Yes! we have Internet! Thanks to the antenna. Though we've noticed we get dropped every evening around 8 PM and service is very "iffy" before 10 AM in the morning.

Tuesday after a long (4 miles) drive from Lava Lake we settled in to the southern campground, the the same spot we've stayed in several times before. After hearing from fellow campers at Lava Lake about how busy this place is we were surprised, but timing is everything. We are learning, though it's not foolproof, that Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest are the best days to move to a new site if it's a popular area. It has been probably 15 years since we've stayed here, so it's interesting to come back after so long. Changes are minor, and mostly due to the growth of new trees that have come up after the massive bug kill that went through this forest in the '90's.

Hosmer Lake is unique, and it's hard to explain and convey the full picture, so this is where the map link is helpful. If the map comes up in street map mode mode, click on "satellite" at top right. Use the arrow button at the top left of the map to move the map so you can see the bottom portion of the lake and the volcanic cone that's just to the southeast edge. That's Red Crater. It's covered with trees so doesn't appear red in the photos.  The very thin stream connecting the south and north ponds is actually as wide as the light green you see, but only the dark water is navigable. The light green is all reeds. The north pond appears pale turquoise because it is very shallow and the bottom of the pond is light sand, so it's like looking into a swimming pool. There is a list along the left site that identifies each of the blue place markers on the map. Click any item in the list at it will expand the note connected to that place marker. A bit of trivia - Hosmer Lake was originally named Mud Lake because a large population of introduced carp stirred up the fine pumice and detritus bottom causing muddy water. In 1965, the name was changed to honor Paul Hosmer, a long-time resident of Bend and well-known amateur naturalist.

Wednesday, after waiting for the weather to warm up adequately, and checking our equipment, we loaded up the dog and headed out in the canoe. We haven't had the canoe in the water for so long we can't remember the last time. Molly must have been in it once, as the little canine life jacket was adjusted perfectly for her. As we paddled away from the dock she nestled down in the bottom of the boat and after catcing a few flies settled down and took a nap. So much for any worries about her being nervous.
We worked our way around the edges of the southern pool, then over to the east where the outlet is. On the way we saw several families of ducks and other water fowl, and two otters. Unfortunately the otters were too quick for the camera and we weren't able to capture them. The day was a mixed bag as far as weather goes. Huge puffy clouds, sometimes threateningly dark, came up and then drifted off. We thoroughly enjoyed the leisurely float, and we'll be back out tomorrow to visit the northern section of the lake.

Thursday - 37 degrees at 6 AM this morning when I got up, and the lake was covered in fog.
In the afternoon we worked our way up to the top of the lake, where Quinn Creek come in. Judging by my paddle, the water is only about 3 feed deep in this area, and so clear you can see every little weed and rock. The channel connecting the two parts of the lake is full of reeds and pond lilies, and fish! Atlantic salmon and trout, all sizes, in water so clear you swear you could just reach in and pick them up. We haven't seen very many fishermen, though. Whether it's the season, or the overabundance of canoes and kayaks crowding them out, there aren't as many people fishing as years past. And, as one we talked to said, "These fish are hard to catch. They're picky, and have seen everything offered to them over the years" The abundance of insects also means they aren't particularly hungry.

Afternoon entertainment consists of watching the wildlife. The chipmunks, golden mantle squirrels and jays couldn't get enough of the bird seed we put out. Their antics kept us entertained for quite awhile, and I'm afraid we took way to many photos of the little devils. Good thing we aren't paying for film!


People are starting to line up for the weekend, and asking when we'll be leaving! By about 3 in the afternoon most of the campsites had been occupied, and as dusk fell there was a layer of campfire smoke settling in over the lake.

If you'd like to see more photos of the lake follow this link to the album.