Joshua Savage, Author at The Source - Bend, Oregon

What in the World to Do with a Teenager?

In an outdoor-adventure wonderland such as Bend, some tips for getting teens on board

by Joshua Savage August 16, 2023July 19, 2025

The transition has hit. As of this summer I officially have two teenagers living at home. As my daughters become young adults, the thought of hiking or biking any significant distance immediately elicits resistance and strong complaints from both of them. One would assume that growing up in Bend would automatically instill an appreciation and […]

Bend Nest

Fall Excursions

With cooler temps and fewer tourists, fall is the perfect time to venture out

by Joshua Savage July 26, 2023August 11, 2025

The kids have started school, the days are shorter and the daily routine has returned, but no need to stop traveling. In fact, fall can be one of the best seasons to discover new adventures. Whether a day trip, a Saturday and Sunday or a long weekend (kids always seem to be getting an extra […]

Culture

Savage in Bend: Exposing the Quirks That Make Central Oregon Unique

In this new column, a Bend author and enthusiastic local answers your questions about Central Oregon

by Joshua Savage June 28, 2023March 19, 2025

Hello Central Oregonians! Welcome to the newest column for the Source Weekly. I’m a southerner (from Mississippi) stranded (perhaps permanently) in the Pacific Northwest. Like the majority of us, I landed in Bend and fell in love with the area. Also like most of us, I love the outdoors, but I feel we often overlook […]

Bend Nest

It’s Baby Season!

Where to experience new animal life in Central Oregon

by Joshua Savage April 27, 2023August 11, 2025

After a long winter, most Central Oregonians look forward to warmer weather and a little color to the landscape. The High Desert morphs as flowers bloom, leaves sprout and the opportunity to spend more time outdoors finally arrives. Spring and summer signal a time of new life, especially for the array of animals, domesticated and […]

Bend Nest

Kids Have a Voice: Save Skyline Forest

by Joshua Savage February 2, 2023August 11, 2025

Skyline Forest, a huge tract of undeveloped land located west of Bend, has been a source of concern for quite some time. At almost 33,000 acres, this pristine privately owned area is for sale. Conservationists worry about heightened wildfire risk, loss of wildlife habitat and other negative impacts of development. Central Oregon LandWatch has stepped […]

Bend Nest

Thermal Magic

Discover Oregon’s Bounty of Hot Springs

by Joshua Savage November 9, 2022August 11, 2025

During the summer, the invigorating cold waters of the Deschutes River and the Cascade Lakes are a welcome respite from the heat. When the winter weather hits, though, it’s the exact opposite. We search for ways to warm our bodies—wood stoves, layers of clothing and hot chocolate. Not all of us own or have easy […]

Culture

Greening the High Desert

A permaculture farm on Hunnel Road demonstrates the abundance that can happen, even in the High Desert

by Joshua Savage June 1, 2022June 27, 2025

“My wish is for every home in Bend to grow their own food.” A dream? Not in the mind of Shiv Shakti, an optimist transforming 10 acres of the High Desert into a permaculture paradise. In the local news the words “Hunnel Road” often conjure ideas of homelessness and dilapidated RVs, but after the dead […]

Bend Nest

It’s All About the Kids

Learning the ropes at the Bend Boxing Club

by Joshua Savage May 25, 2022August 11, 2025

South of Reed Market Road, on American Loop, sits a slice of Bend not many people visit. As I drove down the gravel street, I thought I had made a wrong turn and double-checked the address, but then suddenly noticed an area teeming with life. I knew I was in the right place. Welcome to […]

Bend Nest

It’s Gardening Time!

Tips for facing the challenge of high desert growing

by Joshua Savage February 23, 2022August 11, 2025

At the first sign of spring, with warmer days ahead, many of us are excited to get outside and play. We are ready to start tinkering in the garden and dreaming of the season’s abundance. Wait a minute, not so fast! This isn’t the Willamette Valley, where rain is plentiful and vegetation grows easily. No, […]

Bend Nest

A Good Kind of Fire

Backyard bonfires stoke comfort and creativity

by Joshua Savage November 16, 2021August 11, 2025

Before modern civilization became inundated with distractions like television, internet and ways to fill the time, there was fire. Long after humanity, there will be fire. During the parched summer months, we know how dangerous the tiniest spark can be in Central Oregon. However, building and enjoying a fire is the best part of our frigid winters! In […]

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