Crater Lake

June 8, 2108

We arrived in Medford and spent days with my brother Dash, my sister-in-law Joy and her Mom Jacque. Dash and Joy, I am deeply moved by the generosity and love you administer to everyone. We can all learn from your example. Dash, your culinary skills leave me longing for another meal as you are quite the chef. But, what I will treasure most is your gifts of song. Thank you both for allowing us in to that sacred space. Jacque, your heart is beautiful and I’m so glad we met. I pray for your healing.

The view outside their front door.

For my siblings – remember the Katalpa Tree and us trying to smoke its cigars.

Lost Creek Lake along the Rogue River – stayed in the Joseph H Stewart State Park – 21$

Our hike to the lake

Another childhood memory

Dash, I blame the next picture on you.

Prospect, OR

Along the Rogue River

Before this Douglas Fir was cut it had grafted onto the roots of the neighboring tree thus the reason this is considered “The Living Stump”.

This is a great example of –

A collapsed lava tube

Plugged lava tube

7,700 years ago Mt. Mazama, estimated to have been a 12,000 foot mountain sent a huge column of pumice and ash into the sky. Then new vents, completely encircling the peak burst open allowing the magma to flow. As the chamber emptied the peak no longer had support and collapsed on itself forming a deep caldera. After centuries of rain and snowfall the lake filled up creating Crater Lake.

This is a unique lake because no streams or rivers run in or out of it so the water is pure. It is the deepest lakes in the US and the 9th deepest in the world at 1934′. It is 6+ miles wide and gets an average of over 44′ of snow each year.

Wizard Island erupted after the lake began to fill.

Scenic Hwy 138 – Toketee campground – 5$

Our hike to Toketee Falls – Umpqua River

RV Park – 35$ – along the Umpqua River – although a pretty spot, Arnie and I dislike RV parks. They are expensive and most of the time crowd you in like sardines. The only good thing is they often provide some service in terms of hook ups. We however, much prefer to boondock.

We continued our drive west on scenic 138 but couldn’t resist a great flight out of Eugene OR to Midland. Arnie continued on to the coast in the RV and I’ll meet up with him when it makes sense. Brooklyn continues to track us.