1.23.2010

Ape Caves- January 23, 2010

This was our view as we drove an hour up into Washington near Mount Saint Helens to the 3rd longest lava tube in North America- Ape Caves, 13, 042 feet! A Lava tube is when the lava surface cools and fuses creating insulation for the molten lava to flow underneath it - like an underground river. This one is over 2000 years old and was discovered in the 1950s.  May 18 of this year will be the 30 year anniversary of the eruption. So we are planning another trip up there for the celebration.

 
Here is Trace going underground.
This is one of the only skylights. The rest was blackness.
 
This is called Meatball rock. It is a lava rock suspended 12 feet in the air by the cave walls.
 
Here is a photo off the internet of what it looks like with some light.
 
The cave got narrower and narrower. Poor Trace.
 
Light and fresh air was rewarding after the hike!

6 comments:

Carla said...

Yeah...new photos!! I love all your adventures and photos. I wish we could come with you. HINT!

Tonya said...

Those are really neat. You must have done some looking/researching before this vacation because I have never heard of these places! I'm so glad you took pictures!

atkernsfam said...

Okay, you two are braver than I am. I don't know if I could go down in that lava tube. Cool pics, now I don't have to go :)

Dean and Dawnie said...

Awesome! I love the photos and the fun you are having together.

Enjoy these years they are so wonderful! Cool trips close to home...you are so smart. love, MOM

mariann and Tory said...

That looks way cool! It looks freezing though....was it?

Polkowske Fam said...

I never thought that I was claustrophobic (sp?), but I was having a difficult time breathing as I thought about going in a tunnel underground...like Tia, I am thankful for the pictures, so I don't have to personally experience it. I didn't know there were such places! Great pictures.