Day 17 & 18 - Craters of the Moon National Monument

Lava Flow campground within the Craters of the Moon Monument. This was dry camping - meaning no utilities to connect to, but it was quiet and more like real camping. There were Ranger talks and hikes within the park that we participated in, including a hike and trek within Buffalo cave.

Poipoi lava flow - Estimated to be approximately 2200 years old.

AhA lava flow, also known as "broken top" - This area is
similar to what we saw in Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii
a few years ago. It is the only area in the continental US that
has this type of visible lava surface.

One of the entrances to Buffalo Cave

Beginning our exploration of the cave

Inside the cave - No lights - no paved pathways
only the cave as it was for thousands of years.

Park Ranger giving us the story behind the cave and telling us
where to explore and to be careful not to bang our heads on the
sharp ceiling above as we wander around the cave.

Exiting the cave - it was a tight squeeze!

Pine cone from a "Limber Pine" - Notice the clear sap
dripping from the cone. Inside the cones is an edible nut
which the native Indians used for food.

Surface lava field - The entire area is known as "The Great Rift"

It was difficult to walk on this stuff

View from the top of one of the hills - looking down at our campsite

Hiking to the top of one of the largest cinder mountains in the park

Keep going

Not there yet!!

Ah - made it to the top.

Looking down from the top. Donna is standing in the middle of the picture.
She also made it to the top - Good Job!

Looking into one of the ice caves - That white stuff in
the middle of the picture is snow. The outside temperature
was 85 degrees at the time.

Josie and I having a glass of wine during Happy Hour!!!