Part 2: Crater Lake, Eugene and the Oregon Coast

On Thursday, Aug. 5 we drove to Crater Lake, It’s been many years since we visited and looked forward to the day. At the sign by the north entrance and guy on a bicycle took our picture. As we were standing there another car pulled up and he took their picture too. Seems he could have had a part time job. After we left there the next feature of note is the Pumice Dessert. There is very little plant growth after all those years. It came about at the time of the eruption, about 7700 years ago, that caused Mt. Mazama to collapse on itself and form the caldera that is now Crater Lake. Mt Mazama lost between 2500 and 3500 feet in height during this event.

                   

The first parking lot as we came in is situated below the rim and it is always a “WOW” moment when you reach the rim and get the first look at Crater Lake'

The only source of water for the lake comes from rain or snow. The water is extremely blue, due to the clarity and the depth of the water. The lake is approximately 5 by 6 miles and is 1949 feet deep. It is the deepest lake in the US.

There are many features to be seen. The Pumice Castle was created by layers of pumice and rocks from the volcano. These layer were compacted over time and shaped by erosion.

                      

Wizard Island is cinder cone volcano that is lower than the rim of the caldera. Sheltered form the wind as it formed, it is a near perfect cone.

                

The Phantom Ship is a small island that depending on your position and lighting conditions will appear and disappear. When we were here several years ago we took the boat ride on the lake and saw the Phantom Ship do it’s tricks as we traveled near and around it.

                        

The snow packs that can be seen look small because of the distances involved but up close they are large and cold.

In the album of pictures, I have taken several pictures of the signs that have more information of these and others features. You can access the pictures at: http://jackbarbic.shutterfly.com/3638

There is a road that goes around the caldera with many viewpoints. Well worth the drive. However, there are a couple of places where there are steep drop offs. It is not a place where anyone would want to run off the road.

We left our motor home at the RV Park and drove our car to Eugene to visit Jeff and Mary. One day we had brunch at a winery. The food and scenery were great.

You can access the picture album at:  http://jackbarbic.shutterfly.com/3820

    

We went to one of my favorite places, the Oregon Coast. On the way we stopped at a casino and Jackie managed to win around $25. I made a small contribution to the “Keep the lights on fund”. From there we went through Florence to the Port of Siuslaw

                 

Jackie spent her winnings and we headed north. We went as far north as Newport and ate lunch at “Mo’s”. where I had the best clam chowder I have ever eaten follow by Chippino.

                        

I had every intention of taking a picture of the Chippino when it arrived but at some point when eating the clan chowder, my eyes glazed over and before I knew it, the Chippino was half eaten.

The scenery along the coast is certainly different than Florida. There scenic points along the way, some named others are not. Places like Seal Caves, Devils Churn, Heceta Head Lighthouse and many more. It’s a wonderful drive.

                            

                         

                                     

In early May we were at a motor home rally at Jetty Park, just south of Cape Kennedy and walked the beach along the Atlantic. With this trip to the Oregon Coast, we walked the beach along the Pacific. Coast to coast, not too bad for a couple of Geezers.

So, we are now back in LaPine. There is a Family Motor Coach Association rally in Redmond. Since we are members I think we will go there for a while tomorrow. Friday, we will be heading east, with our next stop just over the Idaho line.

Till Then.

Jack