Prineville Reservoir

The reservoir.

Kona is a real babe.

Fun 20 minute exposure. The Milky Way looks like plumes of smoke and there are mysterious green streaks. 

Joined the guys for a camping trip at Prineville Reservoir. Free camping and they allow fires, fishing and swimming. As far as I know, the East coast is way more strict about reservoirs compared to this.

Prineville Reservoir: 5 out of 5 stars

THE FREEDOM RIDE

This is a fraction of the people in the ride. Car drivers were not happy.

Some people had some pretty awesome modes of transportation. 

Nice Americans offering refreshing blasts of water.

Do a flip.

Heads up, shooting fireworks off of your roof will guarantee that your neighbors call the police.

Nice view of the town fireworks from the roof.

 Turns out I'm very satisfied with spending my 4th of July in Bend, Oregon. During my initial "research" of local breweries, I met some really cool locals that took me under their wings and showed me around town. They're even letting me crash at their place for as long as I want. So naturally I had to join them for the annual Freedom Ride, an informal gathering of bikers in the park. Once the park fills up and overflows with already drunk and very proud Americans, the crowd of thousands then rides through town, causing a ruckus for miles until they get to another park where the drinking continues. Honestly, every town in this country should have a freedom ride. It was an absolute blast and if you could pace yourself properly, sufficient entertainment could be derived just from watching drunk people make really bad decisions. The night concluded with lighting fireworks off the roof and talking to some nice cops.

Crater Lake, Mon Dieu!

Some girls offered to take a photo for me. Here it is.

If you squint, you can see me on the left. Rolled my ankle trying to climb up there, so you better appreciate this photo!

I don't make it rain, I make it snow.
Took a while to time this one properly. Lots of judgy faces from confused people.

Watching the sunset and thinking long and hard about the origin of Pringles.

The lake at dusk.  

Rise and shine Crater Lake. The lack of wind made the lake mirror-like.

Decided to head north to Bend for the 4th of July. Realized last minute that Crater Lake was on the way there. I've been wanting to visit this splendid feat of geo-activity for years. The views did not disappoint! Unfortunately the East Rim Road was closed, so a lot of the hikes I wanted to do were not easily accessible.

I arrived at 5:15 and the headquarters, which gave out backcountry camping permits, was closed. Similar to Redwoods I just found a pullout and camped in my car. Unfortunately this time, a park ranger woke me up nice and early to tell me I was breaking the rules. Fortunately no ticket was issued, but it put a real damper on the mood for the rest of the day. After reflecting by the lake one last time, I boot scootin' boogied my way to Bend. First impressions: this town is wonderful!

Redwoods Part Deux: Emerald Creek Camping

The Banana Slug. I vital part of the Redwood ecosystem.

Came so scarily close to stepping right on this guy. Pretty sure it's a Western Diamondback. No thanks.

The Dolason Barn in Dolason Prairie. A nice opening to see the redwoods from a different perspective. And zero people.

Dispersed backcountry camping along Emerald Creek, complete with the ability to collect up to 50 pounds of dead wood.

Silhouettes of the imposing giants in all directions.

Midnight Milkyway.

The West Coast basically puts the East Coast to shame when it comes to vistas.

If you're looking for solitude in the Redwood National Park, then backcountry camping along the Emerald Creek is a safe bet. Had a great time hiking around, swimming, exploring and burning wood (legally!!).

I then was forced to go into Crescent City to have my car repaired. $350 later and I've got a new water pump and serpentine belt. Against all logic to just buy a new car, I'm determined to squeeze every last mile out of my old faithful friend.

Redwoods Part 1: The Tallest Trees On Earth

Lots of great spots to sleep.

My neck was sore after this hike...

The fog was starting to roll in.

Big tree. Human for perspective.

Eerie hike at dusk.

Been looking forward to visiting the Redwood National Park for years and I've finally made it. What a magical place! The sheer size of these trees fills you with so many thoughts and emotions. I arrived too late to request a backcountry camping permit, so I ended up hiking the Lady Bird Grove Trail and then sleeping in my car. This place has already been worth the trip!