This snow shows why the road was just opened, and you know what happens when you mix two teens and snow...
Asa, don't jump!
Looks like they made up.
Alas, it did not last long.
Crater Lake always takes my breath away!
Words just don't do it justice.
K&M
S&A
These pictures were taken on the hike down from the north rim to the water, where some interesting events transpired.
Crater Lake from the bottom. That's pollen on the surface.
The water is really clear.
And the boys couldn't seem to resist the urge to try it out, even though it was no doubt going to be chilly. Matthew is just getting in the water, and Asa is trying to decide if he is up for it.
Asa: Matthew, quite acting like the water is cold, man up, and take the plunge (while I watch and decide if I'm going in)
Asa is about to take the plunge.
Asa: see Matthew it's not so cold, come on in.
Unfortunately, I don't have any pixs, but the boys found an elevated place to jump in, and they developed quite a following, as everyone gathered around and watched these two boys in boxers show off their jumping abilities.
Do you think Asa and Matthew are still a little blue?
As we continue on the north rim road, we come on some more snow and another snow ball fight breaks out. Matthew, you need to work on your form.
Down goes Asa!
Not many things better for Mississippi boys than playing in the snow in July.
Glad to see they have made up.
Lesson learned: Asa, don't sit on the hood of my Jeep! Yep, there is still a dent on the hood, and it exactly matches Asa's butt!
Enough of that, how about this shot?
Crater Lake Lodge.
The guys on the rim, with Wizard Island in the background.
We make our way back toward Bend and stop here for fuel and a little super hero time. We overnite in Bend, enjoy good food (and the big boys had some tasty adult beverages) at the Deschutes Public House. Next day, we head east and stop at the Metolius River.
The source of the Metolius River is a spring right here, with a view of Mount Jefferson.
Such a road weary crew...
The Metolius River near Camp Sherman.
We cross over the pass, and notice how the trees change from ponderosa pine to douglas fir.
We stop here at Shallie Falls, on the McKenzie River.
This is the McKenzie River, which begins at a spring feed lake, just up the road from here.
Next stop will be the Blue Hole, with a nice hike up the McKenzie River.
We arrive at the Blue Hole. The McKenzie River drops into lava tubes (basically a long cave) and travels underground until it returns to the surface here.
The water is clear, deep, and very, very cold.
The water temp here is in the high 30s and makes the water temp at Crater Lake seem warm.
We take the plunge off of this neat rock out cropping. It's about 40-50 feet deep off the edge of these rocks. One might ask what does a man look like when he jumps into 30+ degree water...
This pretty well captures the feeling.
Jumping in at water level, seemingly not sufficient, the boys head off to check out a place to jump in from some height.
Well, they find a spot and climbing up the rock face to get high enough to get enough adrenaline flowing to overcome the water temp.
Jump Asa!
Jump Matthew!
The boys exploring on the hike back to the Jeep.
Now, it was time to warm up a little at the Hot Springs.
The springs have just had $40,000 in rock work done, and they were looking pretty good.
That's good hot water!
The water fall and lagoon by the hot springs.
We arrive at the Parkers in Eugene, 10 days and almost 4000 miles after leaving home.
It was a great trip.
Next day, we hit the Burrito Boy and then take Asa for a little trim at the Red Rooster.
Here is Asa about to get those locks cut. Remember, up until this time his hair has always been on the longish side.
Asa, you can't negotiate your way out of this one.
Can't tell if this is painful or pleasureful.
The deed is done, and by that smile, it looks like our man likes the end product.
Next day, we head to Portland to pick up the First Pres folk at the airport and begin doulos '09.
