Casper , Wyoming to Devils Tower 1

ITW 125
Casper, Wyoming to Devils Tower

Friday August 20, 2010

You have to drive out through the desolate Wyoming prarie but it's worth it to have a close encounter. Wind on the plains was a constant 20+ all day.

These are the pics TO Devils tower; go to "Devils Tower, Wyoming" post and "Devils Tower... climbers" for pictures of the actual monolith.

Dark Side of the Moon

ITW 119 Craters 3

Dark Side of The Moon

Craters of the Moon - Idaho

Monday August 16, 2010

There's a trail that goes out into the middle of the Lava fields. There are "Ice Caves" ... caves that have drifts /snowpack to hike through.

Hot sun on top deck but once you're hiking down into the caves it is refrigerator temp & you need a jacket.

This was sacred ground for the Shoshone. It is amazing to see!

Craters of the Moon 2

ITW 119

Craters of the Moon 2

It just gets more interesting as you get into this place.

The botany of plants that grow on this landscape... lava rock erosion type soil in places is unique in this living ecosystem.

The pioneers had difficulty coming through this area as it tore up the wagons on this rugged terrain. Some tried following the narrow indian trails through Shoshone territory.