The kids and I checked one off the bucket list together. We began by making the steep hike down into "The Crater"! It's just before nine AM as we approached the dock in this image. The boat ride includes a 45 minute tour around the crater counterclock wise as a Ranger tells of the geology. Then we got deposited onto Wizard Island. We did make the hike up to the top and into it's crater before finding some shade near the rim and enjoyed the view and a bite to eat. Upon returning to the dock at the appointed time the tour picked up where it left off. The next 60 minutes back to "Cleetwood Cove" we got to experience "The Phantom ship" up close and personal, a few waterfalls from lake level, and of course more history of the peoples and geological features courtesy of the park Ranger. Then the steep incline to exit the crater, much to the kids dismay...LOL! It was a more strenuous hike then I usually do with them. It only took a little coaxing to reach the top, and they were most grateful for the experience. Best part of the trip for me... seeing the kids try to wrap their minds around being in the crater of a volcanic cinder cone, surrounded by water, while being in a larger volcanic crater......priceless! :~) To the kind souls that leave their mark whether a comment, rating, or save the image as a fav, you are very much appreciated, thank you!!! Thank you all that viewed my last image below.

" If at first you don't succeed..."