Onward

I had a lovely drive from La Grande to Craters of the Moon on Sunday.    I stopped in Boise for a visit with someone I'd not seen in 15 years!!!   It was a wonderful visit Mary Ann!  Thanks for lunch.

I arrived at Craters of the Moon at about 5pm, and found a lovely spot in the Campground.   With my Senior Access Pass, it cost me a total of $15. to enter the park and spend 2 nights at the campground. Can you find Waddles in the next photo?

I took a short hike around an interpretive trail and then settled in for the night.   There was a fair amount of interest in Waddles.

Monday I had the day to explore the park.  I hiked a number of different trails.   First was up a volcanic cone for a 360 degree view.  Short but steep hike and worth every bit of effort.

It was quite the moon-scape!

Then I hiked the Tree Molds trail.  The Tree Molds were underwhelming, but the hike was lovely, with vistas of snow-capped mountains, and lots of wildflowers and birds.

Next was a short interpretive hike called Devil's Garden...

Last was a 4 mile hike, out and back, around North Crater.  This one took me up and down across lava flows and up high to look into craters.    It wore me out but was spectacular.  Here is a snippet of the hike for you.

Then I spent the afternoon resting and bird watching in the campground.  Lots of Rock Wrens! I got a bit sunburned, and enjoyed every minute.   The other campers were friendly, interesting and quiet!   I was a bit sorry to leave this morning.This was my view as the sun was setting last night...

 

Today I started out heading for Victor Idaho to visit another friend, but I may divert up to Yellowstone and back down the east side of the Tetons, and then go back to Victor at the end if the week when my friend doesn't have to be at work.   I'll let you know what I REALLY end up doing.

The weather has been perfect, Waddles has been perfect, so far I still love her!  I had to give a tour of her just now while getting gas!