Surprise! The hot air balloon rally is getting underway!
Over the morning fields.
Over the highway.
Then landing in Shirley's backyard!!!
We declined the transportation in favor of our motorcycles.
Ready to go, after the balloon show.
First rest stop Kathie treated us to croissants!
Where Karen shows us her piggy pose.
Lunch at our destination proved hardy.
A great, classic motel south of Chemult.
Which way to the lake?
It's not over here
Ah, there it is.
Crater Lake with Wizard Island.
Shirley enjoys the view.
Sonia sheds her gear for a fashionable walk.
Karen relaxes by the fire of the Crater Lake Lodge
Then outside on the deck.
Where she makes us listen to the ranger's talk
It was quite informative
and Ranger Karen Kanes was a good sport
Beautiful winding roads thru the park
With great views!
"Trails listed as strenuous should be taken only by people in good physical condition."
The only trail to the lake was so steep that it had to be shored up so it wouldn't slide down the caldera.
It descends about 700 feet.
So that folks can board the only boats allowed on the lake.
Karen, Kathie, and Teresa made it to the dock! But Karen missed the boat!
After some fast-talking, they let her take the next one.
Beautiful scenery
And informative talks about the geology
The "Devil's Backbone" is a volcanic dyke formation (I'm serious)
The lodge (center) looks mighty small from here.
The lake is fed by melting snow
and a little rain
And the water is crystal clear
Those rocks are 30 feet down!
these are in a little more shallow water, but still deep enough for our 50-person boat.
Cool reflections too
The "Phantom Ship" island is fascinating
and beautiful
"The Old Man of the Lake" is an old pine tree floating vertically!
One last look from lake level
While Karen soaks her aching and swollen feet before the hike up.
Beautiful scenery on the way up
Helps distract from the toil and pain!
Karen's boots are a bit dusty at trail's end, but she made it!
Meantime, Shirley and Sonia took a Rim Drive adventure.
The Pinnacles
Vidae Falls
Pumice Castle rock formation
No, Sonia didn't ride in her shorts ...
She changed to hike Mt. Scott, the highest peak in the park.
End of the day with Sonia, Shirley, and Karen in her jammies
Kathie completed the trail, then slept on the floor that night. Ouch!
Next day we journey home.