Sierra Cascades – 8/27/2013 – Odell Lake to Crater Lake

 

Early morning temperature was 38 degrees. So we dressed with base layer on the top, tights on our legs, shoe covers, skull caps,  two layers of gloves.  I found this comfortable. By mile 22 it all came off. Photo at left is Odell Lake as we were leaving.

 

 

We thought the traffic would be bad only for the first 30 some-odd miles but there were 18-wheelers all day.  The more tired we got the bigger the problem. And it was a DIFFICULT DAY with 68 miles and 4,290 feet of climbing.

 

You’ll see below the clear skies; no evidence of forest fires yet.

 

 

 

When I finally got to the rim road- it was very difficult - I was stopping more than once per mile – I pulled over at the first viewpoint and shot the composite photo below.  We were disheartened at this point to see the road once again going up and up and up.

And when I got to our room I discovered we have a great view (see below) out of the  window. Impressions so far is that this National Park Lodge, which has recently been updated, is excellent.

Miles today = 68, Elevation gain = 4,290. Total miles = 593, Tot Elevation gain = 34,551