 pm

An Evening with Author Aiden Thomas @ COCC Barber Library | 4:30 pm

Trivia Tuesdays! @ The Lot | 7 pm

20-Dollar Art Show @ High Desert Museum | 9 am

Kids Art With A Splash of Science @ Tower Theatre | 1 pm

Bend Comedy Open Mic @ UPP Liquids | 7 pm

BOW BootCamp Sessions @ Volcanic Theatre Pub | 9 am

Pony Bradshaw @ Midtown Ballroom (Domino Room) | 4:30 pm

The Turkey Buzzard @ Silver Moon Brewing | 7 pm

Bend Venture Conference (Day 1) @ Tower Theatre | 1 pm

Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy: Chapter Two @ Volcanic Theatre Pub | 6 pm

Summer Music Series @ The Grove Market Hall | 6 pm

Starry Mountain Paint & Sip @ Craft Kitchen & Brewery | 6 pm

Bend Venture Conference (Day 2) @ Tower Theatre | 1 pm

Movies in the Mountains — Nightmare Before Christmas @ Mt. Bachelor | 5 pm

Summer Fridays Concert Series @ The Grove | 6 pm

Live Music Friday: Aaron Elston @ Currents (Riverhouse) | 7 pm

Opening Day: Soil Alive! Exhibition @ High Desert Museum | 9 am

Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy: Chapter Two @ Volcanic Theatre Pub | 12 pm

Scotty Austin’s Rocktober Fest @ Midtown Ballroom | 6 pm

Sam Bush @ Tower Theatre | 7:30 pm

Beats & Bites Brunch: Evan Mullins @ Currents (Riverhouse) | 11 am

Jason D. Williams, Supersuckers & Wayne Hancock @ The Domino Room | 7 pm

20-Dollar Art Show @ High Desert Museum | 9 am

Stayin’ Alive — One Night of the Bee Gees @ Tower Theatre | 7:30 pm

Until Next Week,

Paige & Mason