Craters of the Moon

We were suppose to go to Kingston's in Mendon to help put in their yard for Memorial Day weekend, but they called and canceled on Thursday night. We didn't have any other plans, but we also didn't want to do just nothing so we decided to find the closes and cheapest place to go. The decision was Craters of the Moon National Monument. It's about an 1 1/2 from here, but we've never been there. It's an area full of lava rocks, caves, and tunnels all formed thousands of years ago by volcanoes. It looks like somewhere not on earth because of the lava rock and desolate land. In a strange way it's very pretty.

Craters of the Moon

We arrived around 11:30 and had a quick picnic for lunch, checked out the visitors center, and then headed to view the park. We started out on a short half mile walk to see some of the lava rocks. The kids had a lot of fun running down the path and asking any questions they could come up with.

Ben being silly on the lava walk.

Gracie and Hannah on the short Lava walk.

Our next stop was the Inferno Cone. This cone is a 1/2 mile hike to the top of a mountain looking cone where you can look out across the valley of volcanic rocks. I must say how pleased I was with myself for making it all the way to the top. I was a little slow, but I did make the hike and it was well worth it. The view was beautiful and it was fun to watch the kids play on the rocks and stuff at the top. Luckily the weather was perfect for a day at the park. It was not to hot and not to cold, there was a little wind, but it was the perfect amount to keep things cool. I don't know how successful all the hiking would have been for me had the weather been hotter or the wind not been there.

The bottom of the Inferno Cone.

This picture is deceptive because that's only about half the hike.

Sarah showing off her shiny rock on the climb up the cone.

Gracie hiking up the cone and asking us to 'come here.'

The kids on top of the Inferno Cone.

The top of the cone had some fun rocks for the kids to play on and a cool tree. We played around, took pictures, got dirty and just enjoyed the view of nothingness. It was really cool, but we decided that if we wanted to see anything else we should probably head down. The walk down was a lot faster and easier than the walk up which was nice. When we got down we had a quick drink and headed to the next stop.

While we were enjoying the shade of the tree on top of the cone I noticed Gracie was enjoying the lava rock. Who knew it would be so dirty.

Hannah at the top of the Inferno Cone.

The kids headed back down the cone.

I love the snow covered mountains in the background, they add such contrast.

We stopped quickly at the Snow cones, ones we didn't have to hike to, and took the short strolls to see the two cones. The kids really liked looking at the snow inside the cones. I guess there name was fitting. We thought of making the hike to another cone, but when we found out it wasn't paved and we couldn't take the wagon, we changed our mind. Instead we got back in the car and headed to the tunnel and caves.

Ben and Sarah at the Snow Cones.

Kenny went to the van to look for my pregnancy belt to help me on the hikes. While he was gone the kids and I went on to the other cone. Ben insisted on pulling the wagon for me and when it got to steep he recruited help from Sarah. I have such great, wonderful kids.

Kenny and I were excited to check out the caves, but when we got there we discovered that they were not the most kid friendly or pregnant Mommy friendly. We decided to just head over to the tunnel. The Indian Tunnel was a much better match for our little kids and pregnant Mommy because it was more open, easier to climb around in, not as dark, and less intimidating for the kids. At first the kids were scared when it got a little dark, but we gave them their flashlights and they were much better. They loved walking around in the semi-dark with their very own flashlight.

The kids in the darkest part of the tunnel.

Getting ready to climb out of the darkness of the tunnel.

We came out of the tunnel just in time to catch the rain. When you emerge from the tunnel you have to walk along the lava rock, following sticks put in the rocks, to guide you back to the entrance to the tunnel. We went as fast as we could back to the entrance and climbed back into the tunnel to get out of the rain. We sat down in the tunnel, cold and wet, for a few minutes waiting for the rain to stop. After a few minutes Kenny went back up to check the status of the rain. He determined that it was likely to only going get worse so we decided to head back up and make a run for the car. Kenny took the kids, carrying Gracie and pulling Ben and Hannah in the wagon while Sarah ran ahead, and I followed as quickly as I could. When I got to the car the kids were already inside and Kenny was putting the wagon away. I'm so glad he's such a good dad willing to help out so much.

The family running back to the entrance of the tunnel to get out of the rain.

We were so impressed with Hannah. She was such a great hiker and was often ahead by herself. She was the most enjoyable to watch and I think she enjoyed the day the most.

After the tunnel, due to the rainy weather and later hour, we decided to head home. It was a perfect day with the family. It was so nice to be close enough to go for a few hours and still make it home in time to get the kids in bed almost on time. We decided we need to be doing more stuff like this. We need to be getting the kids out more, seeing more of nature, and just spending time with our kids. I love that they enjoy being outside and are so curious about everything. It's such a joy to watch your kids grow and learn. We want our kids to be raised to appreciate nature, to understand nature, and to enjoy nature. I think this was a great start.