New Old Things

Boise to Yellowstone, via Craters of the Moon

July 13th, 2008

Craters of the Moon National Park rocks.

Milestones

• First junior ranger badges, earned by learning about different types of lava flows. We’re particularly fond of the Aa. The boys are now introducing themselves as “Moon Rangers”.
• First detour, as we veered around Idaho Falls to avoid wildfires.
• From here out, none of us have been to any of the places we’ll be visiting.
• First time pumping my own gas. You were all right! It is easy!
• Collin conquers his fear of caves in Indian Tunnel
• First bison viewing.
• First volcanic summit on Infinity Cone

On the way, Mom told about a high school science teacher that used a bull snake for a bathroom pass and Collin established a firm preference for scatalogical vocabulary during Madlibs.

At dusk, we passed awestruck through paradise. Mountain meadows full of wildflowers opened to inviting trout streams, with snowy mountains and forest ringed about. We were too dumbstruck to take a picture or register the name of the place, so you’ll have to trust me that it was magnificent.

Our awe was ruffled by some baffling signage. We spotted a Library sign clearly pointing directly into the forest, with arrow pointing left but no leftward roads to be found for 50 yards in either direction. What can it mean? Is it deep, is it pointing to an alternate reality, has the forest eaten the library? Intriguing.

Entry Filed under: Adventure