Labor Day already? Where did that long promising summer go, the one that only yesterday was stretching out before us like a lazy flowing river of idle days?

Gone in a paroxysm of raft trips, biking adventures and wilderness treks sandwiched in between picnics, Id wager. But wait, its not quite over yet.

What summer vacation has come down to is a long weekend in Central Oregon. Lucky us. Weve plenty of time to get out and boogie. The trick is to narrow our early summer list down to late summer proportions.

Hone in. Focus.

Hope this small sampling of ideas sparks a few of your own.

* The Maury Mountains This is a road trip that takes you into the heart of Central Oregon.

The stretch of Highway 380 south and east of Prineville quickly takes you into coyote country, with its rimrock and sagebrush, pasture and dry creeks. About 10 miles out of Prineville, youll meet up with the main stem of the Crooked River, the section above Prineville Reservoir.

Then its on to Post, the geographic center of the state. Stop in for a snack, to mail a letter or to grab a cold drink. Be sure to top off the gas tank. And keep heading east.

About a mile past Post, turn right over a little bridge spanning the river. Forest Road 16 follows Newsome Creek up into the Maurys, an oft-overlooked corner of the Ochoco National Forest.

Happy exploring.

* Soda Creek The Soda Creek Trail begins just 28 miles west of Bend at the Green Lakes Trailhead parking lot. This trail begins on the right, close to the entrance of the parking lot.

A mile or so through the woods, the trail tops a modest rise and opens up onto the kind of high mountain meadow that postcards are made of. Soda Creek meanders through this broad, green park just inviting hikers to sit a spell, enjoy the solitude and a picnic perhaps.

* Todd Lake, Shevlin Park Speaking of picnics, nearby Todd Lake is a pleasant place to roll out the red plaid tablecloth and serve up the fried chicken and potato salad. You wont be alone but the Alpine views are worth the drive.

Closer to home, Shevlin Park, Bends ponderosa-pretty crown jewel may well be the optimum spot for a quick picnic. Dont forget to bring your hiking boots. Theres a 4.7-mile-loop trail that weaves through the pines, across Tumalo Creek and on to the canyon rim.

* Cline Falls State Park, just four miles west of Redmond off Highway 26, is a popular destination for local residents looking for a quick getaway.

The 9-acre park is bordered by the canyon rim to the east and by the Deschutes River to the west. The oasis of the river and its surroundings is the main attraction.

Swimming is popular as are picnicking and playing horseshoes.