Day 30

Arriving here last evening we were too late to get one of 17 campsites with electricity.  Only signed up for one night and went back at 8:30 this morning hoping to get one of the few powered sights.  Got lucky and found a "huge" site that could fit three RV's vacant for an additional 3 night stay so we booked it.  This park is closing after Sunday and their season is about over, but the warmer weather has kept the activity level up.

Last winter the park had 650 inches of snow (about 56 feet) and the rim drive did not even open until July.  Now just over two months later it's shutting down!  Guess we got lucky again.

Drove the entire Rim Drive today with many stops at viewpoits to take pictures.  Took Isabelle and only intended to "see" it all and plan our hikes for the next two days leaving her behind.  Many options but several of the current plans are to hike to the highest point, the lowest point (down to the lake), and whatever we can do in addition.  No doubt we will change our plans by tomorrow morning, but at least we have set some goals.  The unplanned fourth night will certainly give us time to see more.

Temps are unseasonable warm into the 70's during the day and a little warmer than normal at night not getting below freezing.

I think I can post pictures tomorrow as the connection seems a little faster today with a little "tweek" I made, but too late tonight to get started.

Please bear with us, pictures will be here soon.  They will be worth the wait!

Days 27 - 29

We left Oroville on Monday and drove to Lassen Volcanic National Park.  Weather is still hot but great with sunny days and cool nights.

After Yosemite we were still on a "high." Upon entering Lassen Volcanic NP we were not as excited, however, Lassen is gorgeous in its own way & far less crowded. JPL hurt his knee (don't know how but woke up our first full day in Lassen barely able to walk) so we were limited to just driving around.  Ellen did a short, but difficult, one hour hike by herself up Lassen Peak as far as allowed this year.  The park service is currently improving the trail on the top half and no one is allowed past the half way point.

We had no cell or internet at Lassen and could do no posting.

We ended up leaving a day early and driving to Crater Lake National Park.  Ellen was for staying but I felt if I had to sit around all day I might as well be driving on down the trail.

So, got to Crater late afternoon today (Wednesday).  The only RV campground is 7 miles from the Lake itself so we have yet to see it.  Plan on going in the morning.

So far, no cell service here but I have managed to get online (a very slow connection) with my antenna and amplifier.  Will try to load pictures from Lassen and Crater tomorrow if possible.

But we are here for at least 3 nights.  Anxious to visit the lake and all its beauty.

More tomorrow.