Oregon, day 7-9

Day Seven.
Today is the last part of our coastal tour of Oregon, but much to our disappointment it's so foggy we can't actually see the edge of the road, let alone the coast.  Oh well, we've had some spectacular views up to this point, we'll now go make the most of central Oregon.  To get to central Oregon we have to drive a few miles into California, and practically the minute we cross the state line the sun pops out... bizzare.  The clear skies here do allow us some sneak peaks of the famous Redwood trees.
Back in Oregon we stop in Cave Junction for a nice bagel sandwich and then head up a perilously windy road up to the Oregon Caves National Monument .  We get there just in time for the tour, which is very good.  Once we exit the caves we have a short hike and then settle down for the fairly long drive to Prospect for a night at the Historic Prospect Motel .  We have a massive burger at the local diner and meet three guys who are going to cycle around the lake tomorrow, we're just looking forward to some nice hiking.

Day Eight.
We head back to the local diner for a hearty breakfast and then up to Crater Lake .
I'd read a fair amount about the lake, all of which said the view is just stunning.  I kept thinking, OK, it's a deep lake in the top of a volcano, I'm sure it's pretty, but come on, a lake is a lake.  I was wrong.
Our first view of the lake is breathtaking, it's like we are looking at a painting,  really beautiful.

We hike up to Watchmans Peak and take in the panoramic views.

We continue along the 33 mile rim road, stopping to take in the views.  We go for another hike at the Cleetwood Cove Trail, which actually takes us down to the lake... the equivalent of 75floors, fine till you have to come back up!

We've brought a picnic lunch and try to settle next to the lake, but an immediate onslaught of chipmunks means we have to change tactics, these buggers are vicious, and not afraid.  The only place to enjoy lunch without rodents running up our arms is on a rock... in the lake.  Luckily our legs are longer than theirs, and we enjoy a nice lunch and relax in the sun.

Further along the rim road we start to get views of the famous Phantom Ship island.  It really looks like a pirate ship sailing along the calm waters.  

A few more short hikes along the way.  If you are ever in the area it really is worth planning a day at the lake.  It's a stunning place.

We've enjoyed our day immensely and are almost reluctant to go, we could've easily spent another day hiking at the lake, but we decide to stick to the plan, there is still so much to see in Oregon.

So we head two hours North to the town of Bend for a quiet night at the Econo Lodge.

Day Nine.

We enjoy a hearty breakfast at Alpen Glow in downtown Bend, and spend a few hours planning the rest of our journey in the local library.

Our next stop is Mt Hood, where we've decided a treat is in order and we stay at the legendary Timberline Lodge .

After tearing myself away from the adorable Bruno, we hike up to Silcox Hut.  It's a steep hike, and I think I might die, but the thought of soaking in the hotel hot tub keeps me going.  Once we start on our way down I enjoy the hike a lot more, and the two hours in the hot tub are well deserved.

After laundry, we enjoy the bar and a nice homemade style dinner.