We did laundry this morning at a laundromat just outside the park. It was then time for lunch so we headed to the wharf for one last fish-and-chips lunch before leaving Oregon. This time it was the Happy Clam restaurant, and once again, we had another great meal.
The weather today was outstanding - no marine layer, clear skies and mild temperature, so, we decided to take another beach walk. We headed south a few miles to Crissy Field State Park. It is just north of the CA border and has a wonderful Oregon Welcome center as well as several trails and beach access. After a short walk and a visit to the welcome center we drove back to the wharf for an ice cream cone for desert.
On the way back to the park we took a short detour to check out Alfred A. Loeb State Park on the north bank of the Chetco River that runs into the ocean at Brookings. It is a nice little park but is small. It does have river access,48 sites with electric and water, and a very nice day use area.
We then drove back to the RV for a lite late dinner. We leave in the morning, breaking up the trip to Olema with an overnight stop in Garberville, CA tomorrow night.
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Monday, August 29, 2016
SF/Napa/Oregon/Olema Trip 2016 - Day 21
After breakfast this morning we traveled back north on 101 and stopped at a number of view points along the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor. The corridor is about 12 miles long and runs from just north of Brookings to south of Gold Beach. It is managed by Oregon State Parks and is named after the founder of the state parks system. The view points, overlooks, and beach access roads in the corridor all offer excellent views of the spectacular Oregon Coast. We had visited all these spots during our last trip here in 2009, but they were all worth another visit.
The weather was mostly cloudy today with patches of sun here and there. The clouds never did burn off, but there wasn't much wind and the temperature was in the low 60's. - a good beach day nevertheless.
We were planning on having lunch at the Whaleshead Beach Resort along the road but the restaurant was closed. So, we headed back into Brookings for another late lunch/early dinner at a Mexican restaurant.
We then drove back to the RV to relax after another good day.
.
The weather was mostly cloudy today with patches of sun here and there. The clouds never did burn off, but there wasn't much wind and the temperature was in the low 60's. - a good beach day nevertheless.
We were planning on having lunch at the Whaleshead Beach Resort along the road but the restaurant was closed. So, we headed back into Brookings for another late lunch/early dinner at a Mexican restaurant.
We then drove back to the RV to relax after another good day.
.
Sunday, August 28, 2016
SF/Napa/Oregon/Olema Trip 2016 - Day 20
We slept in till 8:30 am - almost unheard of at home. After breakfast I cooked enough bacon outside to get us through the rest of the trip. We then drove down to the park day use area for a short beach walk. The marine layer was high this morning and quickly burnt off.so it was great beach weather with little wind and temperature in the mid 60's.
After the walk, we headed into town for lunch at another waterfront seafood restaurant. For a change of pace I had grilled fresh Blackfish fish and chips with a cup of chowder and Judy had coconut shrimp and chowder.
We had an ice cream cone for dessert, stopped at the store for a few groceries then returned to the RV. For dinner, we ate in - barbecued pork ribs, mac and cheese and fresh green beans.
After the walk, we headed into town for lunch at another waterfront seafood restaurant. For a change of pace I had grilled fresh Blackfish fish and chips with a cup of chowder and Judy had coconut shrimp and chowder.
We had an ice cream cone for dessert, stopped at the store for a few groceries then returned to the RV. For dinner, we ate in - barbecued pork ribs, mac and cheese and fresh green beans.
Saturday, August 27, 2016
SF/Napa/Oregon/Olema Trip 2016 - Day 19
We continued our trip down the coast with an 80 mile drive to Harris Beach State Park in Brookings, our last stop in Oregon. We will be here 4 nights. On the way down the coast, along with seeing many beautiful vistas, we happened to get some pictures of the Rotary Salmon Derby on the lower Rogue River, sponsored by the Gold Beach, OR Rotary Club.
It was a wet and misty marine layer morning when we left Bandon. As the day progressed, the ceiling lifted a little and by the time we got to Brookings it was just mostly cloudy with patches of sunshine here and there.
After checking into the park around 1:00 pm and getting set up, we went into town for a late lunch/early dinner once again. We went down to the harbor and had an excellent meal at a seafood restaurant on the water. It was halibut fish and chips and a cup of chowder for me and Judy had a cup of chowder and shrimp taco's. After eating, we walked around the wharf area for awhile then attended a Veterans appreciation event in a nearby park. We got there towards the end but they had various booths offering veterans services, food and entertainment. We saw Loretta Lynn's granddaughter singing, and a loud local blues band. The event was sponsored by the local Vietnam Veterans Association chapter supported by the local Lions club.
When we arrived back at the park we stopped for a few minutes at the park day use area to admire the Oregon coast for awhile before retiring for the night.
The plan for tomorrow is for Pat to cook a couple of pounds of bacon in his new outside kitchen (Galley) and then we want to take a walk on the beach if the weather is warm and sunny,.
It was a wet and misty marine layer morning when we left Bandon. As the day progressed, the ceiling lifted a little and by the time we got to Brookings it was just mostly cloudy with patches of sunshine here and there.
After checking into the park around 1:00 pm and getting set up, we went into town for a late lunch/early dinner once again. We went down to the harbor and had an excellent meal at a seafood restaurant on the water. It was halibut fish and chips and a cup of chowder for me and Judy had a cup of chowder and shrimp taco's. After eating, we walked around the wharf area for awhile then attended a Veterans appreciation event in a nearby park. We got there towards the end but they had various booths offering veterans services, food and entertainment. We saw Loretta Lynn's granddaughter singing, and a loud local blues band. The event was sponsored by the local Vietnam Veterans Association chapter supported by the local Lions club.
When we arrived back at the park we stopped for a few minutes at the park day use area to admire the Oregon coast for awhile before retiring for the night.
The plan for tomorrow is for Pat to cook a couple of pounds of bacon in his new outside kitchen (Galley) and then we want to take a walk on the beach if the weather is warm and sunny,.
Friday, August 26, 2016
SF/Napa/Oregon/Olema Trip 2016 - Day 18
The marine layer came in last night and it was overcast and cool when we got up this morning.
After breakfast, we drove down the beach in the park to the Coquille River Lighthouse. It was commissioned in 1896 and decommissioned in 1939 following improvements to the river channel and navigational aids. It was restored as an interpretive center in 1979 by the Oregon State Park system and is open for tours and information from May to October. The lighthouse's fourth order Fresnel lens disappeared after the lighthouse was decommissioned and no one is sure what happened to it. Many locals however, believe it is hidden in somebody's basement and may show up someday.
The marine layer never did burn of and it was a little too chilly for a beach walk so we headed back into town to visit yet another farmers' and artisans' market - at least our third one on the trip. We found a few things to take back with us as mementos of the trip then had lunch at one of the chowder shacks along the waterfront.
We came back to the RV after a very enjoyable visit to Bandon. We are off to Brookings, OR tomorrow where we will be staying at Harris Beach State Park for 4 nights.
After breakfast, we drove down the beach in the park to the Coquille River Lighthouse. It was commissioned in 1896 and decommissioned in 1939 following improvements to the river channel and navigational aids. It was restored as an interpretive center in 1979 by the Oregon State Park system and is open for tours and information from May to October. The lighthouse's fourth order Fresnel lens disappeared after the lighthouse was decommissioned and no one is sure what happened to it. Many locals however, believe it is hidden in somebody's basement and may show up someday.
The marine layer never did burn of and it was a little too chilly for a beach walk so we headed back into town to visit yet another farmers' and artisans' market - at least our third one on the trip. We found a few things to take back with us as mementos of the trip then had lunch at one of the chowder shacks along the waterfront.
We came back to the RV after a very enjoyable visit to Bandon. We are off to Brookings, OR tomorrow where we will be staying at Harris Beach State Park for 4 nights.
Thursday, August 25, 2016
SF/Napa/Oregon/Olema Trip 2016 - Day 17
It was a short 70 mile drive from Florence to Bandon today. We are staying at Bullards Beach State Park two miles north of town along the coast and the north shore of the Coquille River.
This is another great Oregon State Park. It has 103 full hook-ups as well as 82 water and electric sites. It also has 13 yurts (small cabins), a horse camp, day use picnic area, and swimming and boat launching facilities. It is also home to the historic Coquille River lighthouse at the mouth of the river inlet. We stayed here several years ago and are enjoying our return visit. We will be here two nights then on to Brookings for four nights before heading south to Olema,
After getting settled we went into Bandon for lunch at a restaurant at the harbor. After lunch, we walked around the harbor, browsed in a few of the shoppes, and returned to the RV to relax before dinner. We are eating in tonight.
The weather has been perfect - clear skies, temperature in the low 70's and a light wind. Tomorrow we are planning on touring the lighthouse and walking on the beach.
This is another great Oregon State Park. It has 103 full hook-ups as well as 82 water and electric sites. It also has 13 yurts (small cabins), a horse camp, day use picnic area, and swimming and boat launching facilities. It is also home to the historic Coquille River lighthouse at the mouth of the river inlet. We stayed here several years ago and are enjoying our return visit. We will be here two nights then on to Brookings for four nights before heading south to Olema,
After getting settled we went into Bandon for lunch at a restaurant at the harbor. After lunch, we walked around the harbor, browsed in a few of the shoppes, and returned to the RV to relax before dinner. We are eating in tonight.
The weather has been perfect - clear skies, temperature in the low 70's and a light wind. Tomorrow we are planning on touring the lighthouse and walking on the beach.
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
SF/Napa/Oregon/Olema Trip 2016 - Day 16
We slept in a little this morning and did some paperwork before traveling a mile up the road to Sandland Adventures for our dune buggy ride this afternoon.
It was a wild ride. When we signed up the lady asked we wanted the "bus ride" or the "sports car ride". Not wanting to be confused with stoddgy old people we opted for the "sports car ride". The dune buggy had seats for 7 people plus the driver, was low and sleek and looked like something out of a Mad Max movie. We were all tightly buckled in with shoulder and lap harnesses and the other people in the vehicle were return customers, mostly middle aged, with one teenager.
The ride started slowly enough as we accessed the high dunes. From there, the driver accelerated and we were "off to the races" - lots of twists and turns, up and downs, and straight away speed. At points we were going up to 60 mph in soft sand. We eventually made our way to the beach and drove near the water before heading back inland and through the dunes back to where we started, The ride lasted an hour and by the time we got back we were thoroughly " folded, spindled and mutilated". Despite wearing goggles we still got sand in our mouths and felt like we had been through a wind tunnel. One saving grace was that the weather was almost perfect - no wind and clear skies as the marine layer remained off shore. Well, we scratched that experience off of our bucket list and if we do it again it will be on the "bus ride".
After decompressing a bit took a short ride out to the South Jetty where the Siuslaw River runs into the sea then looked around the rest of Honeyman State Park. They have a series of day use areas that access several lakes within the park. The main one accesses a swimming beach and a canoe/paddle boat concession. One on the other side of the lake accesses the dunes as well as a fishing pier and another swimming area.. There are also several lakes across Highway 101 with boat ramps, day use picnic areas, and group campsites. This is a very nice state park and offers a lot of different outdoor recreation options.
We then went back into Old Town Florence for an early dinner at another waterfront restaurant Halibut fish and chips and grilled salmon on a bed of Caesar salad were the specials. Both were excellent. We finished the meal with another ice cream cone before heading back to the RV after a busy, but enjoyable day.
It was a wild ride. When we signed up the lady asked we wanted the "bus ride" or the "sports car ride". Not wanting to be confused with stoddgy old people we opted for the "sports car ride". The dune buggy had seats for 7 people plus the driver, was low and sleek and looked like something out of a Mad Max movie. We were all tightly buckled in with shoulder and lap harnesses and the other people in the vehicle were return customers, mostly middle aged, with one teenager.
The ride started slowly enough as we accessed the high dunes. From there, the driver accelerated and we were "off to the races" - lots of twists and turns, up and downs, and straight away speed. At points we were going up to 60 mph in soft sand. We eventually made our way to the beach and drove near the water before heading back inland and through the dunes back to where we started, The ride lasted an hour and by the time we got back we were thoroughly " folded, spindled and mutilated". Despite wearing goggles we still got sand in our mouths and felt like we had been through a wind tunnel. One saving grace was that the weather was almost perfect - no wind and clear skies as the marine layer remained off shore. Well, we scratched that experience off of our bucket list and if we do it again it will be on the "bus ride".
After decompressing a bit took a short ride out to the South Jetty where the Siuslaw River runs into the sea then looked around the rest of Honeyman State Park. They have a series of day use areas that access several lakes within the park. The main one accesses a swimming beach and a canoe/paddle boat concession. One on the other side of the lake accesses the dunes as well as a fishing pier and another swimming area.. There are also several lakes across Highway 101 with boat ramps, day use picnic areas, and group campsites. This is a very nice state park and offers a lot of different outdoor recreation options.
We then went back into Old Town Florence for an early dinner at another waterfront restaurant Halibut fish and chips and grilled salmon on a bed of Caesar salad were the specials. Both were excellent. We finished the meal with another ice cream cone before heading back to the RV after a busy, but enjoyable day.
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
SF/Napa/Oregon/Olema Trip 2016 - Day 15
We slept in today, had a late breakfast and traveled to the local laundromat to do the laundry. As noted yesterday, the laundromat also offers individual showers for $3.00 for an eight minute shower (towels included). We haven't seen this anywhere else except for perhaps a truck stop and never associated showers with a laundromat. We did see a bar and laundromat in New Orleans, so the concept of individual showers for sale may not be that uncommon. Anyway, the laundromat was O.K., no one was using the showers and our laundry was done for another week.
After the laundry was done it was time for another late lunch/early dinner. Since we were in the north end of town we went north looking for a restaurant. We found one at a seaside resort in Heceta Beach, a couple of miles off of US 101 on the ocean. We had a nice lunch but couldn't really see the nearby ocean due to the afternoon marine layer moving on-shore.
On the way back to the RV park we stopped at the local Fred Meyer store, very similar to a super Walmart or Target for a few supplies. We skipped dinner again and relaxed in the RV before going to bed.
We are going on a dune and beach ride on the Oregon Dunes tomorrow. We chose the smaller "rail" vehicle with driver instead of the larger bus vehicle. The tour company said the "rail" is more like a sports car ride compared to the other which was described as a "bus ride". We did a dunes ride in our trip here in 2009, so we'll see how we do this time.
After the laundry was done it was time for another late lunch/early dinner. Since we were in the north end of town we went north looking for a restaurant. We found one at a seaside resort in Heceta Beach, a couple of miles off of US 101 on the ocean. We had a nice lunch but couldn't really see the nearby ocean due to the afternoon marine layer moving on-shore.
On the way back to the RV park we stopped at the local Fred Meyer store, very similar to a super Walmart or Target for a few supplies. We skipped dinner again and relaxed in the RV before going to bed.
We are going on a dune and beach ride on the Oregon Dunes tomorrow. We chose the smaller "rail" vehicle with driver instead of the larger bus vehicle. The tour company said the "rail" is more like a sports car ride compared to the other which was described as a "bus ride". We did a dunes ride in our trip here in 2009, so we'll see how we do this time.
Monday, August 22, 2016
SF/Napa/Oregon/Olema Trip 2016 - Day 14
We got on the road about 10:30 am for the short 80 mile trip down the coast to Florence where we will stay for the next three nights. The weather was clear, a bit windy, with the temperature in the mid-60s.
We are staying at the Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park, just south of Florence and near the north end of the Oregon Dunes. We have a nice wooded site with full hook-ups. The park is large with about 180 sites. Not all are equipped for full hook-ups but Oregon has gone out of their way to make their parks accessible to all categories of campers.
After we got set up we went into Florence's Old Town for a late lunch/early dinner. The old town is along the waterfront near the mouth of the Siuslaw River. It is now a collection of shoppes, restaurants and a riverfront dock and promenade. We decided to continue our fish and chips quest and ate lunch at Mo's a waterfront seafood restaurant. Again, the chowder and halibut were outstanding. After walking around after lunch/dinner we had an ice cream cone and began our search for a laundromat to do laundry tomorrow. We found one down the road with a unique business model. You can do your laundry and take a shower while you are waiting. We assume anyone taking a shower has clothes other than those that are drying to put on after the shower. We'll see tomorrow.
We are staying at the Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park, just south of Florence and near the north end of the Oregon Dunes. We have a nice wooded site with full hook-ups. The park is large with about 180 sites. Not all are equipped for full hook-ups but Oregon has gone out of their way to make their parks accessible to all categories of campers.
After we got set up we went into Florence's Old Town for a late lunch/early dinner. The old town is along the waterfront near the mouth of the Siuslaw River. It is now a collection of shoppes, restaurants and a riverfront dock and promenade. We decided to continue our fish and chips quest and ate lunch at Mo's a waterfront seafood restaurant. Again, the chowder and halibut were outstanding. After walking around after lunch/dinner we had an ice cream cone and began our search for a laundromat to do laundry tomorrow. We found one down the road with a unique business model. You can do your laundry and take a shower while you are waiting. We assume anyone taking a shower has clothes other than those that are drying to put on after the shower. We'll see tomorrow.
Sunday, August 21, 2016
SF/Napa/Oregon/Olema Trip 2016 - Day 13
We got up early this morning to go to the local farmers' and crafters' market, opening at 9:00 am. We decided to stop first at the local Starbucks for a mocha and after a long wait at a very busy coffee shop we arrived at the market around 9:45 am.
The market was held on the grounds of a former school that has been converted into a community cultural center. They have done a very good job converting the old school building into an impressive community resource hosting a tourist information center, art gallery, dance studio, meeting rooms and gift shop.
The market was a mix of local farmers and craftsmen and included a food court and a musician playing Native American/South American music on a flute and guitar. We bought a few things and then stopped at the nearby outlet mall to check out the Eddie Bauer store.
It was then time for lunch so we began our quest to discover excellent fish and chip restaurants along the coast. On the advice of RV park staff we went down the road a bit to a locals place called 'Shuckers". It was a good recommendation. Judy and I split an order of halibut fish and chips and we each had a bowl of clam chowder. If you come to Lincoln City we recommend you eat there - not fancy but very good.
After resting back at the RV after lunch, we went across the street to the Inn at Spanish Head, to access the beach, talk a walk along the beach and have a drink and dinner in their lounge while watching the sunset. We had a great short walk and drink and dinner off of the bar food menu. The marine layer didn't come in this evening so it was a pretty sunset - no "Green Flash" but nevertheless impressive. It was a good day.
We are travelling down the coast to Florence tomorrow and staying at a State Park for three nights. It looks like we may take another dune buggy excursion while we are there as Florence is at the northern end of the Oregon coastal dunes area.
The market was held on the grounds of a former school that has been converted into a community cultural center. They have done a very good job converting the old school building into an impressive community resource hosting a tourist information center, art gallery, dance studio, meeting rooms and gift shop.
The market was a mix of local farmers and craftsmen and included a food court and a musician playing Native American/South American music on a flute and guitar. We bought a few things and then stopped at the nearby outlet mall to check out the Eddie Bauer store.
It was then time for lunch so we began our quest to discover excellent fish and chip restaurants along the coast. On the advice of RV park staff we went down the road a bit to a locals place called 'Shuckers". It was a good recommendation. Judy and I split an order of halibut fish and chips and we each had a bowl of clam chowder. If you come to Lincoln City we recommend you eat there - not fancy but very good.
After resting back at the RV after lunch, we went across the street to the Inn at Spanish Head, to access the beach, talk a walk along the beach and have a drink and dinner in their lounge while watching the sunset. We had a great short walk and drink and dinner off of the bar food menu. The marine layer didn't come in this evening so it was a pretty sunset - no "Green Flash" but nevertheless impressive. It was a good day.
We are travelling down the coast to Florence tomorrow and staying at a State Park for three nights. It looks like we may take another dune buggy excursion while we are there as Florence is at the northern end of the Oregon coastal dunes area.
SF/Napa/Oregon/Olema Trip 2016 - Day 12
It was only a 120 miles from Eugene to Lincoln City but it took a lot longer than it should have due to heavy weekend traffic from the Portland area escaping the heat inland and looking for cooler weather at the coast. That, along with the normal summer visitor travelers caused a lot of delay and bumper-to-bumper traffic most of the way to the coast after we turned west at Salem, OR.
It is a lot cooler here and the Marine layer came in this evening lowering the temperature into the 50's. It's great to be cool again!
We are staying at another Premier RV Resort, owned by the same company that owns the one in Eugene where we stayed Thursday and Friday night. They are both very nice parks and the Lincoln City park has all paved sites and lots of landscaping. After resting in the afternoon, we attended happy hour behind the clubhouse. The park provided appetizers, raffled off some prizes while guests brought their own beverages. They also had a very good band, the J.R.Sims Texas Special Blues Band, playing acoustic music in the style of Stevie Ray Vaughn.
The appetizers at Happy Hour were more than enough to account for dinner so we went to bed early after a long day.
It is a lot cooler here and the Marine layer came in this evening lowering the temperature into the 50's. It's great to be cool again!
We are staying at another Premier RV Resort, owned by the same company that owns the one in Eugene where we stayed Thursday and Friday night. They are both very nice parks and the Lincoln City park has all paved sites and lots of landscaping. After resting in the afternoon, we attended happy hour behind the clubhouse. The park provided appetizers, raffled off some prizes while guests brought their own beverages. They also had a very good band, the J.R.Sims Texas Special Blues Band, playing acoustic music in the style of Stevie Ray Vaughn.
The appetizers at Happy Hour were more than enough to account for dinner so we went to bed early after a long day.
Friday, August 19, 2016
SF/Napa/Oregon/Olema Trip 2016 - Day 11
We slept in this morning, did a few things around the RV, went shopping at Camping World and had a great lunch at a Mexican restaurant nearby. It was too hot to do anything else, so we returned to the RV and took it easy for the rest of the afternoon. The temperature hit 104 today and if you are not used to dry heat like this, it can really get to you.
We did go to happy hour at the RV club house this evening. The park supplied snacks and everyone brought their own drinks. It was by the pool but we sat in the shade. It was still hot however and is still 91 degrees at 8:00 pm.
We drive to the coast tomorrow (Lincoln City, OR) and cooler temperatures.
We did go to happy hour at the RV club house this evening. The park supplied snacks and everyone brought their own drinks. It was by the pool but we sat in the shade. It was still hot however and is still 91 degrees at 8:00 pm.
We drive to the coast tomorrow (Lincoln City, OR) and cooler temperatures.
Thursday, August 18, 2016
SF/Napa/Oregon/Olema Trip 2016 - Day 10
We had an easy drive today from the Diamond Lake RV Park to Roseburg and then north on I-5 to Eugene where we will spend the next two nights.
The ride was a pretty drive along the western side of the Oregon Rogue/Umpqua Scenic Byway following the Umpqua River downstream into Roseburg where it continues on its way to the coast..
We arrived in Eugene after lunch and were welcomed into 100 degrees + heat. We are staying at an excellent RV park with all the amenities we would ever need. We don't have anything particular to do in Eugene (actually Cosburg, four miles north) so we are just relaxing and enjoying our new RV shakedown cruise.
We will probably sleep in tomorrow, maybe do a little shopping and catch-up on some paperwork, including getting the blog current . It is going to be another hot day here so we will try and get an early start.
The ride was a pretty drive along the western side of the Oregon Rogue/Umpqua Scenic Byway following the Umpqua River downstream into Roseburg where it continues on its way to the coast..
We arrived in Eugene after lunch and were welcomed into 100 degrees + heat. We are staying at an excellent RV park with all the amenities we would ever need. We don't have anything particular to do in Eugene (actually Cosburg, four miles north) so we are just relaxing and enjoying our new RV shakedown cruise.
We will probably sleep in tomorrow, maybe do a little shopping and catch-up on some paperwork, including getting the blog current . It is going to be another hot day here so we will try and get an early start.
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
SF/Napa/Oregon/Olema Trip 2016 - Day 9
It was a fantastic day today visiting Crater Lake National Park.
We got an early start and arrived at the north entry station about 9:30 am. The RV park is about 4 miles north of the entry station and it as about 5 more miles before you get to the lake.
The lake was formed about 8,000 years ago when Mount Mazama, a 12,000 ft volcano in the Cascade Range, erupted. After the initial eruption through the top of the volcano, the internal pressure of the magma blew out the sides of the mountain in an almost circular pattern, causing the mountain above to collapse upon itself to create the caldera that was to become Crater Lake. It is estimated the eruption was the largest in North America in at least the last 650,000 years.
Over the centuries the lake gradually filled with melted snow and rainwater. Later eruptions also created Wizard Island, a cinder cone near the SW shore. Today the lake maintains a constant water level through a balance of precipitation, evaporation and environmental conditions. There are no inlets or outlets to the lake and the deep blue water is of unmatched purity and clarity. The average visibility into the depth of the water is around 160 ft. compared to Tahoe's 17 ft average depth visibility. The lake is considered to be the cleanest large body of water in the world.
The lake is about 6 miles in diameter at its widest point and 4.5 miles at the shortest point. The deepest point in the lake is 1,943 ft. It holds 4.9 trillion gallons of water; the tallest point along the rim is 1,978 ft., the lowest 507 ft. The annual average snowfall for the area is 43 ft and the last recorded time the lake froze was in 1949.
The lake has been a mystical place for indigenous Native American tribes for centuries. The first recorded visit by a European American was in 1853 gold miner and several companions. A prominent local resident,William Gladstone Steel, campaigned to protect the lake after his visit in 1885. His campaign was successful and the lake and surrounding area was made a national park in 1902.
Today, there is a 33 mile drive around the rim with numerous vista points and pull outs. The only to access the water is by a steep 1/2 mile trail with a 750 elevation grade. A concession offers seasonal boat tours, but you have to hike the trail down and back to reach the boat ramp. There appears to be a conscious effort by the National Park Service to keep access to lake water to a minimum.
We spent most of the day driving around the lake eating lunch at the park village and enjoying the marvelous scenery. There is truly nothing else like it in the world. If you haven't ever been here you should add it to your "bucket list".
After returning to the RV park we ate take out pizza from the resort restaurant nearby and went to bed early.
We got an early start and arrived at the north entry station about 9:30 am. The RV park is about 4 miles north of the entry station and it as about 5 more miles before you get to the lake.
The lake was formed about 8,000 years ago when Mount Mazama, a 12,000 ft volcano in the Cascade Range, erupted. After the initial eruption through the top of the volcano, the internal pressure of the magma blew out the sides of the mountain in an almost circular pattern, causing the mountain above to collapse upon itself to create the caldera that was to become Crater Lake. It is estimated the eruption was the largest in North America in at least the last 650,000 years.
Over the centuries the lake gradually filled with melted snow and rainwater. Later eruptions also created Wizard Island, a cinder cone near the SW shore. Today the lake maintains a constant water level through a balance of precipitation, evaporation and environmental conditions. There are no inlets or outlets to the lake and the deep blue water is of unmatched purity and clarity. The average visibility into the depth of the water is around 160 ft. compared to Tahoe's 17 ft average depth visibility. The lake is considered to be the cleanest large body of water in the world.
The lake is about 6 miles in diameter at its widest point and 4.5 miles at the shortest point. The deepest point in the lake is 1,943 ft. It holds 4.9 trillion gallons of water; the tallest point along the rim is 1,978 ft., the lowest 507 ft. The annual average snowfall for the area is 43 ft and the last recorded time the lake froze was in 1949.
The lake has been a mystical place for indigenous Native American tribes for centuries. The first recorded visit by a European American was in 1853 gold miner and several companions. A prominent local resident,William Gladstone Steel, campaigned to protect the lake after his visit in 1885. His campaign was successful and the lake and surrounding area was made a national park in 1902.
Today, there is a 33 mile drive around the rim with numerous vista points and pull outs. The only to access the water is by a steep 1/2 mile trail with a 750 elevation grade. A concession offers seasonal boat tours, but you have to hike the trail down and back to reach the boat ramp. There appears to be a conscious effort by the National Park Service to keep access to lake water to a minimum.
We spent most of the day driving around the lake eating lunch at the park village and enjoying the marvelous scenery. There is truly nothing else like it in the world. If you haven't ever been here you should add it to your "bucket list".
After returning to the RV park we ate take out pizza from the resort restaurant nearby and went to bed early.
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
SF/Napa/Oregon/Olema Trip 2016 - Day 8
We only had about a 98 mile trip today so we didn't get on the road until around 10:00 am.
After getting gas we headed north on I-5 to Medford then turned inland towards Crater Lake. We steadily climbed into the mountains and arrived at the Diamond Lake RV Park in the Umpqua National Forest after lunch. Diamond Lake is just north of Crater Lake and near the northern entrance to Crater Lake National Park. The RV park is quite nice, has full hook ups and drive-through sites. It appears to be a concession in the National Forest and can accommodate even the big diesel pusher RVs.
Diamond Lake is large and was formed as part of the volcanic activity that created Crater Lake 8,000 years ago. It is now a busy resort with cabins, a marina, a hotel and conference center, general sore and a bar and restaurant.. After doing laundry today, we went to the resort restaurant for dinner tonight then back to the RV.
The plan tomorrow is to tour Crater Lake National Park. You cannot easily get down to the water but there is a 33 mile loop drive with vista point turnouts.
After getting gas we headed north on I-5 to Medford then turned inland towards Crater Lake. We steadily climbed into the mountains and arrived at the Diamond Lake RV Park in the Umpqua National Forest after lunch. Diamond Lake is just north of Crater Lake and near the northern entrance to Crater Lake National Park. The RV park is quite nice, has full hook ups and drive-through sites. It appears to be a concession in the National Forest and can accommodate even the big diesel pusher RVs.
Diamond Lake is large and was formed as part of the volcanic activity that created Crater Lake 8,000 years ago. It is now a busy resort with cabins, a marina, a hotel and conference center, general sore and a bar and restaurant.. After doing laundry today, we went to the resort restaurant for dinner tonight then back to the RV.
The plan tomorrow is to tour Crater Lake National Park. You cannot easily get down to the water but there is a 33 mile loop drive with vista point turnouts.
SF/Napa/Oregon/Olema Trip 2016 - Day 1-7
Well, we are getting a late start
on the blog this trip. The first week on the road was very busy getting
settled in to our new RV. So far, everything is working fine and we are
just about finished getting our stuff sorted out and put away.
We left home on Tuesday, August 9th
for a short trip to the Marin RV Park just across the GG Bridge in Larkspur.
We ate out at a favorite BBQ place nearby. The last time we were
there in June, we arrived late and they were out of ribs. This trip as we
walked in the door, again towards closing, the manager recognized us and said
they were out of ribs again. Then he said," just kidding" and gave us
a free order of ribs. It's incredible that he would remember us from June, but
the food is great there and we'll be back.
On Wednesday, Judy had her
bi-monthly medical appointments at UCSF. Everything went fine, with no
changes in her status. "No changes" is good. Kevin took
us out to dinner Wednesday night at Angelino's, our favorite Sausalito restaurant.
Since it was Judy's birthday, she even got a free dessert.
Thursday, we shopped for RV stuff and went into SF to have dinner at The Grove restaurant and see a jazz concert at SF Jazz,
a great jazz venue nearby. The performance was by a Cuban born piano player,
Gonzalo Rubalcaba, with a great percussionist accompanist.
Friday, we traveled to Calistoga
and stayed at the fairgrounds RV park and relaxed, eating in and going to bed
early.
Saturday morning we went to the
farmers market in town, did a little more shopping and rested for our big
dinner Saturday night at the Frank Family Winery. it was a really great
dinner in a style we cannot ever recall experiencing. The dinner was a
Chardonnay and Lobster Feed. The meal was served on the back lawn on the
winery, family style on long tables. Seats were assigned by ticket number
and we sat next to people from Oregon, Southern California, the bay area and a
party of 15 celebrating a birthday for a guy from Wisconsin with a second home
in Napa. All five of his sisters and brothers and their families were
there.
Before the meal, Frank Family reserve wines were served in an open bar format
and fresh oysters were prepared as appetizers. There was also a very good
band. The meals were all cooked in a number of special pots that drained
when taken out of the boiling water. In each pot were whole Maine
lobsters, shrimp, bratwursts, corn on the cob, onions, artichokes, whole small red potatoes and
garlic bulbs. When the meal was ready one of the caterers dumped one whole pot on each table and people took what they wanted (only one lobster per
person). There were no knives or forks, only tools to crack the lobster,
lots of napkins, salt, pepper and various hot sauces and seasonings and cups of
melted butter. They also placed baguettes on the table and bottles of
wine with more on request as they ran out. It was certainly a “hands on”
dinner. Everything tasted great and it was truly a special treat for
Judy’s birthday.
We travelled over the mountain to
Clear Lake on Sunday on our way to Ashland, OR. We narrowly dodged the
fire in Lower Lake, traveled east on Highway 20 to I-5 at Winters then headed
north. It was a long 300 mile day with lots of mountain driving. We
stayed at a small, somewhat older RV park but it was quiet and in a nice
setting. We ate dinner in the RV and went to bed early.
After sleeping in Monday morning
and resting in the RV we went into Ashland to look around and have lunch.
Ashland is a neat town famous for its Shakespeare Festival every year as well
as a variety of other theater and musical productions. We had a nice
lunch, took a walk in their large city park along a creek running through town
then returned to the RV for another dinner in and early to bed.
Day 7 Pictures.
That’s about it until we left for
Crater Lake on Tuesday morning. We’ll do another post for that leg of the
trip and try to keep the blog current as we continue the trip. We also
have a few pictures to post and will try and do so as Internet connectivity
will allow.
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