Lava Beds National Monument - Reno
12/06/08
We woke up to a frosty van, which we managed to park in the only shade in the campground. Tree canopy coverage is sparse in Lava Beds National Monument and I promptly moved the van to a sunny spot for it to defrost while we attended to our morning rituals. The park campground is conveniently located along the central park road near the visitor center and is equipped with immaculate, heated (!!!), and of course, water conserving restroom facilities (we are in California after all).
A brief stop at the visitor center and we were on our way along the cave loop trail which connects immediately to the rear of the visitor center and provides access to numerous caves of varying degrees of difficulty – as rated in a park service brochure. Although equipped with a headlamp and flashlight, we were without the recommended kneepads and helmets. Nevertheless we embarked on the “most challenging” thunderbolt, labyrinth, and lava brook caves within this area. The three caves link together and require stooping, duck walking, crawling and twisting to negotiate the underground territory.
That’s not to say all the caves consist of tiny spaces. Some of the entrances and expanses are surprisingly large with beautiful lavacicles and other geologic features.
Entrance to Valentine Cave
The above ground landscape is equally spectacular at this park and should not be overlooked. Sage brush, juniper and mahogany dot the landscape.
After a stop in Valentine Cave on our way out of the park we were heading south to Reno: a long scenic drive through the ranchlands of the high desert. Fortunately for us, the winter has been slow to arrive so we were spared any snowy conditions. In Reno we got a bargain rate at the Sands where we garnered more at the tables than we spent on lodging and dining. We win!
.
We woke up to a frosty van, which we managed to park in the only shade in the campground. Tree canopy coverage is sparse in Lava Beds National Monument and I promptly moved the van to a sunny spot for it to defrost while we attended to our morning rituals. The park campground is conveniently located along the central park road near the visitor center and is equipped with immaculate, heated (!!!), and of course, water conserving restroom facilities (we are in California after all).
A brief stop at the visitor center and we were on our way along the cave loop trail which connects immediately to the rear of the visitor center and provides access to numerous caves of varying degrees of difficulty – as rated in a park service brochure. Although equipped with a headlamp and flashlight, we were without the recommended kneepads and helmets. Nevertheless we embarked on the “most challenging” thunderbolt, labyrinth, and lava brook caves within this area. The three caves link together and require stooping, duck walking, crawling and twisting to negotiate the underground territory.
That’s not to say all the caves consist of tiny spaces. Some of the entrances and expanses are surprisingly large with beautiful lavacicles and other geologic features.
Entrance to Valentine Cave
The above ground landscape is equally spectacular at this park and should not be overlooked. Sage brush, juniper and mahogany dot the landscape.
After a stop in Valentine Cave on our way out of the park we were heading south to Reno: a long scenic drive through the ranchlands of the high desert. Fortunately for us, the winter has been slow to arrive so we were spared any snowy conditions. In Reno we got a bargain rate at the Sands where we garnered more at the tables than we spent on lodging and dining. We win!
.
Ladies - good to have a short chat the other day- very pleased you are back on the road. I feel like you really sock a lot into a day! You are making me feel lazy. Cross your fingers that my job searching back out west leads somewhere....your picts are making me miss it even more! Love you both
M
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