26: Making a run for it

Roger and I have visited Crater Lake (or tried to) twice before, and had not been able to see the lake. The first trip, at Thanksgiving two years ago, the snow was piled high, it was snowing still, and the lake was completely obscured by the storm.  Last summer, we tried again while on a bike trip with Mark Friis, but the fires in the park kept us away.

We planned to go past the park on our trip, but the weather was not looking great later in the week, and since we had to wait for the new pack to arrive anyway, Roger hatched a plan to leave our gear with Lorena and Dick, and just ride out to Crater Lake on the one day that looked like it would be clear. So that's what we did.

View across Klamath Lake en route

I will confess that I was tired when we reached Klamath Falls, and I was looking forward to a rest day while Roger dealt with the bike, but since that couldn't happen without the rack, off we went. And what a gorgeous day it was. I am so glad we made the trip.

The first 30 miles of the ride were dead flat, and cut through pretty county.  Then we turned up toward the mountain, and started a slow ascent, which ended with about 2500 feet to the rim. It was an arduous climb on the tandem, even without our gear, but the trip was totally worth it.

Plenty of snow as we approach the summit

Anyone who has ever been to Crater Lake can attest to its beauty.  If you have never been, then I hope someday you will be able to see this marvel.

We made it! 

We stayed the night out in Fort Klamath at the Crater Lake Bed and Breakfast.  Janet has a comfortable home and her guests come from all over.  We enjoyed visiting with guests from Denmark and Kansas when we got back down the mountain.  And her breakfasts are so delicious!

The day's report:  Klamath Falls to Crater Lake, 82.5 miles/1230 to date