Crater Lake, Redwoods, San Francisco

Got to Crater Lake midday. Were fortunate to find most of the rim road opened this late in the season. Rim Village was already buttoned up and there were were patches of snow on the ground in places. The deep azure blue of the lake was just as brilliant as I remembered; Greg & Taylor appreciated it for the first time. When we got out for Wizard's Island and Phantom Ship, the wind had a bit of a bite, so when we stopped to hike Pinnacle Trail, we all grabbed another layer. 

The Pinnacles are these cool finger-like rock formations that were basically vent shafts for the volcano, Mazama, which created Crater Lake. Over the eons erosion has worn down the softer rock around them leaving clusters of pointed rock cylinders.

Was so careful to eat all fruits before entering California. Have a history of having to toss perfectly good fruit because there are Border Protection Stations at all major arteries into the state to protect their crops from foreign fruit flies & other unwanted pests. Note to self: no such stops on 101. 

Found a delightful wayside next to Patrick Creek just inside California and called it a night. Awoke to another clear day to explore the redwoods of Northern CA. Drove to Jedediah Smith State Park, fixed breakfast, then hiked through these titans of trees. A bit further south is a 25 mile loop called the Avenue of Giants. Few other cars on the road, so it was almost like the forest was all ours to enjoy. Stopped to hike 2.4 mile Drury Cheney trail noting the clean, aromatic freshness to the air. Downed trees we're home to fern and shamrock plant villages. And the redwoods? Wow. Think about the changes in the world since these trees were saplings over two centuries ago. Just wow.

Camped in Richardson Grove then headed to San Francisco. Told Taylor we were building up--small cities (Vancouver, Seattle, Portland) to really big ones (San Fran & LA)--this week. Since our time was limited and we wanted to give him a broad brush overview of the city, we opted for a Hop On Hop Off tour. Our HOHO had two routes: city and downtown--of course, we did BOTH!  This time of year they were a bit loosey-goosey on stops so we got a bit frustrated any time we actually got on & off. Overall the experience we were looking for. Bonus: the Blue Angels were performing the next day so we got to watch them practice their maneuvers over the bay all day. 

We're really zigzagging our way south. Yosemite and Los Angeles here we come!

Added a few more pictures to the Trip Out album here.