Crater Lake
After rising to 1000 metres to the high plains of southern Oregon which produced a dramatically changing scenery from dry high areas to wet level plains. We turned of Highway 97 onto 62 to Crater Lake where we met our first snow and ice. This was a bit worrying at first but the RV coped admirably, we shall see how the downhill trip goes in the morning. (See Video) 320x240 1.8MB The weather still remained clear and sunny and therefore decided to stay the night at Crater Lake as no snow was forecast. (See Photographs) (See Video 1) 320x240 2.4MB (See Video 3) 320x240 2.5MB (See Video 4) 320x240 3.6MB. See map of Crater Lake and our GPS Location.
Crater Lake in The Morning
In the morning we had a few issues due to an overnight -6C temperature - no water, it was frozen, not surprising at 2100 metres above sea level. But after putting the heating on we were able to thaw the system, have a coffee and experience Crater Lake in early morning sun. We then headed North toward Bend hoping to see more volcanic scenery in the Newberry National Park but it was closed so we headed over to Elk and Bachelor Mountain before spending the night in Bend. (See Photographs)
Bend to Columbia Gorge
We woke up to another freezing night -10C, with everything frozen even harder than the night before. But set of knowing that it should get warmer up Highway 97 until we reached Madras when we turned off onto Highway 26 with Mount Hood in the distance. We tried to go along the old road to I94 at Zig Zag but after about 2 miles the snow and ice reduced the road to a single track. At Portland were we turned onto Interstate 94 up the Columbia River Gorge to be met with a howling 40mph wind that rocked the RV quite severely so we pulled off I94 as fast as we could and stayed the night with the sound of Horestail Falls providing a pleasant tune. (See Photographs)
Columbia Gorge
Columbia Gorge is a majestic sight and I94 runs along the southern shore where there are 72 waterfalls, hence the name of the range the Cascades.
