Before getting to this weeks desktop, there's a couple of things I wanted to remind you about.  First, I've really gotten off on the updates after returning from this years trip West, but I'm working on getting back on track and hope to be there soon.  Second, the previous weeks wallpaper is always still available by clicking the preview to the left found on this page.  Enjoy!

Above is this weeks free desktop.  This week we travel back for another peek at this wonderful place, Crater Lake National Park. For those not familiar with this park, Crater Lake is known for it's brilliantly blue water, awe inspiring views and for being the deepest lake in the US (at 1943 ft deep).  This marvel formed in the collapsed remains of Mount Mazama, a volcano which experienced a cataclysmic eruption about 7,700 years ago.  There are many excellent places to view Crater Lake from, Garfield Peak and The Watchman to name a couple, but the photo this week comes from the highest point in the park, the 8929 ft. Mount Scott which unlike most of the observation points in this park is not part of the rim of the lake, but is rather 2 miles off the rim allowing for a "setback" view of this wonder.  Shot in August 2006 on the trail about a 1/4 mile from its top and the fire lookout tower, this is looking west back across Crater Lake at sunset.  Points of interest here, starting to the far left, there is some fluffiness in the haze, this is smoke from a wildfire which had been burning for a while and was being allowed to just burn itself out.  Moving to the middle, to the left of the setting sun, the first peak on the rim which is around six miles away is The Watchman.  There is a 1.5 mile trail up to the fire tower on its top and the view from the deck is great. Moving right, the second peak is Hillman Peak.  No trail to the top of this one.  The next feature of note requires you look real close in front of the two peaks, you can just make out the "bump" in the water about five miles away which happens to be the most famous features here, Wizard Island.  Wizard Island is actually a new volcanic cone of this reforming, yet presently inactive volcano.  There is a boat which goes out to Wizard Island in the summer months and you can hike to the top of this 767 ft feature for another interesting perspective.  The last item of note here is just to the right of sun and back on the rim (basically the next hump), at close to six miles away is Liao Rock.  I really enjoy visiting Crater Lake, its one of those places you just have to see to truly understand beautiful of this amazing place.  For me and many others, it one of those places which just takes your breath away.  There is no doubt that this is a park well worth a visit. 

To set this photo as your desktop, click on the box with the correct size.  Right-click on the image and select the option to "save/set as desktop or wallpaper."  You're done!  If you wish to change the desktop image, simply right-click on your desktop, select Properties, and then select the tab labeled Backgrounds in your display control panel