Trip Report

July 11th found 26 Obsidians and friends boarding a luxury bus at Shopko parking lot for a two day tour of Crater Lake, with lodging at Diamond Lake Resort and visiting waterfalls of the North Umpqua River. The weather both days of the trip was absolutely perfect. Our first stop was the DQ in Oakridge for coffee and other breakfast treats along with a little time to get acquainted with other riders. After a few interruptions in Oakridge, an extra-long delay at the north entrance gate to Crater Lake National Park and a trolley that left without us we did eventually have an exceptional tour of the rim drive and all the sights the lake has to offer. The other good factor was that the final section of the road around the rim had just opened that morning. Our guide was entertaining and very knowledgeable about the history of the National Park and the lake area. Looking back now, all the ups and downs of this trip are quite hilarious. Early evening we arrived at the Diamond Lake Resort for dinner and a restful night. The old log lodge, great views of the lake and distant mountains are a lovely setting. Morning found us enjoying a great breakfast at the water’s edge with views of Mt. Bailey and patches of snow glistening in the sun. We were entertained by a mother duck and nine tiny ducklings. Fortunately the mosquitoes weren’t too hungry this morning. As we left the Lodge about 9:30, Assistant Leader Vern Marsonette gave details about our route and the stops we would make along Hwy. 138 on the way to Roseburg. Watson Falls was the first stop where some of our riders made the hike to the top, approximately 260’. Others enjoyed the view from part way up or from the parking lot. We all enjoyed Vern’s stories and points of interest along this route, including Colliding Rivers at Glide. Our full lunch buffet at Abby’s Pizza was a delight and we enjoyed seeing a bit of the huge antique car show just across the street. Our last stop in Roseburg was the Douglas County Museum which has an extensive display of history relating to the local area, including the devastating explosion of 1959 that leveled eight city blocks. Their large collection including dinosaur bones, the age of reptiles, wedding dresses of the 1900’s, trains; old logging equipment and a covered wagon are very well displayed. Then, not to be missed, there is the natural world of birds, large and small animals (chipmunks to elk and cougar) displayed so beautifully in their natural surroundings. This is a must see when visiting Roseburg. As we headed north toward Eugene, we were entertained by more of Vern’s “wild experiences”. We all had a great time and were too full to even stop at Rice Hill for ice cream!