Before getting to this weeks desktop, I wanted to remind you the updates are shifted a few days the next couple of weeks and be back on track by the end of this month. Enjoy!

Above is this weeks free desktop.  It has been some time since we've showcased a picture from this wonderful place, but this week we travel back for another peek at 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 at 1943 ft deep, for being the deepest lake in the US.  To a much lesser note but one I found interesting, Crater Lake has some of the heaviest snowfall in the US, averaging 533 inches a year (to save you from figuring, that's close to 44 ft. of snow yearly (: ). This marvel formed in the collapsed remains of Mount Mazama, a volcano which experienced a cataclysmic eruption about 7,700 years ago.  The photo this week was shot in September 2005 on the trail up to Garfield Peak, which just so happens be be an excellent vantage point for close, full viewing.  You are looking northwest back across Crater Lake.  Points of interest here, starting to the left, the first peak on the rim which is around three miles away is The Watchman.  If you look real close, you can just make out the fire lookout tower on its peak.  There is a 1.5 mile trail up to the tower and the view from the deck is great.  Moving right, the second more sharp peak is Hillman Peak. No trail to the top of this one.  The next feature of note is the "bump" in the water about two miles away, probably 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 Wizard Island and back on the rim, at close to four miles away is Liao Rock.  I really enjoy visiting Crater Lake and find it to be a truly beautiful, amazing place. For me, it's one of those places which just takes your breath away.  Without any doubt, 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