In spite of the skimpy snow pack, it was a beautiful day at Crater Lake on snowshoes and a couple pairs of YakTraks. What seems like a long, arduous drive when starting out turns into gratitude for the privilege and awe of having this magnificent beauty in our ‘backyard.’
Eleven of us enjoyed the day, marveling at the peace and tranquility of the beautiful lake, vistas, geology and trees. The rim features extraordinary displays of nature’s art in the contours of the rock formations and in the remains of once living trees. Lots of irresistible picture taking.
We hiked over crunchy snow in the morning to our typical AHG stop for lunch, sitting under trees on bare grass near the rim. Returning, we endured softer, wetter snow but enjoyed the warm weather. Those with YakTraks got more exercise from frequent sinking into the snow, especially Richard. In all, we had traveled 4.2 miles RT at 7,100’, up and down along and around the terrain of the rim.
Some hikers tagged onto the day a birdwatching expedition near the fish hatchery on the return. And, we are grateful for the long drive that affords time for conversation and getting to know more about one another.
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