June 21, 2007

Friday, June 15, 2007 View from my lunch-eating spot:

Tom has been training in boat operations. He describes the tour boats as big “bathtubs.” As soon as the trail was cleared of snow by the park service, the captains and dock hands have been re-constructing the docks, as well as attending training such as basic first aid, CPR, and cold water rescue. Lynn continued learning the cash register. It is getting somewhat easier. I only make a few mistakes each day, and none have been of major consequence.

The gift shop ↑
Things come up, though. Today, a tour bus of Amish from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, arrived. The fact that the Amish do not have photos taken of themselves (for religious reasons) slipped my mind, and I asked an Amish man. who was paying by credit card, for his photo ID. Showing me his social security card, he said, “Don’t have a photo.” I apologized as I wrapped up his four souvenir shot glasses, and photo card of Crater Lake scenes for a Viewmaster (remember that toy from the 50s?).

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Tom has lost his sole. He wore out his Philmont boots going up and down the lava rock-strewn trail to Cleatwood Cove, where the boat docks are. So today, our first day off in a week, we drove to Klamath Falls to have them fixed. The highway and the railroad tracks into Klamath Falls follow a narrow passage between the base of the mountains and Lake Klamath. A sign simply says, “Rocks.” Maybe that’s short for “There may be rocks on the road.” Or maybe it means there are rocks nearby, or perhaps they just left off the word, “Falling.” I wonder if people actually see rocks coming their way, and if so, what do they do? You can’t swerve into the lake, or into the side of the mountain. It’s worse on the road up to the rim of Crater Lake. After the sign warning of rocks, there is a sign that says, “Danger: falling can cause injury or death. Stay away from cliff edges.” So there is literally no where to go – depending on the size of the rock, you’re safer just letting it fall on your car!

It takes 1 hour to drive to Klamath Falls, and cost $25 round trip in fuel. It may be cheaper to buy at the camp store, in the park, even at their inflated prices, for regular items such as milk, bread, and bug repellent.

There is a scenic “turn-out” just inside the south entrance to the park overlooking the Annie Creek gorge, and the fumaroles. Awesome view! And a great place to bring a picnic lunch.

Wednesday, June 20.

Observance of 37th anniversary of our wedding.

Weather report: Sunny, sunny, and more sunny. Highs in the mid-60s, lows in the mid-30s. Tom packed away his furry, flap-earred cap and got out his wide-brimmed hat.

Critter report: elk, H-U-G-E mosquitoes, chipmunks, beautiful birds, and little dark-gray mice that attempt to set up housekeeping in motorhome engines and gift shops. No bears have been spotted, yet.