Aris and Stacie Arrive in Portland- Our Visit to Crater Lake- July 2007

After driving our stuff cross-country in 3.5 days, Aris insisted we unload the truck that afternoon before his lovely Stacie arrived by plane so he could have a vacation. We did the Bloom Tour of Oregon, visiting Multnomah Falls, the Mt. Hood area including a stay at the cabin, a day trip to the coast, and finally two days to beautiful Crater Lake and back through Bend and central Oregon.

Crater Lake is one of the most beautiful places on this earth. Formed by the volcanic collapse of 10, 500 foot Mt. Mazama, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the U.S. and seventh deepest in the world. It's crystal clear blue water is the result of pure rain water and mountain snows melting.

You can only get to Wizard Island by charter boat which is accessed by a single trail from the rim road down to the water'e edge.

The 35 mile rim road provides a variety of views and changing sun angles effect the color and shade of the ridge and lake basin throughout the day. Biking, running, and hiking is prevalent...we'll be back for more.

Click on http://picasaweb.google.com/stephenristau/CraterLakeWithArisAndStacie for more pictures of our Crater Lake experience. You can click on "slideshow" or look at each one by one.

One more thing: Susan and I had another "first." (Get your minds out of the gutter!) We received the "senior discount" for our meals at the Mt. Mazama Lodge restaurant. First you receive your AARP card, then...it's a slippery slope!!