Le Tour de Volcano

Since moving to Oregon, there have been two places on my "must-see" list:  Crater Lake and the Redwoods in California.  We decided to check one off this week and trek down to Crater Lake for some sight-seeing.  But, we didn't want to drive 6 hours just to look at a lake, so we also decided to bring our friends, the Bigler's, along for the ride.  And by ride, I mean bike ride.  Around the lake.  What better way to send them off to the east coast (they are moving to Albany, NY at the beginning of August) than a really strenuous bike ride around a volcano followed by camping amidst swarms of mosquitos?  I'd say it's just about perfect.I'm not sure what I was expecting, but Crater Lake is huge.  When I was reading the ride stats, I guess I didn't really put together that 33 miles AROUND something means that something is pretty big.  Also, photos of the lake just don't do it justice-- it is the bluest blue you will ever see.  Ever.

The ride itself is a butt-kicker.  Now just last weekend, I pedaled myself 50 miles up and down the Hood River valley, but that was nothing in comparison to the Lake.  It was either up, or down, nothing in between.  6 mph or 30 mph.  Plus add in the 7,000 foot elevation and it's enough to wear a girl right out. 

 It is, however, for Oregon, epic.  Incredibly gorgeous, with views of the lake on one side, northern California on the other.  A definite "must see."In the home stretch on the southeast side of the crater.  Look at those buttery smooth slopes!  Yes, Crater Lake, we will see you again this winter for a ski tour.

B and I drug ourselves out of the tent at 5am on Wednesday morning and hiked up to the rim for the sunrise.  Gor. Geous.

Dave and Cilicia, you were great riding partners.  We will miss you tremendously.  Looking forward to seeing you sometime in your new neck of the woods.