Woke up at 5:30 this morning (alarm was set for 5:45) for sunrise. I peer out my window and the orange is just starting. I put on my shoes, a jacket and head downstairs to watch sunrise.
After that it's a wait for breakfast; and I'm hungry.
Feeling better today and really looking forward to our hike - Mt Scott. I can see it from my room's window and we'll have an awesome view down on Crater Lake.
We leave at 9:30 and head to the trail (20 minutes) seeing a lone Marmot crossing the road. We reach the trail and start up around 9:45am.
It's sunny but there are clouds around and storms predicted.
The very bottom is that weird cinder landscape with limited flowers. There's Frits flying.
Before we start the climb, I can see the shelter marking the top.
Lots of Clark's Nutcrackers out today eating seeding and arguing.
The climb is a mixed of scattered pine and that weird landscape.
The downside views are very hazy but beautiful.
Up, up, up I go.
The last several switchback turns have views down on the lake.
After the last switchback, I'm on the ridge and can see the destination ahead.
The ridge is wide and on my left is Crater Lake in it's full glory.
On the right, well, it's Oregon.
Lots of grasshoppers clicking as I pass along the ridge.
Then it's a short rocky climb to the shelter. It's closed so everyone is scattered around on the rocks. So wonderful!!
I see Frits, grasshoppers, chipmunks and a White - I don't chase him down because that would mean I have to get up.
Then it's the hike down.
After lunch at the bottom, we head over to see the Phantom Ship -- it's cool (but looks like a castle).
Then we head for a short 1/2 mile loop at Sun Notch point to check out the various views of the "ship".
Then it's back to the Inn where I change shoes for a visit at the Sinnott Memorial Overlook and then along the rim heading for a lemonade.
