That's a sea of lava here at Craters of the Moon National Monument, in Idaho
Don't get me wrong, I'm loving this ride with the OFMC, but next year we're going to the mountains. We've seen plenty of hot, dry country this year and don't need to see more next year.
We headed north out of Twin Falls, ID, and swept in an arc to the northeast, with mountains tantalyzing us on the north but just too much "over there." We did stop at Craters of the Moon National Monument, which is a place where volcanos poured miles of lava across the terrain, which resulted in numerous caves. We climbed through several of the caves, enjoying the coolness inside the earth and only hitting our heads on the totally unforgiving cave ceilings a few times. My bump is gone but I still have a couple scabs. Anyway, check out the slideshow at the bottom to see some photos from here.
We continued to Arco and there it was necessary to stop at a local bar because it is part of OFMC history. This is the place where, years ago, we stopped for some refreshment and, noticing some odd tool hanging from a cord above the bar, I reached up and took hold of it. Via the cord, a bell rang about 8 feet away and the entire bar fell silent. It seems the local rule is anyone who rings the bell buys a round for the house. So we did, and stayed longer than intended and had a great time.
Anyway, we've told that story for years so it was essential to the newer guys that we stop and they get a chance to see this historic setting. We didn't ring the bell this time.
Then it was some more hot, dry riding to Idaho Falls, where we turned north, with our destination Ashton. All of a sudden it was green and cool and beautiful. At last! With the best in store for tomorrow.
Related articles:
OFMC into the inferno
Motorcycle touring with the guys: Introducing old sights to new eyes
OFMC ride: More hot riding and finally coolness and green
OFMC sees green in Idaho and Montana
LIttle Big Horn and into the Black Hills; the OFMC rolls on
The Black Hills, Carhenge, and the prairie: OFMC heads home
Comments
Very cool! Any more pictures!?
only 3 pics?
My daughter and her husband (they each pilot their own bikes) are on their way to Canada. They're in Michigan now. We went to West Canada a few years ago (Banff) and it was so beautiful. I can't imagine the Dast side of Canada being any better than that was.
Looks like you guys have a history of stories to tell too.
Woops - typo - I meant ‘East Canada’
Nothing beats a road trip.
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