On the road to Idaho we had to pull off and get a watercraft inspection, as we did coming into Wyoming. The west is desperately trying to keep zebra mussels from being introduced into their waters. This time they actually offered us a "hot wash" to ensure that nothing was living on the kayaks that could invade their waters. Serious stuff.
Our plan was to go to the Potato Museum, but it was closed. We were disappointed and will have to include it another time. Instead, we drove directly on to Craters of the Moon. Set up camp and slept peacefully accompanied by a gentle rain.
Started our morning at the Craters of the Moon National Monument Visitor Center, learning about the geology of volcanos and the area, before heading into the lava fields.
Beautiful lichen
While waiting at the base of the Inferno Cone for the thunderstorm to pass, this happened - yes, that is a tornado, no it did not touch down:
This is when the Connecticut State geology students noticed the tornado.
The storm finally passed and we climbed up this cinder cone - which is deceptive in its height because you reach the top you see and there is a whole other level to climb beyond. Damn, we are out of shape!
But once you got to the top ...
Flowers growing in the cinder fields.
The underside of lava tubes where the solidified lava melted with the heat
Pahoehoe (pa-hoy-hoy) - lava that cools and forms ropes as it continues to be pushed forward
Spatter cones.
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