Bend, Oregon: No midges pestered us last night and it was cool enough to have a lovely sleep, but another early morning as we were headed to Bend for our service appointment tomorrow morning - but there is a beautiful national park between Klamath Falls and Bend.
Highway 97 north from Klamath Falls follows along the shores of Klamath Lake. We saw so many Osprey nests and Ospreys, several massive white Pelicans (maybe the ones who visit the ponds behind our house… but they didn’t wave, so probably not). We took the short cut-off to Crater Lake National Park, found a nice RV parking spot near Crater Lake Lodge, and walked along the rim and snapped photos. Many foreign visitors - when all we hear is foreign tourism is down. Still, most of the visitors were American.
About 7,700 years ago (very recent in geological time) Mount Mazama exploded and collapsed, creating a caldera that is now filled with water and is now the amazing Crater Lake. Crater Lake is the only national park in Oregon, and it is the deepest lake in America. I have been coming here since childhood and never tire of the gorgeous vistas. While DT was studying geology at the University of Oregon, this was one of the most interesting sites during his studies.
The dining room at the Lodge was nearly empty, so we easily snagged a table, had a not-very-good (food service) lunch that cost a lot.
After our sad lunch, we bought a few postcards and a magnet for our fridge, then exited the park through the north portal. (FYI: Due to road construction, it is not possible to drive around the rim of the lake at this time. We knew this, but still wanted to have a look. It has been a while since we have visited.) As we left the park, we saw one lone deer. Not a lot of wildlife seen the park today.
We continued north to Bend, and found a very exciting road sign along the way. The Greatest Of of All Time. The GOAT. Amazing Duck: Ashton Eaton.
We also read road signs advising to not pass a snow plow on the right. Really?
We arrived into Bend, went to the car rental place, picked up a brand new minivan with 90 miles on the odometer, and checked into the nicest RV Park we have seen in a long while. DT went on a long bike ride, I made a Greek salad and we relaxed with Dodgers and Giants (two different games). We need to be to the shop where they will (hopefully) beef-up our suspension before 8a.
Think of us.
Until my next update, I remain, your caldera correspondent.
Campground Information: Bend RV Resort