Hello Everyone.

I woke up to a winter wonderland today and it was beautiful. Just enough snow to cover everything with about an inch or so but still warm enough to be melting and dripping from the roof top at the same time.

I did go out on my morning run and enjoyed the cool air as it kissed my face. I looked down on the town below and gave thanks that I could view and be a part of such beauty. I actually was hoping it would snow while I was running but the best I got was a gentle mist. It was refreshing and good enough for me.

I am currently inside making a list of things I need to do and wishing I could be out enjoying things like the picture of "Little Crater Lake" above or hanging out beneath the shadow of Mt. Hood pictured below. I think of how fun and cozy it would be to stand by a warm fire with a cup of hot cocoa or be snuggled in my sleeping bag inside a tent with family or friends. Some may say I'm crazy but the memories I have of such occasions bring warmth to my soul.

Let me tell you about Little Crater Lake. After the Mt Hood 100 mile run we went about 6 miles down the road to this lake to catch some views and some zz's. I wasn't really tired and didn't want to hang out and watch Francie sleep, so I decided to walk the 250 yards to the lake. Well I was expecting to see a large lake with shorelines and the works. As I walked through a wooded area and came into a clearing I could see what I would describe as a puddle. Ok, it was bigger than a puddle, more like a pond. I looked all around me to see if I could find the lake. Well, the bright blue, crystle clear, pristine pond in front of me was indeed the lake I had walked those 250 yards for. I actually laughed out loud and then decided to check it out. It took me all of a couple of minutes to do this. I was in awe of how beautiful the color was and that it was so clear I could see the bottom and the trees that called that bottom home. I took a few pictures so I could remember this beautiful lake. I actually threw a few stones into it to watch them sink and to my surprise they actually flitted and floated to the bottom landing with a little poof of silt. It was fun to watch.

On my way back to the car I met a fellow who had just moved to the area from back east who told me the lake was created by a spring that eroded the ground, eventually causing it to sink. The lake is about 45 feet deep and amazingly clear so as to see every detail from the leaves floating on the top to the twigs that lay on the bottom. Quite as site. I am happy I chose to walk those 250 yards and experience this little piece of heaven.

The photo below was taken in the early morning hours on the shoreline of Lake Timothy. The air was cool and calm creating a mirror on the water that reflected all the beauty around me, including Mt. Hood which can be seen in the background.

As I look out the window and see the snow I long to return to such beautiful and places. However, even with the memories in mind, I look forward to the beauty that winter brings such places and the different kinds of fun that can be had.

So with that in mind I am going to go make a nice hot cup of cocoa and may even put whipped cream on top, snuggle up with my "to do" list and add to it to check out www.SleepingBagStation.com so I will be prepared for all kinds of temperatures and my sleeping needs.

Until next time,
Stay warm with www.SleepingBagStation.com,
Jen