Friday, the day before we leave Sisters, Sue, writer of “Our Rovin Journey” her husband, and her tiny little Yorkie, Lacilou, end up at Creekside Campground. Sue and Laci come by for a visit, and we sit and talk for awhile. Sue points out their motorhome, and it’s huge and beautiful, parked just down the way. It was really nice to meet her and Laci!
On Saturday morning after our woods walk, we say our good-byes to Kerry and Annabelle. The dogs have been through this before…we know that they know what’s happening. We are a pack, and breaking that leaves them feeling incomplete. Joy and Shiloh remain noticeably subdued for the day. Kerry tells me later that Annabelle acted the same.
We drive 160 miles almost all of which is south on Hwy 97 to Klamath Falls, Oregon. I try out the KOA again, but this one is a bit of a let down, mostly because the sites are very tight, and the first night I have big rigs on both sides of me. Rather claustrophobic. However it’s cold, so we don’t spend much time outside anyway.
Once again (Like at Thompson Falls, MT), I find that there are no falls anywhere near Klamath Falls. I need to remember not to expect to see waterfalls, just because a towns name has ‘falls’ in it. What’s the deal? 🙂
Crater Lake is 60 miles away however, and I’ve never seen it. It’s the deepest lake in the USA, created as the aftermath of an erupting volcano, over the centuries, as the caldera filled with water from rain and melting snow. The lake is 1,978 feet deep at the deepest point and holds 4.9 trillion gallons of water. That’s a lot of rain!
We are staying here for 3 nights and the weather reports call for rain throughout our stay. We make the day trip to the lake on Sunday.
It’s not raining when we set out, and it’s a pretty drive along Upper Klamath Lake and then through the pine forest dotted with golden trees….
Like this….
And this.
As we increase our elevation I see that the temperature has dropped to 31 degrees. When we enter Crater Lake National Park, I begin to see a bit of snow.
Then more and more snow….
And then the snow begins to fall and around every curve is a Christmas card worthy scene.
I love it! I totally didn’t expect it!
At the pay station I’m told that the north entrance is closed, as well as part of the rim drive. That’s ok with me. At the rate the snow is coming down, and with all the hills and curves, the roads could soon become treacherous and I’d like to see the lake and go.
When I get to the lake, this is my view!
🙂 Foggy Crater Lake! 🙂
I’m disappointed, but there is still fun to be had. Joy and Shiloh get to play in the snow. This is a rare experience for them and we can’t miss it!
Joy is rolling, Shiloh is snuffling.
They always enjoy snow.
Joy, feeling Joyful. As usual.
After playing awhile, it seems the fog may be moving, and I begin to walk the view trail that overlooks the lake near Crater Lake Lodge. The views are improving, and with all the snow covered hillsides and trees, it’s really a beautiful treat.
Fog moves out.
This is Wizard Island in the mist. It’s also a volcano that erupted after the lake began to fill.
A spooky tree.
Snow covered hills.
Crater Lake Lodge.
Lots of berry bushes about.
And lots of little birds feasting on them.
Snow in pine trees is just one of the prettiest things….
We make our way back through the snow, but now snow is falling even at lower elevations. By the time we get back to Klamath Falls, the sun is shining, though it’s still cold. It has only rained here.
The rigs on each side of me are gone, and two doors down is another Casita!
See what I mean about tight spaces? There is actually an empty campsite between WS in the foreground, and the other Casita. Also you can see the section of grass there with the picnic table. That would be the campsite of the rig next to me if there was one there.
Hi Shiloh!
Tomorrow we move on to California!
Joy Shiloh
Wandering Spirit 
Hi Micky – we were your neighbors at Wilbur! Loved seeing your Crater Lake photos! We stayed in that same KOA for four nights (after our stay at Crater Lake) while we were waiting on a part for our truck. Enjoying your blog so much – Nancy
Hi Nancy, nice to hear from you! Where did you stay at Crater Lake? In the campground there? I’d like to come back sometime and stay closer to Crater Lake.
Really glad to hear you enjoy the blog!
Hi Micky!! It was so nice to meet up with you and your fur babies!! Love the pictures of Crater lake fog!! Looks Like the dogs loved the snow! The snow is so pretty when fresh, I love how quite it is when it snows! We are in Coburg, Oregon for
Now and will be taking a day trip to Crater this week! Have fun on your trip south!! Safe travels
Hi Sue, I’m so glad we were able to meet!
The snow can be so beautiful, covering things that might be less beautiful, and like you said, the quiet. And, less people tend to show up, so it really is quieter.
Maybe you will get cleared weather at Crater Lake, either way it will be lovely!
of corse the weather is changing; but snow!—totally beautiful pictures!
Hi Elinor. One thing I’ve found with traveling this way, I just never put away all my winter clothing, or my summer clothing. The weather is so changeable! Even 50 miles can make a big difference, depending on terrain and elevation.
Awesome pictures of the snow….. And those precious pups playing in the snow!
Hi Sharron, glad you enjoyed the pictures. The dogs just get so tickled with the snow. So fun to watch them!
We are new to rv’ing and our first trip longer than a weekend was to Crater Lake. It was in 2015, the second week of September. We did stay at the campground in the park, which is quite large, with pull through and back in sites, some electric. Unfortunately, it ended up looking like your trip. It was beautiful, but being newbies we didn’t know how long the snow would last and were afraid of tanks freezing so we only stayed one night and left for lower ground. We even had a boat trip scheduled that was cancelled because the snow was blowing so hard and the fog was so thick. We were so disappointed, but hope to get back some day when the weather is nicer. We stayed at that same KOA also, its a place to stay, is all I can say. 🙂
Hi Mary Jo, I have that worry about the tanks freezing too, but now I’m not quite so worried as I used to be. I used to think the moment the temp went below freezing, it might happen. Now I’ve talked to quite a few people about it and I realize the temp needs to get down to about 27 degrees and stay there a number of hours (how many, I don’t know, probably depends on wind and how far it warms up to afterwards).
I’ll never be ok with towing on icy roads though, and that can come with the low temps…or not. So lots of unknowns when it comes to temps below freezing.
I hope to get back there too, Mary Jo. But I have to say, the snow covered mountains and trees was a real treat for me.
Totally awesome pictures…snow in the pines has always been my favorite snow!! And what a neat surprise it was. Glad you are headed for warmer weather though! Be safe, and hugs to Joy and Shiloh..
Hi Pat (Freespirit),
Temps are supposed to rise in these parts in the next couple of days. I’ll be going between desert and high elevations from day to day. It will keep me guessing!
Joy and Shiloh have received the hugs!
Hi Micky! We’re on our road trip too – last night arrived at June Lake (gorgeous here) after driving 120 – dusting of snow up near Ellery Lake and then bright sun as we headed down Tioga Pass. Snow wasn’t really sticking but still happy that my little fast car has 4WD (although with her low profile she wouldn’t do well with truly snowy roads 🙂
hugs
L&J
PS person on UC has extra LV a section over from us. I don’t know why I have to tell you but there it is
Hi Laura. I just texted you. 😃
And I’ll be in The June Lake area in less than a week. Darn.
Wow you brought your fast little car! Fun fun fun!
Fantastic photos!!!! I love snow 🙂
Hi Krystina, I guess you will have snow soon, right? Must be so beautiful there now!
Mickey, I’ve been unable to get to RVSue’s website for the last couple or three days. Are you able to log on to her site?
Ok Cat Lasy, I just tried and couldn’t. With all my visiting of late, I’ve gotten behind on line. Looks like something is wrong with the site though, which has happened on occasion in the past. Hope that gets cleared up soon!
You always find and take the most breathtaking pictures! Thank you for sharing with us the beauty you are blessed to see and enjoy!
Hi Callie, I’m glad you are enjoying the pictures! Amazing what a little IPhone can do. There is so much beauty, I keep wanting to capture it, but really, for the most part, it’s un-capturable!
What a beautiful snow!! I would be as excited as the Goldens!! We sure don’t see that in Georgia.
Your pictures should be on a calendar or card!! Lovely!!
I’m glad you enjoyed the snow Gerri! Snow in the mountains is so beautiful…to look at. As long as one doesn’t have to drive in it!