Building Bridges with New Friends and Seeing an Old Crater 🌉🌋

Today’s 300-mile jaunt started in Chemult, OR, within striking distance of Crater Lake National Park. While planning for today’s route, however, I realized that the northern (and closer) entrance to the park was closed for snow removal and road repair. This meant that I needed to circle around to the southern entrance. No worries, however, because the riding conditions to the park were perfect. 🗺️❄️

With a 5-car queue waiting ahead of me, getting into the park was quick, and the 8-mile ride to the top featured large melting snow banks on either side, pine trees resurrecting from the tumult of the winter months, and smooth-as-glass tarmac. Twisting and turning my way up to the mountaintop, each sense was in tune, especially with the fresh smell of pine trees, the scream of the engine, and the sight of the vistas of far-off mountains and valleys. 🏞️🏍️🌲

Once at the top, Crater Lake greeted me with views unlike any I had seen before. Created from an ancient volcanic eruption and collapse of Mount Mazama, the basket that has become Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the US. Crystal-clear blue waters reflect the trees, clouds, and lonely Wizard Island in and around the lake. While there, I walked to the top of the mega-sized snow bank to take in a different vantage point and experience a glimpse of what winter on top of this mountain must be like. 🌋🌊❄️

Heading back to the base of the park, I stopped for lunch. On my way out of the restaurant, I met two pairs of motorcycle riders (each riding two-up) and talked about my journey and a 9,000-mile road trip one of the group had taken several years prior. 🍽️🏍️

After parting ways, I continued riding across Oregon towards its coastline. For approximately 280 miles, I saw maybe two traffic lights and a handful of stop signs. Making breakneck speeds through the Oregon forests and along its rivers, every ounce of the ride was a delight. 🌲🛣️🚦

I made another small pit stop at The Natural Bridge State Park. Here, a gushing stream carved out a hidden under-rock passageway for the water to run through it, which is called the Natural Bridge. While there is nothing really spectacular about the spot, it was a peaceful break from the riding. 🌉💧

My final stop for the night was at Karla’s dad’s house in North Bend, OR. After dinner, they took me on a tour of a neighboring elk preserve, lighthouse, dunes, and a walk along the beach to the Pacific Ocean. For the first time during this trip, I actually touched the Pacific. 🍽️🦌🏖️🌊

I reflected with them on how important people (including new and old friends) mean to me and how much the couple of hours I spent with them significantly outweigh the national parks and other things I’m doing. Connecting with people defines this cross-country journey, and taking the time to stay with them made this a truly extraordinary day. 🤝❤️

All smiles. 😊