Winter is coming and my last chance of the year to make the trip around the rim of Crater Lake would come with the first significant snow. I left as early as my pillow would let me but missed sunrise regardless. Though there were beautiful colors in the sky as I drove, the deep lake was shrouded in fog. Coming in the entrance I did, I didn't know where I was as I've never been there. So when the wind started shifting the fog giving me my first view, I was blown away.  

There before me was Wizard Island, a once ancient cinder cone, engulfed in mist. It wasn't until my leg started cramping did I realize I had been crouched down for nearly an hour in amazement trying to take pictures. It was indeed a stunning experience to come to a place in complete mystery and watch it slowly reveal itself to you. 

After exploring a bit, I came around to the central visitor area and met this years artist in residence at Crater Lake, Alyssa Black. She was kind enough to stop and let me take a few photos before I continued around the rim of the crater.