Crater Lake

So much has been said about Crater Lake that I am not sure I have anything to add.  I can say that we had wonderful weather.  October 2, 2012, and it was warm, almost hot, and the sky was as blue as the lake. 

Pictures cannot begin to capture the beauty of Crater Lake, but it is impossible to go there and not take pictures. We have visited before, but you can never get enough. The blue is mesmerizing in its intensity and the sky today made an excellent counterpoint to the lake.  You’ve all read the statistics about the lake, so I won’t repeat them, HOWEVER, I am going to repeat some pictures.  Just can’t help it!  No retouching or color enhancing on any of these lake photos.  It REALLY is just that blue.






We had Poppy and while dogs are allowed at the viewpoints, they are not allowed on any of the trails.  So we stuck with the viewpoints and that was probably good enough for us anyway.  


I didn’t see many birds today but I managed to grab this little guy.


And this big guy.  That’s the lake in the background, not the sky.  This fella chatted with Russ awhile, no doubt asking for a handout.  When none was forthcoming, he became disgusted and flew away.


As long as I’m talking about birds, Russ snapped this picture of a warm nest outside of the grocery store in LaPine.  The bakery sign will never be the same.  Looks like they pecked the “E” until it bled!!


The retaining wall that runs along the rim at Rim Village is intended to keep stupid tourists from sliding down the steep, slick sides of the caldera.  We saw several people who had breached the wall and were sitting on the dirt near the edge.  Guess they can’t read.


There was a worker who was repairing the brick work.


I would have thought he would have a safety harness of some sort.  That bank is just as steep and slippery as it looks. I hope he doesn’t get a case of the sneezes!!


Mt. Thielsen is showing in the background.  This peak is located north of Crater Lake and east of Diamond Lake. 

The trip to Crater Lake is well worth the time and effort.  It is a sight that is not to be missed.  My only complaint would be the chattering, noisy people who cannot seem to shut up, or get off their cell phone long enough to just listen to the sounds of nature.   I know it’s just my opinion, but there is something to be said for just a little reverence for such an awesome sight.