We woke up about 7am to an incredibly red sun just coming up from the horizon. It stayed red for a long time. We suspect the unusual color is either from pollution or wildfire smoke. We have encountered visible and disturbing pollution in the 2 national parks we’ve visited this trip. But we’re not surprised because visible pollution has been evident in all our travels in the western US even in the wilderness.
After breakfast I ride my bike to Mushpot Cave; Howard stays with the dogs back at camp. It is an uphill ride and I am out of shape! I walk the last bit. Mushpot is the recommended introductory cave. It is lit and has interpretive signs showing cave formation, ecology and cave climate. It is 770ft deep. I’m the only one in the cave. I have to say that I wish I were not alone! It’s a little creepy and this cave is lit! I don’t think I am going to be comfortable alone in any of the other caves–they will be completely dark with only my flashlight to guide me.
The cave tour is less than 30 minutes and I have a fast bike ride downhill back to camp. Howard doesn’t seem any more enthusiastic about exploring dark caves than I do. I chat with a couple from Eugene, OR while I walk the dogs. They have just been to Crater Lake NP. I ask how far to the lake and it’s just 2.5 hours. So we decide to leave tomorrow morning for Crater Lake. On the way out of this park we can see 2 short caves with pictographs and stop at a petroglyph site on the edge of the park. Sounds like a great plan!
Howard just took off for his tour of Mushpot.
The dogs and I are ensconced in Diana. Even though it’s fairly hot outside, we have a nice breeze coming through the screened windows and doors. We’ve put up sun shades to limit the heat on the sun side of the vehicle–it’s amazing how comfortable it is. A few of those bad flies sneak through a couple of places where the screen velcro is loose but I have my trusty fly-swatter handy!
We’re having sausages for dinner. I think I’ll make potato salad and we’ll sautéed up some onions and bell peppers. That sounds good!