Central Oregon

The heat has finally died down a bit while the smoke from nearby fires has been intermittent. I took the alternate route by Crater Lake, though it was pretty obscured.

Now I know what you’re thinking: this is clearly the secret lair of some member of the League of Supervillains. Just look at the place, right?

But seriously folks, what self respecting super genius bent on world domination would build their hidden subterranean bunker on a volcanic island, surrounded by a dangerous lake accessible only by boat, inside another volcano, shrouded by smoke from forest fires set by “lightning strikes”? And I’m certain said villain would not be the least interested in the unlimited geothermal energy potentially powering the Atmospheric Heat Ray, nor controlling one of the deepest fresh water lakes during a time of unprecedented drought and high temperatures. Haha, that’s crazy talk! Plus the National Park Service steadfastly denies reports of sharks with laser beams patrolling Crater Lake. So I want you to all rest soundly knowing nothing unusual is going on here.

Fortunately I got a couple of clear mornings for some pictures, but will have to be getting off trail earlier at McKenzie Pass due to a newer fire by Big Lake. That makes the current Oregon closure close to 100 miles unless you’re willing to navigate miles of dirt roads close to active fires.

Today I’m zeroing at Shelter Cove Resort. I was able to put in a couple of 30+ mile days in the past week but felt pretty beat up afterwards, so probably not a sustainable pace.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to respond to an email by someone calling themselves “Gov Kate Brown” rambling about a secret identity and foiling my diabolical plans involving the great state of Oregon. No idea what she’s talking about.