Volcanoes

 

Volcanoes are an amazing nature wonder which always kept the human race in awe. From the island nations who believe that volcanoes are Gods to old mythology who believed that they were windows to the underworld or hell. The raw power of destruction after the volcano erupts does look like some kind of horrible punishment for the human race but in the aftermath something new is always created whether it be lava tubes, craters, new lakes, or islands. Some of the most popular tourist destinations today exist because there was once a volcano in the middle of the ocean. So one can argue that without all the terror that comes from volcano eruption a lot of beauty in our world would not exist.

“The problem with incessantly warning people about bears is that it intends to inflate the perception of danger posed by wild animals and wilderness. We live in a world where people are increasingly afraid to explore nature or allow their kids to explore nature. I have seen park visitors literally refuse to leave their cars out of fear of bears, mountain lions, or other wild life. When I finish laughing, it leaves me profoundly sad.”- Jim Cole.

 

Craters of the Moon National Monument

 

 

Big Craters and Spatter Cones:

The big crater was so impressive. It only takes 1/4 mile to get to the top of this steep paved crater. The big crater is known as the “Cinder Cone Complex” because it is made up of nine separate vents. The lava rocks are so unique and beautiful. The spatter cones are right across from the big craters. These smaller volcanoes were formed at the final stage of a fissure type eruption. This is a great place to stop by so that your children and you can see the reason for disaster.

 

 

Indian Tunnel

Indian Tunnel is a exceptionally good cave to explore for beginners who have never been caving before because you don’t need any prior experience to be able to safely explore this cave. It has a very high ceiling and is naturally lighted by the sun. After exploring you will take a trail marked by poles to where you began and from there you can return back to your vehicle. The path to get to it is pretty cool. No helmets are needed. You will want to bring flashlights and good shoes here. Here you can see how lava flow damaged the area.

 

Devils Orchard Nature Trail

This is a beautiful 0.5 mile hike and here you will see trees and plants, all signs of restoration of life. Many of the volcanic rocks have colorful patches on them which are known as liches. Liches are the first thing to grow here. We saw birds here as well. This is a beautiful reminder that even after a disaster has occurred there is still hope for new life.

 

Yellowstone National Park

 

Grand Prismatic Springs

The Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United States and happens to be the third largest in the word. The pools in this hot spring are colorful and definitely not one to swim in because it is 160 degrees hot which is boiling and is harmful enough to kill you. Definitely check this out if you go to Yellowstone. Nothing can live in this environment. The colors are so bright in some spots. This is one crowded place so it can be a stressful place if you have little ones with you. You move along the wooden path and you can stop and take pictures but you have to keep moving so that others can pass on by.

 

 

Old Faithful

We were so lucky because we arrived as the geyser started to erupt. The geyser erupts every 60 to 110 minutes and that is how this geyser got its name because it is faithful to erupt at a predictable time. You can find out when the next predictive eruption will occur at the visitor center. The geyser erupts on average about twenty times a day. The vent is extremely hot so you do not want to get close to it. There are bleachers near by (at a safe distance) and those who come early are lucky enough to find a seat and the rest have to stand but the eruption doesn’t last long at all : anywhere from one minute to five minutes.

 

 

Fountain Flat Drive

The sight of a bison was so exciting for us. We saw our first and thought that we would no longer see another one. It is tempting to stop on the road and take a picture of your first bison but chances are that you will get plenty of opportunity to see more than one. We saw most of the bison’s at the Mountain Flat Drive. It doesn’t mean that they just stay here or are always found here. We actually took this three mile long drive because we saw them when we drove by. This drive will take you to a dead end. Many actually park at the parking lot and rejoin the Grand loop. If we had more time we would have loved to hike in Yellowstone.

Here you can see how life flourishes.

 

 

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