Thank you to everyone who came out to two fundraising events at Sunriver Resort this past weekend. We raised close to $30k for local charities in just two days.

Smokey Bear had a nice visit to Skamania Lodge a few weeks ago. He got to meet some wonderful guests and take some great pictures. Come meet Smokey Bear at his visit on August 15th. You can't miss this.

Skamania lodge Raptor Adventures are taking off... literally. Come see the program that is making the news for Skamania Lodge. Meet these amazing birds, learn all about them and see them up close. They are only here through the summer so hurry up for a visit.

Dine at T. Cook’s between now and the end of August and receive a voucher for a fabulous gift on your next visit.

The sunsets in Central Oregon are spectacular year-round, but are especially intense in the summer when afternoon thunderstorms develop and then dissipate in the early evening leaving just enough cloud cover to light up the sky. This sunset shot was taken yesterday evening, 7/27/10/, looking west toward the Oregon Cascade mountain range.

While gardening is the hobby of choice for most Americans in the summer with fresh flowers in full bloom, Mother Nature works her own magic in the Sonoran Desert that most never get a chance to see. Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa has over 8,000 rose bushes that bloom year-round, but in summer, Desert Cactus also bloom and bear fruit that cannot be seen during any other time of the year with the exception of summer.

Every morning in the summer, just before 8am, the horses in the pasture behind the lodge are led to the Sunriver Stables. Watching "The Morning Wrangle" is a great way to start the day at Sunriver.

See video below

Fitness Instructor, Anna Lembke, introduces Stand Up Paddle Fitness Classes as part of the Sunriver Resort Marina FREE Stand Up Sundays. These fun and active classes combine Stand Up Paddling with total body toning and cardiovascular exercises for participants of all levels. Check-in time is at 10:30–11:45 pm. Class size is limited and reservations are required by 10:00 am Sunday. Please call 541-593-3492.

Video below

Oregon pilot Dan Pimentel recently interviewed Sunriver Airport Manager, Stephanie Hartung about a unique perk at one of the busiest private resort airstrips west of the Mississippi - free bikes when you land!

"The biggest surprise I found upon flying into Sunriver Airport for the first time was the free bicycles waiting to be borrowed. I have not seen this at any other airport."

Read the full story and interview on Dan's blog

Learn to make a delicious cocktail that is sure to help you cool off from the Phoenix summer heat.  Relax, unwind and enjoy the creamy, fruity goodness of our key lime martini!

This is the 14th year that Skamania Lodge associates have raised money for The American Cancer Society. This year the theme was Celebrate More Birthdays and our team won the Best Tent Site award! We raised more than $4,000 and are very proud of our efforts.

We recently asked our Facebook "Likers": "If you were giving trip advice to someone coming to Sunriver for the first time, what is the ONE activity or attraction you would consider a "must-do" or "must-see"?

We had over 70 past Sunriver guests reply and these are the top 35 responses:

With a heat wave blanketing most of the US, I think everyone is fully aware that Summer is in full swing. One reason most locals give as their reason for moving to Telluride, is how great it is here in the Summer. Temperatures are mild and the humidity is low, granted it is a much drier climate and you must stay hydrated so that you do not end up visiting another of our landmarks, the Telluride Medical Center....that one does NOT need to be on your "to do" list.

Did you know?  Only two manmade structures on Earth are large enough to be seen from outer space: the Great Wall of China and the Fresh Kills Landfill in New York.  In 1979, there were an estimated 18,500 landfills in the nation.  In 1990 there were only about 6,300, and by 1995 it was estimated that only about 3,000 would still be open.  In just 16 years the number of landfills dropped by 84%. During that same time there was an 80% increase in the amount of trash generated.  Seventy percent of U.S. municipal solid waste gets buried in landfills.  U.S. landfills are closing at the rate of 1 per day.[www.cleanair.org]

A few weeks ago I stayed as a guest at Skamania Lodge where I was working as the Wedding Photographer for Chris and Robyn Bonsell. My family and I were already quite impressed with the magnificent mountain views, the large rustic resort and the attentive guest service from the moment we walked through the front door that was held open by your friendly staff members. 

June gloom finally got the memo with wedding season at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa already well underway!  Voted Top 10 Wedding Venue by San Diego Union Tribune, Estancia La Jolla has already been host to over 10 weddings this summer.

With the busiest months of San Diego wedding season still ahead we asked our Expert Wedding Planners for some tips on the top Wedding Trends.

A recent group enjoyed local fresh menu items at Atwater on Gore Creek

Here at L'Auberge Del Mar, life is always a picnic.

So join us in Point Loma on July 18 from 12pm - 4pm at Picnic Basket!, a family-friendly afternoon that will be brimming with creative art activities, silly picnic games, live music, and delicious treats for all to enjoy!  Presented by Chef Works and Cooks Confab, the proceeds will support ARTS - A Reason to Survive, a fantastic organization which provides programs to positively impact child's lives through the arts.

Our very own Executive Chef Paul McCabe will be in attendance, whipping up some tasty bites and enjoying the sunshine.  Bring a blanket and admire a lovely Sunday picnic to support a great cause!

Seeking a little sweetness in everyday life?  Well, come on in, because Sofie L'Auberge loves to share the cheer in honor of her very first birthday!  She surprised our guests at the pool with a delightful selection of scrumptious cupcakes from a local, organic bakery, Cups La Jolla.  The celebration continues the whole month of July with L'Petit Pooches staying for only $1!  So stop by for something sweet.

Resort at Squaw Creek's Wayne Peterson, a twenty year veteran of the bell staff, takes flight for his 80th birthday.