Started the day with a lovely breakfast at K & J's Cafe. K (a/k/a Kim) was one of the owners and our server. When Randy asked if we could sit next to the window so he could keep an eye on his bike, Kim smilingly said, "You're in Chemult - your bike is safe ." The cafe was tastefully rustic, and my one pancake was huge. And delicious. Kim filled us in on how she and J got there, and local trivia.
We set out about 8:50 am. Perfect weather day. Cool with dark blue skies and not a cloud to be seen. The first 10 miles on Hwy 97 were a breeze as we coasted on a flat road with an adequate shoulder. Then we turned onto Hwy 138 and began a slow gradual ascent over 10 miles to the Cascade Summit - elevation 5975 feet. For some reason, I was really feeling the climb in my right knee and hip. Stopped and took Advil, and plugged in the headphones to give me some incentive music.
Shortly after passing the Summit, we turned and headed into Crater Lake National Park. As we stopped to take pictures, a young woman drove up and started asking about our trip. Her name was Carolyn, and she was from Colorado. She was taking 6 weeks to drive to all the national parks in the west. She pulled out her phone and started interviewing us like a reporter. Asked what was the best thing about bike touring, and we all agreed it was meeting people (like Carolyn) along the way and hearing their stories. Carolyn got our blog info, and said maybe she would see us when we get to Montana and Glacier Park. Somehow I doubt we will be there before Carolyn completes her tour.
Randy has a senior citizen national park pass, and the guard lady at the entrance gate let me in for free since I was with him. A gentleman approached after we passed through and complimented/thanked us for getting in line behind the cars instead of riding ahead of everyone to get to the entrance gate. A beautiful day, and everyone we met seemed to be in a good mood.
Once inside the park, we began another 10 mile or so climb up even steeper inclines. We began to see snow along the side of the road, as well as on the mountains toward which we were headed. We later learned that it had snowed over most of the past weekend. The climb was definitely taking its toll.
Finally, after a couple of hours, I reached the North Junction and saw my first breathtaking view of Crater Lake. It was absolutely stunning, and one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. The deepest darkest blue water I have ever seen. The mirror like reflection of the mountains on the still water was exquisite, and, coupled with the refreshing calm breeze, quieted my thankful soul.
Here is the link to a video I made of the lake.
Per our park map: Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States. A massive volcanic eruption 7,700 years ago left a deep basin in the place where a mountain peak once stood. Centuries of rain and snow filled the basin, forming the deep blue lake of unmatched color and clarity. The climb to the rim to view the lake was a climb up the flank of this transformed volcano.
While I was off in my own little world, Randy was making another friend. A gentleman named William (sort of) who was visiting the states from Germany. They were having a great time getting to know each other, and we ended up taking pictures of each other with that stunning lake as a backdrop. Randy was in his element and I could tell he was having a great day. As was I.
We continued climbing and taking more pictures. A young woman named Anya from Belgium approached us and wanted to find out about the ride. She is currently biking the Sierra Cascades route, having started in Bakersfield, CA. Randy did this ride a couple of years ago, so was once again in full throes of making another new friend who also "spoke the biker language." A real plus. We learned that Anya and her boyfriend were driving through the park today, and she planned to resume her ride after he left to return to California.
We also struck up a conversation with another lady biker who is part of a group ride. She was from Eugene, and had extensive biking experience. Another soul mate speaking our language. Fun stuff.
Finally, we reached the highest point along Crater Lake - elevation 8151 feet - and then The Watchman. Just when I thought the views couldn't get any more amazing, they would. Took some nice shots of Wizard Island and the lake.
We began the steep, curvy downhill descent to Mazama Village where we planned to camp. I reached speeds of over 35 mph - what a kick! And the indescribable views just continued on and on. I quit trying to take pictures as there was no way I could do justice. Once we got camp set up, we had dinner at the lodge restaurant. We were both spent and starved from the hard climb, yet exhilarated like few times I have ever experienced. I had a delicious pot roast dinner, and Randy had fettuccine Alfredo. Returned to the camp site, just waiting for it to get late enough to go to bed.
The plan for Wednesday is to head towards Medford, probably stopping at some smaller town along the way. On Thursday we will ride to Ashland, where we will be staying with John and Suzanne, a couple from my "Camino family" that my sister and I hiked with last summer. I am really looking forward to reconnecting and catching up with them.
Today has to rank with one of the very best biking days I have ever had.
