We drove out of our way an hour or so today to take Oliver to a volcano. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument was a great little side trip and we really enjoyed ourselves walking around on the 1000 year old lava 'aa' (pronounced "ah ah" because it hurts to step on it ... no kidding!) The children gained another badge for their ranger vests today. Thank you National Parks Service for educating my children! Which reminds me of something they have learned in a previous ranger talk, to remember what makes up lichen... its a sad story so hang in with me ..."Alice Algae and Freddy Fungus, took a lichen to each other ... now their love is on the rocks!" On that note, look for the lichen on the rocks below and enjoy the photos!
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| Oliver was in 7th heaven surrounded by aa ...."Look at this huge piece Mum!" |
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| The peaks of Mt San Francisco in the background covered in snow. Apparently we missed snow in Mesa Verde by a matter of a week - lucky! |
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| In a little lava cave. |
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| A twisted and gnarled Ponderosa Pine - I learnt today that they grow twisted in dry, arid climates to prevent one 'side' of the tree receiving all the damage and to enable water supply to all parts of the tree. This one had fallen due to years of park visitors walking over its roots and eroding the dirt around it. |
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| I drove through the arid landscape of Arizona today, and the Navaho Nation,. Coming to the top of a mountain the road literally 'cut' through the mountain and sheer walls of red rock enclosed us. |
