Oregon Part 4

There are 1000 places you should see before you die, at least according to Patricia Schultz.

Crater Lake is one of them on that list. After having been there twice now, I absolutely agree with her. This is one of the most BREATHTAKING places I have ever been.

Crater Lake did not come about because Mount Mazama blew it's top, which is widely believed, it collapsed in on itself. As this enormous volume of magma (54-63 km3, or 13-15 mi3) was rapidly removed from the chamber (about 5 km, or 3 mi below Earth's surface) to feed the climactic eruption, it created a huge void underneath the mountain. Leaving no support for this massive dome, the roof of the magma chamber collapsed, forming the bowl-shape depression known as a caldera.

Crater Lake is 1,943 feet (592 meters) makes it the deepest lake in the United States, and the seventh deepest in the world. Its fresh water is some of the clearest found anywhere in the world.

There are numerous trails for hiking and biking. Trails vary greatly in difficulty and length, but for healthy adults and kids you can definitely find a trail to suit your adventure level.

When we went we hiked Garfield trail, which is about 3.5 miles long and about a 1000ft vertical climb. We took out time and enjoyed the multitude of sites from that elevation. The kids did great, and while we did have to watch our step in a few places it was perfectly doable with our whole family

We even stopped to have a snowball fight, with an average snowfall every year of 522 inches, spots of snow can still be seen all year round. What a treat for our kids to get to play in it in July when snow hasn't been seen around here in months.

If your going to Oregon you MUST go here. For 10 dollars you get a week long pass into the park and endless adventures for your entire family.

You can see all the activities, from a boat ride to Wizard Island to Junior Ranger Programs on the Crater Lake National Park website.

As a note, none of these were photoshopped to improve the color of the water it truly is THAT blue. It's absolutely spectacular!

148/365 - Day at the Beach

I had grand plans to take my kids to a picnic lunch at the beach. I knew the water would be too cold, but I thought we could check out the lighthouse, and play in the sand.

Well you know the saying about good intentions....

The forecast said it would be breezy... when they say "breezy" I assume it means a slight breeze blowing every once in a while, not 50 MPH gusting winds. 50 MPH plus sand equals ouch. The kids were great and sucked it up. They were happy to play and fend off the sand in their eyes.

Finally I was the party pooper and after an hour and a half I decided I had had enough. So we left, but I did get a few pictures.

The Lighthouse!









Now the kids... This first one is my favorite from the day.

138 The Height of the Flooding

Our river finally crested at 15.8ft. This is the the highest I've ever seen the river in my entire life living here.

When we went down to take a look there were cars and people everywhere. I guess this is the excitement when you live in a small town.

(If you remember this is what it looked like on Saturday)


(This is a picture from Saturday at it's highest stage)




This is the current that is going over the sidewalk and across the road.


This is a boat people are using to get from their house to the road.

Day 136/365 More Flooding

I went out today and documented more of the flooding in our area.

Usually you see a road closed sign and water is covering part of the road. This road just disappeared. Once it went under the water I couldn't see where the road resurfaced. It was a really incredible site.

Day 108

I was out and about the other day, and I came across a place that I have wanted to photograph for quite a while.

Day 100!! I've hit a BIG Milestone

Well I am 100 days in, and what a journey. I think I am getting better. Take a look back and see what you think.

I took these while just out and about, in random spots in the country.

Day 89

Just some random shots from the trip to Wisconsin.

My in-laws have the FATTEST squirrels known to man in their back yard. This is probably because my father-in-law always has food out for them, but wow they are porkers.



I took a walk down to the piers, obviously no one had made this journey in some time as my footprints were the only ones.

63/365 Ice

Ice chunks on the Tippy.

62/365 Saturday December 27th.

I wonder if Tesla had won out over Edison, if this picture would have ever been possible.

Day 61 of 365 More of On the Road Series

From the day after Christmas. We went looking for "deals". We didn't find any, but it started to rain and I got some neat pictures.

Taken through the front of our rainy windshield.




If you would have told me 6 months ago I'd pay this for gas I would have laughed at you.

60/365 2nd part of Christmas Day post.

More pictures from our drive home Christmas Day.