The morning was clear and no chance of rain or clouds were in the forecast. The plan was to drive to Crater Lake and stop to hike up to a few waterfalls on the way home.  On the way, a relaxing breakfast at Steamboat Inn, preferred Inn for fly fishing aficionados and “the narrows” a favorite fishing spot on the Umpqua River.

Crater Lake, a wonder worth visiting each time we are in the area, did not disappoint. Crystal clear skies, albeit cold, produced unbelievably blue waters. The entrance to the lake is several miles away from the rim of the sunken liquid blue waters of the imploded volcano.

The drive passes through the 7,700 year old Pumice Desert before climbing up to a 15 degree drop in temperature for the initial glance of the big blue. Pumice spewed from the erupting Mount Mazama creating a center void and layering hot ash 100 feet deep over a 30 mile radius killing every form of life. The volcano void, over time, filled with water and became the lake.

This time the visitor center was open and we stopped to view the Crater Lake Video, updated from the 1980’s to its current 2010 version.

Several Ranger spokespersons, who appeared on the video, were greeting visitors at the Lodge the day we visited.

The 40 feet of yearly snowfall still covered much of the grounds and hiking up to one of the viewpoints was a challenge as we had to make stairs in the snow to ascend the towering icy hill.

Scanning the crater’s rim in every direction, the image was amazingly awesome.

We drove along the brim road before stopping at the Lodge’s Great Hall and caught the view over the valley.  Spattering’s of tiny violets dappled the roadway between the heavy coat of winter white.

The entrance opened to an intimate miniature of the fireplace that graced the dining area fireplace.

Warm and inviting, we sat in the Great Hall by the enormous roaring gas log fire to enjoy some “grandpa’s hot chocolate” (cocoa with a kick) and berry cobbler.

After our sweet treat, we stopped to enjoy the view on the Lodge porch in comfy ladder back rockers.  The overlook gave us an up close and personal view of Wizard Island, etching the awesome blue into our daydreams should we never pass this way again.

Just short of exiting the park, knotty pines lined both sides of the road. The knots are defects in the pine but are highly sought after for decoration. In Alaska, we found an entire store devoted to products made of knotty pine.

Noon came and went, enough energy left in us for a few hikes, we returned to the Umpqua Rogue Scenic Highway and were homeward bound. The only fuel stop between Crater Lake and LilyPad had excessive prices. You cannot pump your own gas in Oregon and the man asked if we were sure we wanted to “fill it up”. Supply and demand, tank almost empty, we needed fuel.

Stopped to take a picture from the Bridge Over Umpqua Waters, upstream and down, just shy of our first falls hiking trail.

Watson Falls was a moderate hike although John had told me it was easy. I got half way before refusing to continue on up over the rock studded steep uphill path.  I plan to give it another try when I haven’t spent the entire day climbing around snowy embankments.  John climbed up far enough to get a shot of the falls.

Whitehorse Falls was adjacent to the parking lot of the Whitehorse campground. No hike at all, just a short walk across the elevated wooden deck. Two teens were swimming in the hole below the falls so I climbed down to get a shot from the tree in front of the pool and another below the falls.

Clearwater Falls was a short hike on an easy trail with the creek following us along the way. It was the fullest of all the falls we have seen so far. John took KatieBug up to the top of the falls while I stayed below to enjoy the awesome view and misty cool spray.

Water seeped, sprayed, dribbled and gushed from the moss, wood and rock that stretched across the expansion of the overhang before plummeting into the deep pool below.

Days end had arrived. Campground is quiet. Very busy day, goodnight to all.

Early rise to check on our group campers and restock the vaults before heading into the “big city” for the long awaited Henry’s Estate Crawfish Boil Fundraiser. The three of us drove for over an hour in hopes of some great music and spicy-good mud bugs. Arriving, we park and pay to get inside. A variety of kids stuff to keep them occupied and great music by Blue Collar Band.

The smell of pulled pork and a faint whiff of crawfish met us at the entrance. The owner’s pesky male dog kept bothering KatieBug throughout our visit. The only time it disappeared is when the cheetah from Wildlife Animal Sanctuary was led through the outdoor dining area to a spot beside the stage.

There were several cool classic cars on display.

The anticipated crawfish were a disappointing let down. Spice so weak that it was hardly noticeable and it left the potato and corn completely unflavored. Oh well, this is Oregon, not the good ol’ South. Guess we should have known but we held onto hope.  Missing Texas big time.

When we left, we stopped at the Lighthouse Bakery which, oddly enough, is attached to the United States Postal Office building out in the middle of nowhere. It came as quite a surprise when we opened the door to find an organic café, organic bakery, organic produce, herbs and spices along the back wall, hand-made ice cream and an excellent selection of non-toxic personal care products. They have a wood fired pizza oven with an amazing choice of organic ingredients which we will return to try on our next visit to the winery tour area.

After a yummy piece of carrot cake, we drove the dusty winding side road to Misty Oaks Winery for a tasting. Nice family-run business. Friendly chat with the other couples tasting. John brought home a white, not my favorite but I have a stash of reds from which to choose.

Long ride home and check in with the group campground campers to take care of any immediate needs before campfire smoke chases me indoors.  Watching mama and papa nesting by LilyPad’s door and a little “feet-up and wine time” before sleep.

Awoke to the promise of another “It’s Always Something”.  This week’s problem suggested a high dollar item.  Back to the forums to check out why our one year old chassis batteries were not holding a charge.  Ran the engine, no clue why there is a drain. Hope that someone answers our plea for help.  Don’t know what we would do without those forums but I’m really missing the ease of picking up the phone to call a repair man.

Our group campers are gone and clean-up will begin as soon as the rains cease.  Next few days must be spent affixed to LilyPad preforming the never ending multitude of chores that are required for this lifestyle and not ever thought about when living in a house.  Rains end and clean-up begins.  Next bunch arrives in the morning.  Not even time enough for a little pity party.