We’re Paige and Mason. The Bend Banner is our way of keeping tabs on this wild, beautiful place we call home. To the mornings that start with coffee and mountain air, the trails that somehow always lead to a brewery, and the kind of small-town stories that remind you why you chose to live here in the first place.

100-Year-Old Climb

We were driving out to Aspen Lakes Golf Course last weekend on Highway 20 toward Sisters, and Three Fingered Jack showed up like usual. We realized we’ve never really thought twice about that peak.

In September of 1923, just over 100 years ago, 6 young men from Bend set out to do something nobody else had done. Three Fingered Jack, the jagged, broken peak you see from parts of the Santiam Highway, had a reputation. Climbers had been trying and failing to reach the top for years. It was considered the one peak in the area that could not be climbed.

Ervin McNeal, Armin Furrer, Leo Harryman, Phil Philbrook, Ernest Putnam, and Elmer Johnson didn't believe that.

They left Bend at 7:30 pm, climbed through the night, and by morning had straddled the knife-edge tip of Jack's south pinnacle, 7,792 feet up. It was a harder climb than Mount Washington, which most of them had already knocked out just prior.

Six guys. No headlamps like we'd use today. No cell service to call for help if it went sideways. Just a Tuesday night decision to go settle something.

You can see the peak from the highway, still hike toward it, still stand at the base and squint up at that same sight. Next time you're driving out toward Sisters, look for it and think about the fact that some Bend kids you'll never know beat you to the top a hundred years before you got there.

You’ll finally sleep through the night. Pique's Deep Hydration Protocol sells out every fall — get 20% off for life before it's gone.

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A Bite Worth Mentioning

Took the whole family (toddlers included) for breakfast this weekend and tried a spot we hadn’t been to, That Guys Bistro. We split the tri-tip breakfast wrap and a breakfast bowl, and somehow that was plenty for all four of us.

Great sign of a place that doesn't skimp on portions. Bonus points for a happy hour menu that's just as solid. If you're looking for a different kind of breakfast spot, try it out; you won’t be disappointed.

This Week’s Conditions
☀️ Sunrise: 6:44 am
🌅 Sunset: 7:15 pm
High Temp: 77°F
Mt. Bachelor: More Snow
Local Art of the Week: Local Sticker Art 1st Anniversary

🐾Bend’s Best Good Boys & Good Girls 🐾

🐶 Princess – 11 Months, Mix
She came in scared and undersocialized, but months of patient work from volunteers have paid off. She loves other dogs, leans hard into cuddles, and looks to whoever's on the other end of the leash for guidance.

🐕 Benson – 2 Years - Mix
Came in as a stray and took a while to come out of his shell. Now he's a total sweetheart, happy to take pets and treats from anyone. His adoption fee is already sponsored.

🐶 Wesley – 2 Years - Retriever/Lab Mix
Although he’s been slow to warm up, he's starting to get super excited to go on walks and play. Wesley will end up being someone’s best friend.