Today we headed to Crater National Park. On the way we stopped at La Pine State Park.
Here we find the largest ponderosa pine in Oregon.
Over 500 years old, 162 ft tall and 8.6 feet in diameter.
These guys are running all over the place.
As we leave the park this guy begged us to take his picture.
Crater Lake, the deepest fresh water lake in the US at 1932 feet deep.
We are blessed with a sunny 60 degree day. I have no idea what they're up to.
About 7000 years ago this volcano blew its top, leaving this huge crater.
Then over the years it has filled with water.
The rim is over 25 miles in circumference.
The rim is at 7 to 8000 feet above sea level.
The crater walls are about 1000 feet above the water.
Lunch time, and we find a spot on the edge of the world all to ourselves.
All we do is break out the food and company shows up.
Chowing down.
Now what are those two up to?
Yes, caught red handed, they had sneaked off to eat the rest of Sue's pie from last night.
Panoramic View.
If we go any higher this bag is going to explode.
This hawk passes over for a look.
They get all kinds of tourists here.
It's hard to take a bad picture at this place.
As the day ends Sue and I have a little bet going on. Early in the trip we had ordered salads
and they came in bread bowls. We decided to feed them to the birds by wearing them as hats
and who could attract the birds first wearing them. After a time we give up and call it a draw.
Tomorrow on to the west coast.
See you then.
Ralph, Prilly & Sue