Day 1 on Two Wheels.
Chiloquin, OR to Florence, OR - 265 miles.
Today’s journey began at Crater Lake National Park. We’ve seen it before the renovations on the lodge, so I just wanted to get a fresh perspective on the facilities and views. It is truly an amazing natural wonder.
Crater Lake is a natural lake formed by an extinct (we hope!) volcano. The volcano basin was filled with snow melt and rain yielding a very cold and large lake. With a maximum depth of 1,949 feet, the lake is the deepest (and clearest) in the United States. The lake is 5 miles x 6 miles, with the rim elevation between 7,000-8,000 feet. The lake is the ninth deepest lake in the world. Because of the clear water and depth of the lake, the color is a brilliant blue. The water temp at the bottom of the lake is a consistent 38 degrees. The pics don’t do it justice...
After enjoying the views, we stopped at the Diamond Lake Junction Cafe and feasted on the Wally Burger - one of the best I have ever eaten. 1/3 pound hamburger with bacon, cheese, the fixings, and grilled onions. The fries were homemade-style and to die for.
With bellies full, we continued our journey to Florence, OR via Eugene, home of Oregon State University (which my nephew attended).
The landscape went from high sierra to lush forest. Beautiful.
The temps approached 92 as we entered Eugene, calling for a stop at McDonalds for a hot fudge sundae and water. As we continued west of Eugene, we went through the lower Cascades and the temps subsided quickly. By the time we reached Florence, we were in the lower 70’s, quite enjoyable. We enjoyed a Good (not great) meal at the Bridgewater Fish House and Zebra Bar. The evening ended with a Happy Hour outside our room at the Old Town Inn (no air conditioning), but the temps were accommodating.
Tomorrow, the PCH to Klamath, CA (an Indian reservation venue). I hope Dusty doesn’t get compromised. Life on the road.
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