TRIP DAY -75, 76, 77, 78
|
DAILY
MILES - 326, 0, 9, ?
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TOTAL
MILES – 9,450
|
8/28- Crossed into Oregon and reached Crater Lake
National Park by the North Entrance. We
were not aware that this entrance would climb to the North Rim Road around the
caldera before descending to the campground. The good news is we got our
first view of Crater Lake after only a few miles into the park and it was the
most impressive natural setting we have ever encountered. Soaring cliffs line a lake whose brilliant
deep blue color is without a doubt the most beautiful thing we have seen. The bad news is the road down to the
campground from the rim is not made for RV's of any size. It was another narrow, winding mountain hung
road with no shoulders and sheer drop-offs.
Wayne said the worst driving experience yet, and we’ve had more than a
few. We were able to get a perfect camp
site in the Mazama NP campground and spent the afternoon recuperating from the
frightening drive.
8/29- Today we bought tickets for a Ranger Interpreted
Trolley tour from the campground around the Rim Drive of Crater Lake. It was an excellent tour and we learned the
history and geology of Mount Mazama, the volcanic eruption and the formation of
the crater and lake. Also, the Ranger
stopped at many sites along the caldera for views of the incredible lake. After the tour we had time to visit the
National Park Lodge and attend another Ranger lecture before returning to the
campground.
8/30- This morning we drove to the Steel Visitor
Center, which is down in the valley, to view the film and see the
exhibits. Wayne bought a copy of the film
as evidence of how beautiful Crater Lake is as our photos look too gorgeous to
be real. The lake is almost 2,000 feet
deep and contains perfectly pure water as its source is strictly snow (43 feet
annual average) or rain. That’s the
reason for the stunning blue hue. The
rim viewing area is 500 to 1,000 feet above the water and the caldera is 5
miles across. I’m not a fan of heights
and the sheer walls of the crater were very scary as the barrier walls were
only about knee height.
8/31- This morning we leave Crater Lake and head
into California to the Redwood National Forest.
This being the Labor Day Weekend, I’m not sure what our chances of
finding a campsite are but we’ll let you know that story next time we have a
connection.
