Natural Wonders

After Dinosaur National Monument in Jensen Utah, our family took a round-about way of getting to the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks that we'd eagerly been awaiting. We drove through Salt Lake City and then into Idaho where we set up camp close to Craters of the Moon National Monument.

Craters provided a unique volcanic landscape for us to explore.

The highlight for all of us was getting our permit and dropping into a few of the many caves created by the cooling of lava ages ago. After walking across black lava fields in the desert in July, we welcomed the temperature drop in the caves.

I never would have guessed Idaho would be where we'd learn more about volcanic activity, but we picked up enough knowledge here to pass the Junior Ranger program.

And then on to Jackson Hole to visit Grand Teton National Park.

Teton is a splendid place for hiking and wildlife viewing.

The most elusive animal we got to see was a pair of moose munching leaves.

A ranger program taught the boys a lot about bison which we would see many more of in Yellowstone than Teton.

We celebrated Atticus's 6th birthday in the park.

As a present we took the family whitewater rafting on the Snake River's class II and III rapids.

The boys were "hood ornaments" on the raft as we plunged through great waves like one named "Lunch Counter." Of course the boys finished eager for more!

But to date, nothing has been as awesome as

It's as close to a safari as anyone in our family has been.

A safari that has amazing thermal features.

And great scenery.

Scenery we could be a part of.

It's humbling to realize how temporary our place in this landscape is but encouraging that we're taking this time to engage the natural wonders that our country has.