Day 5 - Friday 21st September

We started the final day of the NWOL on the coast in Florence, Oregon. We were to visit Crater Lake, from where we would all head off in different directions for home. The drive to Crater Lake was nearly 200 miles, so it was lunch time before we arrived. Initially, the weather was overcast and cold. The OTS drivers were very pleased when the sun finally broke through for the last 50 miles or so! The drive included some beautiful country, including a long section of the Umpqua river valley.

Umpqua River

The final section of the drive climbed steeply to the rim of Crater Lake at an altitude of more than 7,000ft. Chuck Goolsbee, the original architect of the NWOL, joined us for the day from Bend. He led us up to the first viewing point on the rim of Crater Lake.

Chuck Goolsbee's 1965 OSB OTS in the foreground

At the rim of Crater Lake

Crater Lake was formed around 7700 years ago when the volcano Mount Mazama collapsed. It is the deepest lake in the United States, and 15-20 miles in circumference.

Wizard Island is a cinder cone at the west end of the lake, over 750 feet above the surface of the water

One of the things that most struck us about Crater Lake was the color of the water. It really is that blue. Apparently, this is due to the fact that no streams or rivers flow into it. All the water is the result of precipitation falling directly on the surface. As such, the water is remarkably pure and clear.

It really is this blue!!!

We drove up to Rim Village, where we had our final lunch together. All that remained was a last photo-call for the cars and their owners...

Jerry, Chuck, Norman, David, Lloyd, Greg and Dianne

Before heading for home we visited a few more spots on the rim of the lake. My favorite was the Phantom Ship, and rock formation that appears above the surface of the lake.

Phantom Ship island in Crater Lake

All too soon, it was time to head for home. Chuck, Norman, Greg and Dianne headed to the north east, and Jerry, Lloyd and David headed to the south west. Drive safely, and hope to see you next time!!