I first visited Crater Lake in the 1970’s when a relative was visiting from the U.K. It was a show stopper then and is a show stopper now. Two problems exist however with Crater Lake. First, it’s hard to get to. Secondly, it’s not very accessible after it starts snowing. (usually after 10/31)

Crater Lake is open year round. From the South via highway 62 you can get to the Rim Village in Winter. After November first the North Entrance and the Rim Drive are usually closed and does not open again until early June. A big part of visiting the Lake is the drive around the rim and that is not possible much of the year.

With that said a few facts about the lake.

1. It is the deepest lake in the U.S. at 1943 feet.
2. The Rim Village has an altitude of 7100 feet.
3. The Surface elevation of the lake is 6173 feet.
4. The lake is 6.02 miles ta the widest.
5. The park was created in 1902.
6. The park receives an average of 533 inches of snow a year.
7. The drive around the lake is 33 miles (allow three hours).
8. The rim has 30 pullouts for viewing.
9. The coldest average temperature is 18 degrees in January.
10. The warmest average temperature is 69 degrees in July.

When you arrive at the lake the views are stunning. The deep blue of the lake is accentuated by the the three awesome peaks, with the highest at 8900 feet. The view from the veranda at the lodge will take away your breath.

A little history, the lake was formed 7700 years ago. That is 5700 years before Christ. Archeologists found a sandal in the ash of Mount Mazama dated to that period. Which gives rise to the speculation that Native Americans viwed the eruption. The lake was formed by centuries of rain and snow filling the cauldron. What’s left inside the lake is the lava eruptions of Wizard Island and the Phantom Ship (viewed from the overlook on the rim drive).

Getting There:

Highway 97 from bend, turn at 138 and follow signs to North Entrance. Drive south from Eugene to Roseburg and head East. The Rogue-Umpqua scenic byway is a 100 miles of oohs and aaars. From the South it’s 80 miles from Medford/Grants Pass.

Admission:

Car $15.00 (7 day pass)

Various passes are available including the America the Beautiful Senior Pass. Any US resident 62 years or older. This pass is good for a lifetime at almost any Federal recreation site for $10.

Staying There:

You have two motels (run by a contractor)., the Lodge and the Mazama Village Cabins.

Eating:

Somewhat limited in the cuisine department. We bring our own lunch and picnic. During the summer the lodge is a great option. Down from the lodge is a snack bar in the gift shop. Lower down from the lodge you have other services including limited grocery shopping.

What to Do:

The pinnacles are a must see. The chimneys were formed by cooling ash. A 1 mile flay hike is a nice way to see the volcanic spires. Best option is to eat your picnic lunch in the area near the car park.

A boat tour is a terrific way to be on the water and see the lake. To get to the tour involves a steep hike down a 1.1 mile trail. The boat launch area has limited swimming and fishing. Beware the water is very cold.

In addition to the rim drive you have many hiking opportunities. When you enter the park ask for literature on the hikes.

In summary Crater Lake National Park is a must see for anybody visiting Oregon

I have a reason to visit the Pike Place Market in Seattle ,my daughter works an organic cider stand in the market.

I have visited the market for many years and it always seems that something new is happening. I think the main attractions for most people are the fish throwing boys at the Pike Place Fish Market and the original Starbucks.

My first stop is always at Le Panier (near Starbucks) with great French pastry. I used to frequent the Portland store when they had a presence there. My favorite is the Normandie a savory pastry that is awesome.

It seems that buskers are present at every corner to liven the atmosphere.

Pike Place Market is open 363 days a year and first opened in 1917.
The lively mix of florists, fishmongers, artisans and green grocers draws the crowds. However stores like Market Spice and Beecher’s Hand Made Cheese give a distinct gourmet feel to the place. A walking tour (approximately $40 per person) offers 15 stops which includes history and crab cakes, chowder and cheese.Offering nine tours a day, they run for about two hours each.

Not far from the market is Cutter’s crab house for lunch or dinner and a bonus of great views of Elliot Bay and the ferry boats.

Yes, the Pike Place Market sign draws you in. Once there you can easily occupy a half day exploring the market. It’s a no miss for your visit to Seattle.

Seattle is best seen from the water. So when you visit Seattle a great excursion is to take the ferry to Bainbridge Island. Enjoy a nice lunch off Clam Chowder at Ivar’s on the waterfront then catch one of the frequent ferries to Bainbridge. The fare is payable just one way (free on the way back).

Bainbridge Island has 53 miles of shoreline and is worth an overnite stay if you want to transport a car. When you arrive it is just a short walk up a hill to Winslow Way. This street has many charming shops and eateries. Try the Streamliner Diner for lunch or breakfast and spend the afternoon browsing the stacks at the Eagle Harbor Book Company.

Time your return for the sundown as the views on a clear day of Seattle and Mount Ranier are stunning. At the front of the boat passengers cram in for photos fro the 35 minute return trip.

Seattle is surrounded by mountains,lakes and the magnificent Puget Sound. My first visit to this city was in the 1970’s and it never gets old.

What I like about traveling in Europe is that I usually don’t have to have a car. The same could be said for Seattle. A light rail train runs directly from SEA-TAC Airport to the center of Seattle (Westlake ). You have many hotel choices when you exit that station.

From Westlake you can walk a few blocks to Pike Place Market or catch the Monorail to the Seattle Center. At the Seattle Center you have The Space Needle and EMP (Experience Music Project) Museum. A view from the top of the Space Needle is almost mandatory when you visit the Emerald City.

I usually choose to take the path less travelled when I visit. The 560 bus from Sea-Tac will take you to Bellevue (across Lake Union). From the transit center most hotels courtesy vans will pick you up. We recommend Hampton Inn and Suites (11405 NE 2nd Place). Their van will pick you up from 7am to 9pm. For a good deal call Brian Thomas at 425-453-4100. The overnight cost for staying will be could be half of what you would pay for Seattle hotels .Don’t forget the free parking and a hot breakfast included.

Bellevue itself has nice shopping and seemingly year around events.
Nearby to Bellevue are Woodinville (over 100 wineries) and Kirkland
(parks, shops and restaurants).

To get to Seattle have the courtesy van drop you off at the transit center and hop on bus 550 for an inexpensive
and short ride (via I-90) will get you to Westlake and Seattle’s center. Buses run frequently and late. Taxis are available after 9pm and its a short walk to many Bellevue hotels.

Things to do in Seattle:

1. Pike Place Market (see separate blog).
2. Seattle center via the monorail.
3. Excursion to Bainbridge Island (see separate blog).
4. Enjoy the great food. Try Wild Ginger on Third. The filet mignon at the Metropolitan Grill is fantastic! Ivar’s on the waterfront is a must for clam chowder.
5. Use the light rail to visit the International District. Uwajimaya Village and Store is a must visit. Take home some of those hard to find ceramic soup spoons.
6. In the SODO district (walking distance from International District) you will find the Filson Store. They are at 1741 First Avenue S. This company has been around since the turn of the 20th century and a factory store is available. The made in the USA clothing found in the store are very similar to items made for the people leaving in search of wealth in the Alaska Gold Rush. Try the Mackinaw Cruiser on for size. This garment will last a lifetime and maybe several generations after that.
7. Vist the Museum of Flight. This must see can be reached by bus # 124 and gives the origins of Boeing in Seattle.
8. The central library in Seattle is an architectural masterpiece and is worth your time.

Finally when you think of Seattle you think of innovation. The technology we take for granted today have their origins in this city. If you have not been to Seattle you are missing out!

Near the Serpentine in Kensington Gardens, London is a statue to Peter Pan.

The character Peter Pan evolved from the author J.M. Barrie ’s relationship with a young family THE DAVIES who frequented the gardens at the turn of the 20th century.

Ironically fifty years later the same general area of the park was the playground of myself and my brother and the neighborhood boys.
We were the LOST BOYS of the 1950’s. As we wandered and played in this vast greenspace.

Over the years family members have been photographed at the statue and it has become somewhat of a family tradition. I am not sure where J.M Barrie or the Davies lived but is was most likely in one of the row houses along Westbourne Street our home.

Kensington Gardens is indeed a majical place. The Round Pond, Kensington Palace and many other attractions make the oasis is the center of London a must visit.