HUGE and Blue and Really Pretty

This last weekend in August, we went camping at Diamond Lake.  Thielson View campground was beautiful, with large spacious spots and gorgeous views of the lake. As we arrived it turned cool and cloudy, but not rainy! 

We started our trip late Friday evening, driving from Newberg to the Mountain House. We got up on Saturday morning to a light rain, and lots of clouds. This was not motivating us to leave the cozy fire, but we are glad we did!

We arrived at the lake to excited cries of "Cassie and Zoe are here!" While our friends' kids folded the girls into their game, I walked down to help Ben's dad pack up his fishing boat. Fortunately, he was willing to take us out one more time. Unfortunately it became very cold and drizzley.

Connie was disappointed that Peter and I never got a chance to see Mount Thielson from the campground - it was too cloudy. However, we got a great view on our day trip.

Sunday we visited Crater Lake. Drove around the rim, and stopped at various viewpoints. We also hiked down to see "The Pinnacles." Fossil chimneys of hot ash fused into glass by hot gasses were a lot more interesting that it sounded on the map.

This was our family's first Crater Lake visit together, and the first exposure for our kids. They were extremely patient with their parents oooohs and aaaahs.

I want to thank our friends Connie and Ben, Tim and Laura, and James and Lotte for inviting us to join them. I'll admit I was a bit intimidated by the volume of people  - 8 adults and 11 children - but by working together we created a fun time for everyone. Thanks again!!!

Cassie took a video that sums up Crater Lake very well: