And now we are up to date.

After Lassen we headed to Lava Beds National Monument where we got to hike down into some caves to see some very old pictographs.  That night we went to the ranger program at the campground about stars and we all got to see Saturn through a telescope.  The next morning we went and saw “Captain Jack’s Stronghold” and hiked all around where the Modoc Tribe hid out and fought for 5 months against General Canby and his army.  This was for all of us completing fascinating.  There was a little pamphlet that you could read at certain markers along the way that helped visualize what really went on, Ashlin was so into it!   Upon leaving we headed up to Crater Lake where Derek was very concerned we would not find a camping spot.  When we get there we discover that due to 10 foot snowdrifts only 30 sites were open and out of those only 10 were “zoned” for tents and out of those about 3 had enough room to put our tent because of all the snow.  Once we got our spot we went to the visitors center to see if any hikes were open and only one was, except , the ranger says, you can hike up to the watchtower but you have to blaze your own trail and it is all snow and all up hill.  Sounded like a fun challenge to us.  So, we pulled off the side of the road and as Ashlin adorably put it “geared up” and 50 minutes later we were gazing out at the most beautiful site I may have ever seen.  We only saw 4 other people while we were up there which is a treat because in the warmer months (as if July is not warm) there is no snow and hence the top becomes very crowded.  Now the hike down we laughed more than we have this whole trip.  Because of the snow it took us only 10 minutes to get down.  We skied with our boots and fell on our butts and it was SO much fun.  We returned to our campsite with every known mosquito to Oregon and quickly retired to our tent.  Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that after not showering for 7 days we were overjoyed to see that there was a shower and when I got in, cold water, not even kidding.  I went in for another cold one in the morning though, it just felt too good to be clean J.  So yesterday (the 4^th) we drove to the coast!  We got to our campsite at the beach, got out to pay, and yep it happened, locked the keys in the car.  Luckily AAA was here in 15 minutes and we were off to the beach to watch the fireworks.  Growing up watching fireworks on the beach in Maine this made me very nostalgic and happy.  Currently Derek is making our first “big” breakfast of the year, pancakes and bacon. Yummy!!!  We will post again soon as I know that between our two posts it probably will take you days to read.  <3 Peace