I can’t call it the highlight of the trip. I think I’d like to. Crater Lake was jaw-dropping. I’m not exaggerating when I say that. The first thing we collectively said when it came in to view was, “Whoa.” That was it. I felt like I’d been flicked deep into some Tolkein-imagined setting. It doesn’t look real. We had the benefit of seeing it all with perfect lighting. Late in the day. Clouds breaking every so often. It was really cold. I say that as someone who’s quickly acclimated to Southern California’s weather.
We contemplated camping out at the base of the mountain but decided against it. It was the right move. The mosquitos were sparrow-sized and the nightly low was supposed to be 38. I know that’s cold. Instead we piled back in the car and drove to Eugene, OR. It was a long drive. When we finally made it we discovered a lot of hotels filled to capacity with parents of incoming freshman attending orientation at the University of Oregon. Really awesome. We jumped back on the interstate and tried the next exit north. Finally found an open room. When we asked the concierge if it was ok if five of us stayed in the room, he said of course it was and then proceeded to check for any available rooms with two beds and a pull-out sofa sleeper. There was one. Really, really awesome. Sleep came quickly for everyone. The next day was our last on the road. Seattle!
