The morning started out with the
usual cool overcast sky in the Portland area, but soon the sun came
through and we enjoyed a great ride over the Santiam Pass. A stop, in
Sisters, OR, for an early lunch. Then, on the road again with plenty of
stops for stretches and pictures before arriving at out destination in
La Pine, OR.
Sunday we awoke to bright blue skies and temps in the
40's. By 10:00 am we were heading south toward the mountain with temps
in the high 50's. After entering the park at the north entrance, we
stopped and took out first view over the rim. The bright blue clear
water of the lake looked almost like a mirror, as there was no wind on
the water surface to create any ripples.
Soon we were back on the bikes and heading northeast
around the rim of the creator. The winter had been long this year and we
encounter some snow and ice that had not yet melted on the sides of the
road. The guests enjoyed some play time at each stop around the rim and
remarked at how the views of the lake differ as the viewing angle
changes.
We all enjoyed lunch at the lodge and most bought
items at the visitor's center, before heading back to the hotel and the
evening dinner and drinks in the lounge.
Monday morning we left the hotel at 10:30 am and
headed back via the Willamette Pass entering Springfield around 1:30 pm.
A stop for lunch and a change of clothing as the valley weather was
threatening to dampen our fun. We returned back to the Portland area via
Hwy 99 and the country roads of the Willamette Valley.
