Got an early start and headed to Crater Lake (we even beat the rangers to the park). The Lake was totally still – not even a ripple. Epic! The conditions made for great photos of reflections from the far side of the crater. We even saw the reflections of the wispy clouds overhead in the Lake.
We also had a brilliantly sunny day to see the deepest lake in the US and the clearest lake in the world. We hiked down to Cleetwood Cove (the only way to reach the lake’s surface) and touched the surprisingly not freezing cold lake.
We got some excellent views of Wizard Island.
The colors of the Lake are stunning – thanks to the water clarity.
We also drove the circumference of the Lake to get different views. The highest point was about 7640 feet.
After leaving Crater Lake, we drove to Bend, OR. Thanks to an insider tip from E’s brother and his wife, we headed to Mackay Cottage – their first and only suggestion on where to eat in Bend. The restaurant is open from 7am-2pm. We got there at 12:30pm and had to wait 35 minutes for a table! Great food and vibe…aside from a lady falling down the stairs and hitting her head on the ground. Required emergency services assistance. Fingers crossed that she’s well.
As we drove from Mackay Cottage to our next destination, our attention was grabbed by this. E’s brothers were upset that we didn’t enter and peruse the store (they mostly sell memorabilia we’re told), but we decided to press on. Some of you have no doubt seen the Netflix documentary, but to see it in person was something else.
After driving past the relic from the past (good riddance!), we made a quick stop to Silver Moon Brewing. We tried two beers. The F* Cancer IPA and their seasonal Grapefruit flavored beer. We loved the Grapefruit beer but the charity driven F* Cancer won us over.
The beer at Silver Moon was great but we were mesmerized by their hand painted mural. S’s favorite band was featured in the mural. Yes!
As a side note, everywhere you look in Oregon is a snow-capped peak (even this time of year!) or a wondrous jagged peak.
E finished the day by driving from Bend to Burns, OR. No fires blocked our progress, so we arrived without incident.
End of day odometer – 1,414 (314 miles driven)
Wearehere 
Beautiful pics
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Thanks and good to hear from you!
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S&E, this is a wonderful blog! I want to get on a plane, train, automobile and sturdy shoes and see what you’re seeing. Congratulations on your journey, and for sharing it with us.
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Great to hear from you! Part of this blog idea is to encourage people to let their wanderlust take hold and see the world! Or see the gold old USA! Hopefully you find some inspiration. Idaho was amazing all around!
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