Crater Lake - Oregon

The most common response to seeing Crater Lake for the first time is "Wow!" and they're not wrong there! The sight of the round, blue mountaintop lake is just breathtaking, it's almost like you're looking at a film set, the water and the colour is almost unreal. Photo 2 is as much of the lake as we could fit into one shot. The island in the photo is called Wizard island. Photo 3 and 6 show the Phantom Ship, Crater Lake's other 'island. It kind of resembles a small pirate ship, although it's as tall as a 16-story building and is made of rock 400,00 years old!

We enjoyed three lovely days here staying at the Lost Creek campsite in the park (16 tent only sites, very quite and relaxing). Photo 4 is us at the top of Mt Scott(8929ft), the views were just terrific up there.

Photo 5 show the pinnacles, a colourful collection of 100ft spires eroded from the canyon wall. Keith was particulary interested in these!

This was also the site of many a good camping meal. It's six weeks into the camping trip and just to assure everyone, we are eating like kings! Keith is whipping up gourmet delights most evenings. On the menu here our first night was: fresh wild salmon, stuffed peppers, fresh broccoli and corn, all cooked on the fire! Of course washed down with your finest real ale and a bottle of Zinfandel! Other recent delights include prawn risotto, beef stirfry and a variety of delicious pasta sauces. Not too bad with limited resources and equipment. Oh, by the way, Keith swims like a fish too!

Anyone who says camping is 'roughing it' is talking a load of old tosh! The only down side to this of course is that I am dedicated 'cleaner up' monitor! I don't mind, it works well along side my other roles as 'rubbish monitor' (a role extended from my time with Jen and Bob) and en-suite technician!!