Some 7700 years ago, before our time or yours either, Mount Mazama in what later became Oregon had a hissy fit and blew its top. Some centuries later, the huge caldera filled with water to a level that became Crater Lake. On July 5th, Jerry and Suzy decided to take a look (we had actually looked before, maybe 30 or 40 years ago).
This was our first view, and for those who wonder, Suzy got this shot.
The most notable feature about Crater Lake is its constant blue-tiful color! It's abso-blue-tly spectacular! In fact one wag, namely me, coined the name of the color of the lake: "Incredi-blue!" If you can do better, please let me know.
There is a 33-mile Rim Drive around Crater Lake, with more than 30 pullouts offering dramatic views of the lake's volcanic scenery. The Rangers suggest allowing two to three hours to see it all. We took better than four hours! Of course, that included the occasional gift shops, restroom visits, gift shops. visitor centers and gift shops. Suzy says "Jerry's full of bull," but Jerry feels differently. Ohmigosh, are we having our first fight?
Take a look at these shots. If you wanna see more, there are 48 in our
2013 Crater Lake web album. If that's not enough, catch up with us somewhere and review over 200!
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| Wizard Island, made mostly of cinders erupted in the last few thousand year. |
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| The large prominence is Llao Rock, named for one of two powerful spirits in native legends. |
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| Phantom Ship -- the oldest exposed rock in the caldera, estimated to be over 400,000 years old! |
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| This extremely hard andesic lava remained after Mount Mazama collapsed following its years of eruption. |
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| The orange-ish feature shown above the trees is Pumice Castle, built up over centuries of Mount Mazama's growth. It's made up of pumice and other rocks coughed up by Mount Mazama. |
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| Pumice Castle was another prominence left standing when Mount Mazama collapsed into itself. |
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| Vidae is the only waterfall identified along the Rim Drive. |
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| A young man offered to take our picture. He did a good job! |
This fallen tree made us think of a mythical beast lying in wait for an unsuspecting tourist. Taking its picture protected us from harm.
What will we see next along the way of ... Our Life on Wheels?
I love to visit Crater Lake! Your photos are awesome and do it justice. The photo of the two of you in with the lake in the background (and with your matching flag t-shirts) is precious!
ReplyDeleteWow!!! Those are beautiful pictures. I have never been there but sure would like to see it.
ReplyDeleteYou have some great shots, guys! Looks like you had warmer weather than when Aileen and I visited in October a few years ago.
ReplyDeleteJohn
All these centuries later,it sure looks beautiful!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos and now we have to add this place to our "bucket list" of places to visit. It sure does look beautiful out there with the clear blue sky.
ReplyDeleteHere in Charlotte, NC area we are enduring the non stop rain we've had for the past 5 weeks. There were some days when it didn't rain, but they were few and far in between. Wish we could send some of it out to the Southwest to help them.
Take care and be careful out there.
Sp glad you had such a nice day for viewing the lake and that the rim drive was open. Your pictures are wonderful - now I'm going to go look at the rest. Hope Suzy's neck is feeling better.
ReplyDeleteCouldn't access your photo album!
ReplyDeleteI hope to visit Crater Lake in a few more weeks, and it will be the first time I've been there when there is no snow on the ground. What a gorgeous place in all seasons.
ReplyDeleteDaughter Deb sent this comment:
ReplyDeleteBluetiful pictures!!!
We are on our way to Oregon next Friday. Crater lake is on our list. Thanks for the beautiful photos! You two look soooo awesome! Much healthier.
ReplyDeleteCrater Lake is on our list and your pictures really makes us want to make it soon.
ReplyDelete