It has been 9 months since I wrote my last blog, but I did complete number 6 of the 7 Wonders of Oregon last summer by visiting Crater Lake National Park. This is a very special place to me and the last big adventure Amanda and I had together. Despite Amanda battling cancer, we still went on adventures. We planned and went on a trip with friends and her brother to take a ranger guided snowshoe walk at Crater Lake National Park. Ranger Dave was a great guide who made a fun way to explore the winter wonderland while learning how plants, animals, and people survive in the deep snow. The walk lasted about 2 hours and covered approximately 1 mile of moderately strenuous terrain. We explored the forests and meadows along the rim of Crater Lake. I will say that anyone that attempts this excursion should be in reasonably good physical condition, and come prepared with warm clothing and water-resistant footwear. Amanda was quite the trooper, even with how weak she was from battling the cancer, her sense of adventure was quite evident. She pushed through the terrain and never fell back as we gazed upon Crater Lake on that beautiful blue sky day. I sure do love that strength about her, it is so encouraging!
For number 6 of the 7 Wonders of Oregon I went to place one of Amanda's Memorial Stones somewhere in Crater Lake National Park. I asked my good friend Keith if he would like to join and he gladly excepted. Crater Lake National Park is a well organized tourist attraction so it's hard to explore like I normally like to, but Keith and I were able to find a few things that most don't attempt throughout the trip.
We decided to make camp at Mazama Campground which was very large. When you first pull in we noticed that it was tailored to the folks who like "glamping" which is camping with RV's, fancy camping rigs, amenities and, in some cases, resort-style services not usually associated with "traditional" camping. Gladly they had a few tent camping sites left that we were able to rent for a couple nights. We proceeded to set up our minimalist camping style including the underlying concept - "Man vs. Wild" in a controlled, realistic form. Minimalist camping is the act of intentionally tackling the wilderness with nominal supplies. It draws a very thick line between needs versus wants.
Coincidentally my brother, his fiance and kids were on their way to explore Crater Lake National Park that very same weekend, so we invited them to camp with us. It was great to have them there and they even joined us on a few excursions, but they were limited with having the kids, so Keith and I did most of the adventures with just the two of us (cue that song - Bill Withers - Just the two of us), Haha!
Below you will see pictures and blurbs of the adventure:
Day One: At Crater Lake National Park
With my buddy Keith as we explored around and gazed upon the beauty of Crater Lake National Park
The color on the waters edge is awesome. In the distance you see Wizard Island which is where we will be on day two.
I was hanging over this cliff to get the shot.
Vidae Falls
Perhaps the loveliest and most accessible within the park, Vidae Falles may be seen from the east entrance road near the point where it crosses Sun Creek, about three miles from Government Headquarters.
Entering Pinnacles Trail
I can't help but climb just about anything.
The Pinnacles
These towering needle-like formations of rock, called fossil fumaroles, project from the Sand Creek Canyon floor, which were formed under sheets of volcanic pumice that preceded Mt Mazama's eruption that occurred around 5677 BC, ± 150 years. As the surface of the hot pumice cooled over the years, steam and gases were released by the hot rocks underneath through vents and tubes that were welded into cement hardness by their passage. These ancient vents now stand alone due to the erosion of the surrounding softer materials.
Castle Rock (Pumice Castle)
Below Cloudcap, a bright orange and pink formation of pumice and tuff protrudes from the caldera wall composed of layers of pumice laid down in the early days of Mazama and covered by later eruptions. Hot gases have colored them orange and apricot. Exposed during Mazama's final collapse, they have since been eroded by wind and water into a formation called Castle Rock.
This is as close as I could zoom in to see Castle Rock
Mount Scott
Mount Scott is the highest point in Crater Lake National Park. The trail to the summit boasts unsurpassed views of the caldera and Cascade peaks.
Sitting on a cliff and taking in the incredibly blue water of Crater Lake
I guess I should stay back...
Watching the sunset with my pups while the mosquitoes were eating us alive. Unfortunately the bug spray wasn't working, so we covered up with blankets to hide from the nuisance.
My brother, his fiance and kids joined us for the beautiful sunset over Crater Lake
The sunset was surreal
Viewing Mt Thielsen during the sunset
Day Two
Hiking down Cleetwood Cove Trail to take the shuttle boat to Wizard Island in the middle of Crater Lake. The Wizard Island shuttle allowed us time to hike to the summit of Wizard Island and enjoy the phenomenal panoramic view. Wizard Island is a volcanic cinder cone which forms an island at the west end of Crater Lake. The top of the island reaches 6,933 feet above sea level, about 755 feet above the average surface of the lake. The cone is capped by a volcanic crater about 500 feet wide and 100 feet deep.
First we had to hike down 1.1-miles to access the lake and boat dock. The hike drops approximately 700-feet, and it took 30 to 45 minutes to descend the trail and reach the water’s surface. The trails descent is equivalent of more than 70 flights of stairs. If you ever hike Cleetwood Clove Trail then keep in mind that you have to hike back up the steep and well maintained trail. There are benches periodically place beside the trail for those who need to take a break.
Below is one of the shuttle boats
On the shuttle boat to Wizard Island. Standing to take pictures is frowned upon...oops.
Made it to Wizard Island
A short distance from the trailhead where the terrain steepens and switchbacks leading us to the 6,940-foot summit of Wizard Island.
I'm wearing the the backpack and patches of the 7 Wonders of Oregon that TravelOregon.com gifted to me. Thanks again, I really appreciate you all at +Travel Oregon.
About half way up the trail and the view is already blowing me away!
Made it to the top of Wizard Island with a path leading around the 90-foot-deep crater summit. Wizard Island was created after Mount Mazama, a large stratovolcano, erupted violently approximately 7,700 years ago, forming its caldera which now contains Crater Lake. Following the cataclysmic caldera-forming eruption, which left a hole about 4,000 feet deep where the mountain had once stood, a series of smaller eruptions over the next several hundred years formed several cinder cones on the caldera floor. The highest of these cones, the only one to rise above the current lake level, is Wizard Island, which rises over 2,700 feet above the lowest point on the caldera floor and the deepest point in the lake.
It's hard to believe the color of Crater Lake. No editing was done on these photos.
Walking around the top to find a spot to place the 6th memorial stone for Amanda and the emotions are rushing through my body.
You know when some one says - "You had to be there"
That can not be any more evident than in this moment.
That can not be any more evident than in this moment.
Looking down into the 90-foot-deep crater of Wizard Island and this little chipmunk decided to join me. It was looking for a handout I'm sure, but still cute and cool.
I looked up and saw the perfect spot for Amanda's 6th memorial stone. I climbed about 20 feet up a volcanic rock formation and placed the memorial stone. It almost doesn't look real with the glorious background of Crater Lake, it sure was surreal.
I couldn't have picked a perfect spot. Look at those colors and contrast.
Reflecting on Proverbs 3:5-6 ,Jeremiah 29:11-13, and praying. This is something special I hold very close to my heart. Amanda and I were given these verses from the Lord through prayer which were part of our foundation in marriage and life.
I wish I could have stayed all day, but our three hours was about up and we had to get back down to catch the shuttle boat back to the bottom of Cleetwood Cove trail.
Descending down Wizard Island with my heart and soul filled to the brim!
Here is an old tree that had a turning point in its life. Symbolism at its finest.
Thank you all for your love and support!
Thank you Lord for the Holy Spirit that fills my heart and soul!
Thank you Amanda for this gift. Loving you always!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV)
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
7 Wonders of Oregon
Crater Lake Information
#amandanbahler
#amandanbahlerblogspot
#traveloregon
#7wondersoforegon
#sevenwondersoforegon
#CraterLake
#craterlakenationalpark
