Small Ships

Located in southwest Oregon, Crater Lake National Park is an extraordinary mixture of serene natural beauty, unspoiled alpine grandeur, and authentic National Park charm all with an intense volcanic history.  It is a place of deep fascination for visitors and scientists alike. 

Crater Lake is best known for its intense blue color and pristine water.  This stunning lake was formed when the volcano Mount Mazama collapsed after an enormous eruption.  This collapse formed a deep caldera, which over time has filled with rainwater and snowfall.  There are no rivers or streams that flow in or out of the lake, making its waters some of the purest in the world.  Because of its location just 100 miles from the Pacific coast and in the heart of the towering Cascade Range, Crater Lake receives a huge amount of snowfall.    This not only keeps the lake replenished but it has made Crater Lake the deepest lake in United States.

During the short summer season, recreational activities are endless in this mountain paradise.  Spend an afternoon biking the 33 miles around the rim of the lake, taking it in from every angle.  Hike through the diverse old growth forests or across meadows filled wildflowers.  Climb to the highest point in the park on Mount Scott for breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding peaks.  While you are marveling at the extreme natural beauty of the lake keep an eye out for the Old Man of the Lake, a log that has been bobbing around in the pristine waters for over 115 years!  You will also see the Phantom Ship which is a small, jagged island visible from several locations around the rim.  This island acquired its eerie name because during foggy or stormy weather it looks like ghostly ship out on the water. 

In addition to the National Park, southern Oregon has so much to offer the active traveler.  With miles of rugged coastline, beautiful beaches, unspoiled rivers, lush forests and endless trails there is no shortage of adventure here. River and nature lovers alike will enjoy a day of whitewater rafting the gorgeous Rouge River which flows out of the Cascades to the Pacific Ocean.  Just two hours from Crater Lake you will find the hip town of Ashland, Oregon. Most famous for its amazing Shakespeare Festival, Ashland has plenty of culture, nightlife and dining options to satisfy your vacation desires.  The Shakespeare Festival runs an impressive eight months and preforms over 750 shows and allows visitors to experience classical Shakespeare as well as other amazing performances.  2013 offerings include The Taming of The Shrew, King Lear, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a Streetcar Named Desire, My Fair Lady and many more. 

Whether it is the allure and curiosity of Crater Lake National Park or just an overall need for adventure and the outdoors, southern Oregon will satisfy your every desire.  It is worth a visit!

Austin-Lehman will be offering the ultimate adventure to Crater Lake in 2013.

You friendly traveler,

Melissa 

A rare east wind kicked up over night, squashing our sunrise balloon ride over the dunes.  (good excuse to come back). Sunrise over the dunes from camp is a spectacular site.   The wind stirring the rich golden grasses and the "red" sands make a contrast too good not to shoot and shoot. Why coffee, bacon and eggs taste so much better out here I have no idea, trust it does.

After breakfast we have to say our first good byes of our adventure.  Its tough, the camp staff seem like old friends after just too days. We load up and head to the airstrip for a 90 minute flight in a small Cessna to Swakopmund along the skeleton coast. Flying just 1500 over the dunes really puts it in perspective how vast they really are.  Then north along the coast past ship wrecks and huge seal colonies. We arrive in the German Colonial town now called Swakopmund in time for a fresh seafood lunch out on the pier.  The contrast of cool coastal breeze over the dry desert is a pleasant one. Lazy afternoon of checking out the town, beaches and shops, before we crank back up the adventure tomorrow.  Tune in a few days and catch up on our Namibian Safari and Adventure.

Keep checking back, there is plenty more to come from my Namibian safari!

Dan Austin

Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska’s inside passage is not only one of our most beautiful national parks, but also spans 3.3 million of the 25 million acre World Heritage Site found in Alaska!  One of the most amazing aspects of the bay is that it did not exist back in 1794 when Capt. George Vancouver sailed the Alaskan Coast line.  Since then, the glacier has receded approximately 65 miles to reveal the earth that now sustains bears, moose, wolves, a multitude of birds, and several other species of land based animals and plants.

Here you will find not only towering glaciers, snow-capped mountains, forests, fjords, watery wilderness, and wildlife, but a serene peace found in only the remotest of destinations.  I have not yet traversed Glacier Bay National Park, but will in just a few short weeks when I set out on a small cruise ship sailing from Juneau to Sitka. 

My life’s dream has been to see whales in the wild (sorry SeaWorld, Shamu doesn’t quite count), and mid-July seems to be the perfect time to see both Humpback and Orca whales!  I have attempted to go whale watching before but it has never quite work out; The weather turned bad, the Seattle trip fell through… any number of reasons, but this year is MY year!  If we keep our collective fingers crossed I am sure that the whales are going to materialize!

If you are at all interested in calving glaciers, subtropical rainforests, or majestic animals in their natural habitat, than consider Glacier Bay National Park for your next adventure.  Whether you are looking for a solo trip,  adventure vacations for couples, or family adventure vacations, Glacier Bay has the variety to satiate even the most adventurous demeanors.  

Your Friendly Travel Expert,

Mindy Vanderhoof