2005-09-23: Paulina Peak
On our trip from the coast to Central Oregon we noticed snow at the side of the road as we went over the pass. We knew we were just missing a rainstorm, but didn't realize here it would be the white stuff here! This view of Paulina Peak from our campsite shows the snow that fell there today. Most of the snow was gone by Saturday.
2005-09-25: Sunriver Fall Festival
Sunriver, which is located about two miles from our campground, was having their Fall Festival this weekend. It was fun to walk around and check out the wares that were being sold, chat with the locals, enjoy the entertainment, and see the sand sculpture that had been built in the village. Strange thing to see here in land locked Central Oregon!
2005-09-26: Alpine Glow
We have had sunny days that have given us beautifully colored skies at sunset. Since we're camping among the lodgepole pines, we can't actually see the sunset but we do enjoy the alpine glow every night. This view of the oxbow of the Little Deschutes River was taken from our front door.
2005-09-28: Back Roads
The back roads were calling so off we went. This area is a great place to off road except that there is not great signage. Fact of the matter is, we eventually got where we wanted to go but not on the roads we thought we were on!
2005-09-28: Newberry National Volcanic Monument
A trip to this area wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Newberry Crater. Along the way we stopped at Paulina Falls. This 80-foot waterfall spills over volcanic cliffs into the canyon below. We were rather surprised that it was flowing as much as it was this late in the year.
2005-09-28: Paulina Lake
It is thought that the caldera may have originally held one large lake but deposits of pumice and lava have divided the crater into two separate bodies of water. Paulina Lake is a deep (250 feet) fishing lake that supports large populations of rainbow and brown trout and kokanee and Atlantic salmon. When we had the boat we used to spend time at the hot springs at the other side of the lake.
2005-09-28: East Lake
This view of East Lake was taken from Paulina Peak which is the highest point on the crater rim. Notice the huge lava flow between the rim and the lake.
2005-09-28: Squirrel
This little golden mantle squirrel joined us for lunch overlooking the lake. He was really bold and kind of startled Tryna when he climbed up her leg! We haven't seen as much wildlife as we'd like but have encountered deer and a raccoon.
2005-09-28: Lava Flow
When this volcano erupted, it spewed lava and created huge flows. We found this one along one of the back roads. This photo proves that Tryna really is on this trip!
2005-09-29: Hobby Day
We decided that since it was our last day and since the weather was beautiful for outdoor living, we'd stay put and "hobby". Al carved and Tryna quilted and the day passed all too quickly.