More on the Camping Trip ...

I mentioned to Tasha that Crater Lake is a bit like Yosemite in that you're so much in awe that you keep snapping the shutter (or, on many occasions, someone else does)!
The climb to the top of Mt. Scott was interesting in that there is an operational Forest Service fire lookout on the peak; however, it is closed to the public even though a ranger was on duty inside while we were there.

A side-benefit of the trip was the chance to see a couple of beautiful So. Oregon waterfalls on the road from Roseburg to Diamond Lake. We hiked a short distance to see Susan Creek Falls on the drive to Diamond Lake and also had hoped to see Toketee Falls which, according to the pictures, is much more impressive. However, when we stopped at a Ranger Station to inquire, we were told that severe storms and mudslides had completely wiped-out the trail and made the approach to Toketee Falls virtually impossible. However, on the way home on Sunday we were impressed with Watson Falls (right) --apparently little-visited. - rw

Tasha and Dad go camping!

On Thursday, August 20th Tasha and I drove south for several hours and set-up camp for three nights at the Thielsen View Campground at Diamond Lake. This particular campground is on the west side of the lake and has fewer tent sites than two huge campgrounds on the other side. And, since Diamond Lake is only about a half hour drive from Crater Lake, we spent our first full day at Crater Lake, hiking to the top of Mt. Scott, highest point in the NP (5 miles rt, about 3 hours), and taking the 3:00 p.m. boat tour of the lake. Of course, Tasha had to stage her simulated jump into Crater Lake from the rim hundreds of feet above.

It was a gorgeous August day at Crater Lake, and we thoroughly enjoyed the cloudless sky, warm sun and spectacular views. Tasha was determined to swim in the cold lake water, so after our boat trip, in spite of the encroaching shadows, she took the plunge.

One of the highlights of the boat trip is the opportunity to get up close both to Wizard Island and to the so-called "Phantom Ship." In addition, the ranger giving the narration pointed-out the fascinating volcanic formation that looks almost like an ancient castle.


Our campsite at Diamond Lake didn't actually have much of a view; however, a short walk to the lakeside affords a very impressive view of Mt. Thielsen. On our second full day Tasha was determined to climb Mt. Bailey which rose over 3500 ft. above our campground. Since it was a 10-mile roundtrip, yours truly opted to go half-way and content myself with a great view of Diamond Lake from up above. Tasha made it all the way to the peak but was pretty tired when she got back to the trailhead shortly before 4:00 p.m.
Camp food turned out quite well, and on the last morning I contented myself with a humble breakfast of coffee, cocoa, orange juice, 3 slices of bacon, 2 eggs over-easy, and two pancakes (the latter consumed when Tasha got up some time later!). Anyway, it was a great trip. - rw

The Oregon Coast in August

Tasha and I had a delightful 3 nights down at the Sandwood beach place in Manzanita, Aug. 9-12. When we first arrived on Sunday afternoon it was one of those classic picture-perfect days on the Oregon Coast -- with bright sun, blue sky, little or no wind, and gorgeous cirrus clouds like giant horsetails in the sky. Taking advantage of the moment -- since showers were forecast for the next few days
-- we built a fire on the beach, cooked hot dogs and s'mores and simply soaked-in the scenery.

Off-and-on drizzle and showers did materialize the very next day, but both of of us had books to read and we thoroughly enjoyed the change of pace in one of our very favorite locations! - rw

Uninvited Visitor

On August 6 I returned from work to discover that our condo had been broken into while I was at work. All jewelry that I had that was of any value was taken. Whoever came into the condo first tried to break the front door locks and then succeeded in breaking the locks on the door by our kitchen by banging them in. So I got to experience filling out a police report, etc. Neighbors who are in our Wednesday Bible Study came over and were very supportive and also the head of security at ISKL came to my condo and he was a huge help in dealing with the police.

I think what bothers me most is that whoever was in our place opened every drawer and snooped around. They only took what could be put into a pocket as they had the opportunity to take my digital camera, VCR, CD player, etc. but didn't take those items.

I'm thankful that no one was home when it happened as last May another teacher was home when her condo was broken into and she was badly injured. - Nancy

Front door attempt:


Kitchen Door Success:

Goodbye - Hello

Mark, Marta, Daniel, Eli and Micah headed back to Maryland the day before I headed back to KL. But upon arrival in KL I got to see Doug, Tracy, Reeve, Gabi and Rania. What a privilege to be flying to KL and see your family at the Tokyo airport on the way. - Nancy

Hoping for Warmer Weather

Daniel was reading the Oregonian to see if it would be warmer when we got back to Keizer. It was so we had lots of fun swimming, bike riding, picking blueberries and going to a Volcanoes baseball game. - Nancy

Visit to Heceta Head Lighthouse

We spent an afternoon visiting Heceta Head Lighthouse and and the Seal Lion Cave. - Nancy



















Auntie Tasha and her nephews posed for a silly picture.

Beach Time

Beach time meant jumping, running and seeing starfish at a ranger talk. - Nancy

Camping on the Oregon Coast

We had a wonderful camping trip to the Oregon Coast. The weather was overcast the entire three days we were there but we all enjoyed the time together. - Nancy



Daniel and Eli enjoyed having their own tent.



Micah shared with his parents.




We enjoyed time around the campfire and also some smores.

Four Generations Together

One of the joys of family time was having four generations together. - Nancy

Daniel Levi gets a picture with his namesake, his great-grandfather, Levi Willits

Real Anniversary Dinner

After Mark, Marta, and Tasha returned from their backpack trip we all went out for a lovely anniversary dinner with adults only. Mark and Marta celebrated their 10th anniversary and it was our 40th. - Nancy