Prospect, OR

We left Lincoln behind and headed east across Oregon bound for Prospect and Crater Lake National Park.  Driving through the state is a wonderful experience especially since we traveled along the smaller, state back roads.  We went through forests and valleys and loved every minute of the trip.  

As we got closer to Prospect, remains of Mt. Mazama can be seen in the distance.  This volcano eruption and collapse left behind one of the wonders of our country, Crater Lake.  But I get ahead of myself.  We arrived at our campground late in the afternoon.  It is a nice park nestled in a heavily forested area.

There are hiking trails leading out from the park that begged to be hiked.  We took the girls and headed out to explore.  Savannah loves the woods and has a great nose.  She would make a great hunting dog if she were not so timid.  In any case, she is great at tracking rabbits and all sorts of animals.

As we walked along the trail, Savannah lurched from the path into the brush and stopped, growled lowly and pointed.  At first, we did not see anything to attract her attention.  Upon closer look, I saw brown fur and at first thought it was a dog or worse, a coyote.  Then I realized, it was a young fawn standing under a tree in the brush.

The fawn stood still as death moving not even a muscle.  I pulled Savannah back and we slowly moved forward snapping pictures as we walked.  The small fawn never moved an inch or showed any reaction to the snapping of the camera or the dogs pulling to get closer for a look.  What a lovely creature and how amazing that Savannah saw it and drew our attention to its presence.

The following morning, we decided to head for the “Top of the World” aka Flounce Rock.  The view from this place gives a 360 degree view of the area including Mt. Shasta, Crater Lake, Rogue River and much more.  Instruction told us to follow the highway until we saw Ulrich Road, a paved county road.  After about two miles, we would take a left fork where the road would become gravel and would narrow a bit.  After 4 miles on this road where it seems to end, take a much rougher and narrower path to the right that leads up to cell towers.  From there, there is a walking path that would lead to a rock outcropping where we would be rewarded with the view.  We headed out without hesitation anxious for the adventure.  None of the descriptions were exaggerating, if anything, they were understated.  The roads were rough and in the end required us to use four-wheel drive.  The reward was worth all the effort.

We walked around the cell tower looking for the path.  To our surprise, we stumbled upon a Pet Cemetery.  The handmade head markers ranged from simple to artistic to well, whatever the owners felt like doing to honor their beloved pets.  This marked was simple wood but expressed their love for the dog exactly.

This branch that had grown in the shape of a heart had the dog’s collar entwined at the base.  The dog’s tags were still on the collar but we did not disturb it to find a name.

The artist-owner used nails to spell out the pet’s name, Sprout.  Simple, but loving.

After exploring the cemetery, we finally located the path.  With Jim’s help, I was able to make my way over the steep, rocky terrain to reach the view.  Far below, we could see a vista of sites.  This Lost Creek Lake looked small from above.  The haze covered everything making pictures hazy, but still the view was special.

Here above the beauty of this land, was a memorial to a fallen Marine Frederick Dunham Graten.  He was 21 years old and died at Dong Ha, Vietnam.  At the foot of his memorial lay his Mother and Grandmother.  What a wonderful place to honor your love ones.

As we returned, we passed Rogue Gorge Viewpoint.  It was a beautiful spot.  From the bridge, the view was beautiful.  This view shows a platform at the bottom of stairs that led up to a wonderful house nestled in the trees.  Man, what a great place to live!

Tomorrow we are going to Crater Lake.  I can hardly wait.