Before getting to this weeks desktop, there's a couple of things I wanted to remind you about.  First, expect the next update on the 19th, right on time.  I think I've got a handle on my other sites and can stay on track with the updates here.  (:   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 to a truly wonderful place to visit, Crater Lake National Park.  For those not familiar with Crater Lake, it is located in southern Oregon just north of Klamath Falls, and 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 remains of Mount Mazama, a volcano which experienced a cataclysmic collapse about 7,700 years ago.  There are many excellent places to view the six mile wide Crater Lake from as there is a park road which circles the rim.  For an elevated perspective, Garfield Peak and the highest point in the park, the 8929 ft. Mount Scott are a couple of great choices (Mount Scott is not part of the rim of the lake, but is rather a couple off miles off the rim allowing for an amazing "setback" view of this wonder).  This weeks shot comes from a third choice available here and it's located on the western rim of Crater Lake, The Watchman.  At 8013 ft tall, the view from this spot excellent which is probably why there a fire lookout station here.  In this August 2006 photo taken at the top looking east back across Crater Lake.  Points of interest here, starting with the subject that is taking up the better part of the picture and just happens to be one of the more famous features here, that is Wizard Island.  Wizard Island is actually a new volcanic cone of this reforming, yet presently inactive volcano.  You can take a boat which goes out to Wizard Island in the summer months and hike the trail to the top of this 767 ft feature for another interesting perspective.  To the right of Wizard and heading for the far rim, you can just make out the wake of one of the boats.  It's just about in front of Garfield Peak and on its way to the formation called Phantom Ship which unfortunately I can't point out as it's in a reflection/shadow and not visible.  If you turn your attention back to look over Wizard, past the far rim you can clearly see Mount Scott about 7.5 miles away.  The haze in the shot is smoke from a wildfire which had been burning for a while and was being allowed to just burn itself out.  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