Events of Wednesday, July 14, 2010

After leaving our campground at 8, we drove for half an hour before our first excursion. Mom pointed out some steam coming up from the ground. Curious, we ventured out. We found out that the steam came from the Sunbeam Hot Springs, which originated higher on the riverbed and heated the water in the creek that flowed down to the Salmon River. Lava under the ground heats the water. Although it smelled like rotten eggs (from the sulfur), the warmth was enjoyable. Abby, Lindsey, Caitlin, and Mom waded through the hot tubs. I (Ben) found a crack that radiated heat into the water. It was very cool to see the origin of the heat. Hot Springs will be worth adding to our itinerary because of this experience.

We then continued on toward Craters of the Moon National Monument. As we entered the monument, there was an instant change in scenery from shrubs and waste to black lava beds. We first went to the Visitors Center, where we found out about the 7 mile scenic drive. We first explored the North Flow, and then went to the Spatter Cones. It was very interesting to see the inside of a once active volcano. Next, we went to see tree molds, where lava flows had swept around trees—living and dead. Where it had covered fallen trees, we could see the shape of the bark in the lava. As the final stop on the loop, we went onto a caves trail armed with flashlights. The first cave, Dewdrop Cave, looked small. However, once inside the cavern, it turned into a 40 foot wide room. It was very fun to explore with our flashlights. We needed these lights even more in the Boy Scout Cave. After a 4 ft. tall entrance, the cave widened to a vast expanse of rocks. The temperature rapidly plummeted from 85° to around 50°. On the way to the end of the cave, we saw ice, water, and “lavacicles”, where bits of lava dripped before cooling. At the end of the cave, we all turned our flashlights off. It was pitch black. After that strenuous activity, we were exhausted. We travelled to Hagerman, where we found a nice RV park to spend the night.