We said our goodbyes in the morning and then headed for Craters of the Moon National Monument. Eric has been a few times but A1 and I have not.
Fortunately it is along our route, and about the half way point, a perfect place to stretch our legs.
More car toys! This Leap Frog 100 words electronic book is amazing. There is a toggle to switch between Spanish and English, and there are three settings; words, interesting facts, and sound effects.
Learning is cry-free fun.
The turn for Craters of the Moon is in the town of Arco (population 995).
In 1955, Arco was the first city in the world ever to be lit by electricity solely generated by nuclear power.
We made it to Craters of the Moon!
15 million years ago this national park was a glowing molten lava field.
President Calvin Coolidge created Craters of the Moon National Monument in 1924.
He had no idea at that time that you can actually see it from space!
There are 53,500 acres of volcanic formations and lava flows that make up the park.
There are huge caves that can be explored (but are currently closed).
Like two peas in a pod!
Craters of the Moon is like the Portland of national parks, it keeps national parks weird.
We are loving it.
This is a prime example of secondary succession.
We walked on a paved path called Devil's Orchard, the perfect walk for a 19 month old who is totally independent and does not want to be carried.
This child defies gravity.
So do her pant legs (they are always up).
Juice box on the rocks.
It is the best.
I am not a huge fan of KOAs but sometimes they are the only convenient choice.
It is fine for a single night as we are passing through.
We are just about exactly one third of the way to our rental house in Astoria.
This is exciting! We have a toaster oven! When I was little and my family would camp at the KOA in Rosarito, Mexico, and we would bring a toaster oven and make pizzas and pigs in a blanket. It sure brings back fond memories! Even if we are just making toast.
What a cool visit. I loved the weirdness of Craters of the Moon, too. I love your history lessons, too. "In 1955, Arco was the first city in the world ever to be lit by electricity solely generated by nuclear power." Your toaster oven story is so sweet. What a cool memory.
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