7 2 CRATER LAKE

Heading north from Klamath Falls it is only 57 miles or so to one of the most beautiful locations on our trip, Crater Lake. Created by the eruption od Mount Mazama 7,700 years ago, it is the deepest lake, at 1,943 feet, in the US. Around every turn and at every pull out there is something new that catches the eye and calls for a picture. The 33mile rim drive took about four hours to complete without taking any hikes. With restraint, I managed to take only 70 pictures,
making it hard to choose what to post.

One of the first views of the lake heading west on the Rim Drive. Wizard Island was formed by a later eruption and reaches an elevation of 6940 ft and is 767ft above the water level of the lake

Another view of Wizard Island.

And another.

Mt. Thielson to the north of the park as seen from the rim drive.

A young Grey Jay begging for food from an adult Jay not in the picture. Wonder if our kids would do any better with this approach. It didn't work too well, he finally gave up and flew away.

One last picture of the Wizard

What makes snow red? The blood of tourist who aren't used to playing in snow? Dust from the Painted Hills? No one is telling. We have learned that the red stain is caused by a blue green algae that lives in the snow during the winter and some how produces the red stain. So now we know.

Red Cone with Mt. Balleyin the back ground. There is still a lot of snow around even in July, one reason why the Rim Drive is closed 8 to 9 months a year.

And this was where Arleen saw it all from. And why I didn't spend more time and didn't take more pictures. I wasn't sure she had enough money for me to stay away too long. Of course,I was wrong. Over all, she is still playing on her winnings. So it was a good day for both of us.