shoulder seasons

September 5, 2013

Day: 4

Total Mileage: 1700

We love the shoulder seasons in the National Parks.  At any tourist destination for that matter.  Cooler weather and less people make it feel like we own the place.  In fact, typically all of our “big” vacations have been off-season.  We went to China in November, Ireland in early May and Italy in February.  Alaska in September.  It’s safe to say we love traveling when everyone else is at home.

Crater Lake.  All quiet, prepping for a storm.

We hit up Crater Lake National Park today.  We had quite the memorable experience. We rolled in late morning and headed for the historic Crater Lake Lodge.  CJ splurged on a cup of joe and we strolled along the crater rim. The blue of the lake is just breathtaking!  We ate some homegrown apples and savored a few moments out of the vehicle. 

The Lodge.

Yummy California grown apples!

 

We could see the clouds rolling in and hear the distant “boom boom” (as Colter says) of the thunder.  Just as we made it into the truck and started driving north (to Seattle) the skies unleashed their wrath – and didn’t stop until we were north of Portland.  Torrential rain, hail and lightning and thunder assaulted us for the better part of 4 ½ hours.  It was truly awesome.

Watching the storm roll in.

It slowed us down quite a bit but the traffic gods were in our favor and we soared through Portland, Tacoma and Seattle at primo-traffic hour with no problemos.  After 4 long days of driving, Colter was done.  He had his first major car tantrum of the trip.  Once that resolved (I refuse to reward my child for a tantrum), he got his second present.

You don't really want to see a picture of Colter mid-tantrum, do you??

Thank you, Grandma.  Wrapped presents for difficult times – a brilliant idea and the perfect gift.  His first gift was a Thomas the Train sound book.  This book has already provided at least 3 hours of entertainment for my son.  Today, our lifesaver is a Little People knight on a horse that clops down a miniature ramp.  We spent the better part of an hour “clopping”.

A night in Seattle to recuperate, a quick 90 mile drive to Bellingham and then to Alaska on the ferry.  It’s really happening.

Alaska bound!