The Journey through Nevada and Idaho with a Craters of the Moon Pit Stop

The next morning we were of course running behind schedule for what would be the longest drive of our trip.  We left Reno around 630am and didn’t end up at our resting place for the night until probably close to 800pm, although that may have been with some sort of time change.  Either way it was a LONG day.  Nevada is a fascinating state for the first couple hours and then you just kind of start to go crazy.  The speed limit needs to be about 100mph (then maybe we wouldn’t have gotten that wretched speeding ticket).  We made it through safely and avoided my worst fear of this trip which was breaking down in the desert with no water, so speeding ticket aside we’ll say it was a success.  Once we got into Idaho the scenery began to change.  Despite being behind schedule we still decided to go to Craters of the Moon National Monument “on our way” to Idaho Falls where we’d be staying for the night.  We were all glad we did.  The girls got their first junior ranger books although we have to mail them in because we didn’t have time to finish them in the park.  They also got their first stamp in their National Park Passport Book.  We also got to hike through lava fields where the temperature was easily in the 90s and then climb down into caves where there was still ice on the ground.  It was the first of many dramatic temperature differences we experienced on this trip.  I don’t know that I’d make a trip just to see this park, but if it’s “on your way” to somewhere it is well worth it!

After our quick visit we went to stay in what was according to Gabby the nicest hotel of the trip.  Compared to the gambling towns I’d have to say I agree.  It definitely had the freshest air.  Idaho Falls is clearly where lots of people start and end their journey to Yellowstone.  I can’t really think of another reason to be there, although the people were nice and they have a lot of impressive monuments in the town.  Staying here put us a few hours from Yellowstone, so we could get there shortly after “check-in” (I feel like there should be a term specific to campgrounds) even with getting stuck in traffic and stopping in a West Yellowstone liquor store.  Normal people probably hang out there and eat or shop at touristy shops, but we needed to set up camp so none of that for us.

The steps leading down into the first cave.  This was was pretty open and everyone was happier. 

Posing in the cave of course

Some of us had an easier time than others squeezing through these openings.

Ice!!!!!

Gabby doesn't like dark or enclosed spaces and was about reaching her limit in the caves.

Some person behind us had to point out that we were matching :(  It was totally not intentional...at least not this time.

Crazy looking place.