Greta in the Indian Tunnel

September 17 – Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho.  Or as Greta put it, Camping in Mordor.  A volcanic landscape with stunning variety – visual, geologic, experiential.   The caves were unexpectedly amazing – lava tubes which have partially collapsed and so are accessible.  We analyzed and parsed the differences in our individual claustrophobias – I refused to go into the Boyscout Cave – too tight; Greta was uncomfortable in the Beauty Cave – too big, but we both loved the Indian Tunnel.  A butte way in the distance could only be Uluru transported to Idaho.  And as we were leaving the cave area, Greta spotted what has to the entrance to the Bat Cave.

In the Beauty Cave, which I found okay, and Greta feared.

Greta discovers what is clearly the entrance to the Bat Cave,

Climbing out of the Indian Tunnel

It looked like Uluru in the distance to us.

A cinder cone we climbed