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TRAVEL BLOG ENTRY
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Crater Lake was beautiful as always. The dark blue water contrasted by the steep rock sides. The narrow winding roads with numerous opportunities to stop and take in the breathtaking views.
Our trip started with a stop in Bend, Oregon. We stayed with our friends Stan and Denise who live outside the city on several beautiful acres. Their backyard is like being in a personal zoo. We saw osprey, quail, deer and june bugs. In the osprey nest, the mother protected the two babies while the father hunted what appeared to be a koi from a local fish pond. It was the first time we had seen a mother feed the babies. We also got to see one baby osprey flap its wings in preparation for its first flight. A flock of quails walked through the yard and a little later on, a five-point buck interrupted dinner. It was great to spend a quiet afternoon and evening with some good friends.
The next day we headed for Crater Lake. Upon arriving in the park, we stopped to see the lake. It was Tony's first glimpse of Crater Lake and he was in awwww. Even Todd enjoyed the scenery . . . mainly the snow where he rolled around and chased snowballs. It was hot that day! We spent the day driving around the rim of Crater Lake, visiting the lodge and other sites and learning about the lake's history. That night we spent the night at Lost Creek Campground.
The next morning we packed up camp and headed for the boat ramp. Unfortunately a forest fire had broken out early that morning and the smoke left a haze over the forest and lake. Although they were still conducting boat tours, they were not dropping people off on Wizard Island . . . an excuse to visit again. Tony and I hiked down to the lake where he proceeded to swim. The water was a balmy 56 degrees. I waded but wasn't brave enough to actually swim. Since it was still hot and we didn't want to leave Todd in the car for too long, Tony stayed behind to keep Todd company while I took the boat tour.
The tour was fantastic. It was a unique opportunity to see the sites from the lake rather than the rim. In other words, look up rather than down. It was also helpful to have a guide explain everything including the fact that Crater Lake is the clearest lake in the world.
After Crater Lake we headed to Diamond Lake and stayed at the Thielsen View Campground. Despite the mosquitos, seeing Diamond Lake in the shadow of Mt. Thielsen was spectacular. We enjoyed sitting by the lake throwing sticks for Todd and walking around the shore trail. That night nature gave us a spectacular lightening show complete with thunder that echoed in between the mountains. Luckily it only sprinkled.
After Diamond Lake we headed to Waldo Lake. Tony had been to Waldo Lake on a mountain biking trip several years earlier and really enjoyed it. He was right. Waldo Lake (east of Eugene) is gorgeous. Its a very large lake where boats are not allowed to go over 10 mph. There is great hiking, swimming and biking. By this time we were finally getting used to quiet and relaxing days where book reading was the primary activity on our agenda. We did find a floating dock in the swimming area that proved to be an excellent sun bathing and book reading spot. The lake was a little chilly but in 90+ degree weather, it felt great.
After spending one night in Bend, one night at Crater Lake, one night at Diamond Lake and one night at Waldo Lake, it was time to head home. I had two more weeks of work to complete before our trip to Tennessee and Florida.
previous travel blog entry
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