The East Entrance
Mother Nature, or more specifically the Winema National Forest, is reclaiming the old east entrance to Crater Lake National Park. One afternoon we went to visit the Pinnacles and when we parked at the end of the road we noticed that it appeared that the road used to continue east out of the park but was now blocked by boulders and trees were growing in what once was an entrance. After spending some time at the Pinnacles we followed a trail east thinking we might see more pinnacles further down the canyon.
Instead we found the old east entrance to the park. I, of course, had to get my tripod and take this photo. The monument itself is in good shape, interestingly enough, the sign was freshly painted but the log arm holding the sign appears to have finally deteriorated to the point it broke over winter. You can see boulders at this end blocking the old road and trees and grass are now growing where the road once was. I wanted to capture the image and the feeling I had while standing there. I felt like I was in an old text adventure game – you know …
You are standing at the end of a road before a small brick building. Around you is a forest. A small stream flows out of the building and down a gully.
-Opening to Adventure (aka Colossal Cave)
Nikon Infrared D200, Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8, 38mm, f/9.0, ISO 100, 1/40 sec
While I was standing there I felt the mystery and I think this photo captures what I felt. Where does the road go? Why is the sign freshly painted, but broken? Who put the boulders here to block the road? When was it closed? Who entered Crater Lake though the east entrance and what kind of automobiles did they drive?
I wonder why they would paint the sign and not fix it. Your tax dollars at work I guess. I remember ADVENT – great game for its time. i like your photo too.