Crater Lake

On our way back to the Bay Area we made one more stop at Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States and 9th deepest in the entire world.  

The water from this lake is from rain and snow.  Since there is no sediments from incoming rivers or streams, the lake is a radiant "stop in your tracks and audibly gasp" kind of blue.  Given the "Test of Clarity" the naked eye could see a black and white disk from over 140 feet below surface level.  

Although there are many hikes down to the bottom of the lake, our tired travel bodies admired the scene from above.

Can you spot the phantom ship? but really it's just some rocks.

Portland

The last days of our road trip extravaganza were spent on Oregon where good food and good drinks are a plentiful!  I've always thought that if I wasn't in the Bay Area, I could definitely see myself living in Portland.  There's richness and culture here unique to it's own.

Chai at Barista.  Good, but still looking for the perfect cup.

One of the many excellent brunches that was had.  This one was at Tin Shed.

At Rev Nat's Hard Cider Taproom. Undoubtedly my favorite tastings we had the trip.
I LOVED the passion fruit infused one!

We even got to catch up with Angela at Ecliptic Brewing!

For July 4th, locals suggested a firework viewing next to the view of the river.  We were surrounded by others with picnic blankets and BYOB baskets.  Unfortunately, not one firework was seen so I wouldn't recommend it to others.

It was a pretty scene nonetheless.

Still got friendship though :)

This also happened at Pine State Biscuits.

And what would be a visit in Portland without stopping into Powell's.
Here is Kat navigating us via store map.

Another classic Portland stop at Dechutes Brewery.
Another Elk burger.  Another ridiculously cheap  flight of beer all to myself.

Craters of the Moon

I don't think I've every really been in a proper cave before exploring Craters of the Moon. What was just "something to see along the way" turned out to be one of my favorite experiences from the entire two weeks. 

Though the scenery was dark and minimal, the real attraction was getting to climb into the cool and damp caves. Being inside a crater/mountain is just awesome.

The Bunch walking along a path.

Plant life was minimal.

inception

Jonathan entering the cave.

Eric in the cave.

Kat pwning the cave.

View from inside.

Yellowstone - Day 5

The day began with a lake side photo shoot.

Mountain pose next to a mountain.

Urhdvadanurasana

Creepy cirque du solei twinsies.

Eric actually LOVES that we are all wearing matching denim shirts and hugging him profusely. 

We then proceeded to rent a boat to drive around the lake.  We smuggled cold bottles of IPA and listened to The Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack.  The feeling of air rushing through my hair and views of the surrounding mountainous backdrop were pure bliss.

The Bunch.

Eric's magazine shot.

Jonathan and Kat's timely reaction to the above picture.

Jonathan was so impressed.

On tow... even a broken engine couldn't bring us down!

We eventually got back on track.

Just damn.

The last event planned for the trip was a horse ride straight to a delicious all you can eat barbecue.  My mouth still waters thinking of the plate.  Riding horses was fun too, though my horse was in heat and decided to attack some of the other horses.  Our guide took my horse and tied it next to hers.  We then spent the rest of the ride talking about similarities to horse training and classroom behavior management.  There are a lot.

Jonathan and Eric's horses were boyfriend and girlfriend.

Rebecca, my horse for the day.

Taken before Rebecca got moody.

They took us on a dirt road. The horses knew where to go.

When we got to our destination, THIS was waiting for us there.