From Crater Lake back to the Coast

Today we head back to the Coast for a couple of days, then we fly from Portland to Arizona.

Here's my sunrise photo this morning from Crater Lake ... I think it says it all.

We decided to get on the road, as the forecast was only for more snow, so we checked out at 8AM and headed down the mountain.

Loading the car - good thing we have an AWD SUV.

It snowed all the way down Hwy 62 from Crater Lake, but we took it slow and steady with no problem.

Passing by the Ranger Station at the Park Entrance - quite a difference from the bright and sunny entrance 4 days before.

Snow turned to light rain as we dropped in elevation - miles of beautiful forests.

Passing through Gold Hill, one of many picturesque small towns on the trip.

Weather began to clear as we entered Interstate 5, patches of fog on the hills.

Cattle Country ... and STILL GREEN!!!!

A familiar site ... we were back on the 101 HWY, going North, past Heceta Head Lighthouse.

Whoa ... a surprise at the Lighthouse turn out.  A bunch of sea lions basking in the sun.

Time to pull out the telephoto lens ... didn't bother these guys, they slept the afternoon away.

A young seal cavorting in the waves

A bunch of loud ones

One of several concrete bridges along the Coast Hwy

Hard to believe it was snowing when we left Crater Lake.

Where's Bullwinkle?  (Oh yeah, he's a moose)

Passing through Waldpole ... celebrating their centennial this year.

A steel bridge (boo) as we go through Newport.

Whew ... almost 7 hours later and we arrived at our home for the next two nights.  Will share photos of this beautiful spot in tomorrow's update.