Over the Moon

Our destination today was Craters of the Moon – which is a National Monument and preserve in Idaho.   It is unlike anything I have ever seen.   The pictures can’t really capture the interesting black/blue cones and lava formations  that make this place unique.   This area was formed during a series of huge volcanic eruptions – the most recent one only 2000 years ago.   The hot spot that is currently centered in Yellowstone was centered here at that time.  

The Lava flows also caused the formation of many small caves/lava tubes– some of which we got a chance to climb around in.   They aren’t your traditional caves with formations from dripping water, but have some similar formations from the heat of the lava flow causing melting and dripping from the roof of the caves.

I can honestly say that (even being from Kansas) I had never seen the wind blow like this in my life.   We heard there was a wind advisory for gusts up to 50 mph – all I know is that there were a few times walking where I had to work to keep from being knocked off my feet by a gust of wind.

Kevin - blowing in the wind

We were fortunate to be here in June – where certain wild flowers find a way (with very deep roots) to bloom in the cracks of the Lava.

Tonight we are staying at a nearby Airbnb that is on a large working ranch.   So far we’ve met the cows and horses.   We are really hoping the sky stays clear as we ought to be able to get a great look at the stars later on since we are pretty much in the middle of nowhere now!