Umpqua River, Oregon

 We're back in the land of cell service.....so yesterday....

First up was a scheduled NP Service tour of the Oregon Caves.  I think I'll stop saying "after a very, very curvy 10 mile road up the side of a mountain" before every thing we do....since it happens pretty much for everything we do!

 

We were met at the mouth of the Oregon Cave by our guide - Ranger John.  I'm sure he's done this tour hundreds of times and he does his best to make it enjoyable and funny.  

Normal cave tour - although this one was rather chilly at 44 degrees.  Some of the other caves we've toured like Mammoth and Carlsbad were a little warmer - like 55 degrees.  We were prepared and it was fine for the 90 minute tour.

Interesting formations, similar to other caves we've toured.  

I'll just let you page thru some of the shots.

It was actually a pretty long tour and required lots of bending and climbing stairs.

 Good job Ranger John!  He recommended we walk up another 1 mile side-trail for some spectacular views.  He was correct!

Next up was a long drive to Crater Lake NP.

The surroundings have turned very arid. 

 

 

 

We stopped at a random waterfall walk....I hate to admit I didn't write down the name....

 

 Crater Lake was spectacular!!!  

 

 

We were able to drive some of the rim road and get views from different angles.

 

 Views of nearby peaks with some snow still visible.

 

Just breathtaking!

After a busy day with a good bit of driving, we stopped at our next AirBnB at this cabin in a campground called "Last Resort".  Literally the only game in town....I failed a bit on this one....I didn't read the amenities well enough and immediately found that the cabin was basically just a bed....no indoor plumbing.   My fault.  There was a shared campground restroom/shower - but definitely not our style....we were able to manage but got up in the morning and left as soon as we could.

 We will have internet now and I'll catch up a day soon.