Day 9 - Crater Lake

Of all my stops, Crater Lake in Oregon is probably the most fascinating yet least known by most. Crater Lake is actually a once active volcano which collapsed 6,500 years ago. The collapse formed a basin which over time filled with rain and snow melt which formed the lake - the deepest fresh water lake in the US. Later on, an eruption formed the island seen below known as wizard island. Since the lake has no sources which flow into it or anything else to contaminate it, the water is extremely clear and on a sunny day will reflect a brilliant blue color. Unfortunately, the weather was not very cooperative for this stop so the pictures really don't live up to the beauty of the lake itself. Either way, seeing something so unique was rewarding and made the trip there worthwhile. The last picture is one I took while driving through Oregon. It had been overcast and rainy all day and just as the sun was starting to set, you could see a golden glow coming from the horizon. Sometimes it's just the little things...