Upended Duckie at Paulina Lake (+8 insets)

(+8 insets!)

Steve and I spent a long, full week at LaPine State Park and it was just awesome! The only thing that could have improved our stay was a few more days there! The forest, the river, the trails, the proximity to endless natural beauty…we had such a super time!

One day we went to Paulina Lake, which nestles within the 54,000 acres of Newberry Volcanic National Monument. The lake itself, along with its close neighbor, East Lake, are in the caldera of Newberry Volcano, an active volcanic area that formed about 600,000 years ago.

We spent a lovely day hiking the perimeter of the lake, accompanied by Pumpkin, who enjoyed the beautiful lake as much as wee did. The trail meandered near the shore most of the way but also ventured into the conifer forest, climbing up at times to afford high glimpses over the lake.

The most remarkable sight was the obsidian that covered the ground in some areas, littering the trail with gleaming shards of volcanic glass. There were hillsides of obsidian boulders and rocks that created an incredible sight, and Steve and I marveled at the sight of so much obsidian in one place.

The walk was almost perfect the whole way. The temperature was warm and sunny without being hot. The only part that wasn't great was a stretch about half a mile long where we encountered clouds of gnats. They were completely out of control! They were in swarms so thick that you could hear them buzzing in your ears and it was necessary to flap a hand in front of my face to see the way. Bugs drive Steve crazy, so he was a very unhappy camper, worried they would be an issue for the entire hike. I told him they would probably abate once we got away from the algae-covered lake edge where they were breeding. Thankfully my guess was right and the rest of the hike was bug-free and fabulous!

Today's Pictures
Yes, I know…my main picture probably ought to have been a view of the lake. However, I just couldn't resist the image I got of an upended duck as it was rummaging for vegetation below! Really, can you blame me?! :D (By the way, Dduring our hike, I managed to get enough nice pictures that I'll be posting two sets to share our adventure, so here's set 1!)

Insets Include…
…a lovely view of Paulina Lake complete with a beautiful mountain in the background
…a pair of Lodgepole Pines leaning out over the water and the trail meandering past
…a lichen-covered tree stump at the edge of the water
…a fishing boat buzzing by after a hopefully successful morning
…one of the gleaming obsidian boulders next to the trail, irresistible to touch and admire
…gleaming chunks of obsidian on the ground to stare at
…one of the hillsides covered with obsidian rocks which tumbled down to the trail and invited us to explore its amazing bounty
…The Squidgy Gang (Bun, George and Stormy) at Deschute River, LaPine State Park, 2020! :D

I hope everyone is having a safe and pleasant week! Thank you so much for your visits and comments, I appreciate all of you!

Explored on 8/20/20; highest placement #12.