Bend to Mammoth

The deepest lake in the US (Crater Lake, USA 22 May 07)
see all photos »

Having recovered from Smith Rock (see previous entry) we continued Southwards, stopping at the deepest lake in the US, Crater Lake. The electric blue colour was intensified by the contrasting white snow melting gently on the steep slopes. Beautiful.

Passing back down into the Sierra Nevada (the range of mountains we have been criss-crossing pretty much since Mount St Helen's), we spotted a bald eagle nest on the electric wires above us...a brave spot for a nesting site!

Just over the border from Orgeon in California (Dr Dre serenading us across the line) we entered the spectacular Lassen National Park, a bizarre place full of giant pine cones bigger than your hands, and smouldering volcanic basins making ominous glugging noises, and sending boiling steam jets out every so often. Met a nice lizard there too!

The proud parent watching over his interesting nesting location choice (near Crater Lake, USA 22 May 07)
see all photos »

The road from Lassen to Tahoe was full of hairpins and extreme altitude changes, so it was a relief to finally arrive in South Lake Tahoe, where we spent an enjoyable few days hiking up the ski runs (beginner runs are quite steep when you're on your legs going upwards!) and kayaking on the freezing cold water lake. Note that V & R should NOT be put in a double kayak in the future - we are much more efficient in single ones!! We camped at the DL Bliss Campsite which has its own beach, and spent some great chill out time there with a local bottle of beer or two. As it was memorial day weekend however, our "bliss" lasted only one night as the campsite was full for the weekend!

Giant fircones in Lassen, with Mt. Lassen volcano in background(Lassen National Park, USA 23 May 07)
see all photos »

South Lake Tahoe the town is split across two states, and with gambling illegal in California and quite encouraged in Nevada the east side of the town is a mini Vegas. We checked into a motel on the Nevada border and stayed the weekend - the casinos were good fun but a lot of the gambling stakes a little over our budget - it was fun to watch though!

I think that we have caught the climbing bug, as our next destination is to be Mammoth lakes for a "rock week" - 4 days of instruction. Looking forward to it!

It's still an active volcano.....(Lassen National Park, USA 23 May 07)
see all photos »

R&V