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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.
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31 comments

uwschu said:

die hast du ja herrlich getroffen :-)
3 years ago ( translate )

Thorsten said:

I like the last PiP!
3 years ago

William Sutherland said:

Superb series! Stay well!

Admired in:
www.ipernity.com/group/tolerance
3 years ago ( translate )

José Manuel Polo said:

La postura del pato es muy común cuando buscan alimentos. El resto del documental con naturaleza interesante.
3 years ago ( translate )

Jenny McIntyre said:

Oh what a brilliant first picture - they do it so well, but it is funny nevertheless. The lake etc looks amazing - so beautiful - it's no wonder you and Steve had such a great time there. So much beauty around you, apart from the short time being bitten by gnats etc!!! It's so lovely to see you with the Squidgey gang - they have enjoyed the trip no doubt, as you have by having them with you.
3 years ago

Kawasirius said:

Beaux souvenirs de vacances !
Bon jeudi, Janet !
3 years ago ( translate )

neira-Dan said:

une superbe série
L'un des PIP montre le verre des volcans : L'obsidienne
3 years ago ( translate )

Karen's Place said:

LOL!

Looks like a wonderful time, Janet! :)
3 years ago

Marie-claire Gallet said:

LOL, I adore *******************************************
3 years ago

* ઇઉ * said:

A wonderful series with wonderful and partly funny details! :)
Take care and stay well!
3 years ago

tiabunna said:

I think it was high time for ipernity to feature a photo of a duck's bum, and you've taken it well, Janet. :-))) A great set of images to accompany it, those giant lumps of obsidian are remarkable.
3 years ago

Ulrich John said:

Very nice, Janet !
3 years ago ( translate )

niraK68 said:

All my ducklings
are swimming on the lake,
are swimming on the lake,
heads (plunge) into the water,
tails to the top.
lyricstranslate.com
our german child-song
3 years ago

Eva Lewitus said:

Great. I also had to think of the German children's song.
Keep safe and enjoy your trips!
3 years ago

Keith Burton said:

I just love that main image.................bottoms up!

A beautiful series of images from your hike! I'm really pleased to hear that your and Steve had such a great time! Long may your adventures continue.

I especially like the last PiP of your and your gang...........you look so happy!

How much obsidian did you take away with you for future photos and maybe a bit of tumbling and polishing?

Take care folks.
3 years ago