Friday, September 2, 2011

Lava River Cave

Just north and west of Flagstaff a little ways is what appears to be a pile of rocks in the middle of the forest.


But a closer look reveals the entrance to a lava tube, almost one mile long!


Supposedly, after you go down through this hole, the tube levels out. I had my doubts, but was willing to try it.


You have got to be kidding!!!! I am not a good boulder hopper. And don't tell me that hiking poles would have helped - I did most of it on my butt.


It did sort of level out after a while - the rocks were horizontal instead of vertical, but it was still rock-hopping, and the rocks were either wet or sandy, either way it was slippery. And the ceiling was low, so in addition to watching your feet, you had to watch your head.


Needless to say, it wasn't long before I gave up.


The water drops on the ceiling were kind of nice.


Did I mention you had to watch your head? To late, I read that you should wear a hard hat - like I have one of those lying around...

If you like a challenge, or would just like to read more about the cave, and get directions to it, click here.
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19 comments:

  1. Chuck and Anneke's RV travelsSeptember 2, 2011 at 8:58 PM

    It does sound interesting, but after this post, I think I would give it a pass:)

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  2. Jim and SandieSeptember 2, 2011 at 9:00 PM

    A picture of the outside will suffice for us. Sure hope the head is okay. Head wounds bleed so much it's scary.

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  3. DaveSeptember 2, 2011 at 11:34 PM

    I know I would have given up to. I dont have the desire [or the courage] to go pot holeing.

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  4. squawmamaSeptember 3, 2011 at 5:27 AM

    You guys are tough ~ sorry for the boo boo.
    Have fun
    Donna

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  5. Travels with EmmaSeptember 3, 2011 at 6:13 AM

    I chickened out from doing the same thing last summer at Craters of the Moon NM in Idaho. I'm not a good rock hopper either.

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  6. ErinSeptember 3, 2011 at 6:15 AM

    Appreciate the warning; don't much care for confined places ... and watching my footing, I'm bound to get a hit on the noggin.

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  7. KimbopoloSeptember 3, 2011 at 8:02 AM

    You are so bold! What an experience.

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  8. BubbadanSeptember 3, 2011 at 6:03 PM

    Well y'all proved one thing he ain't hard headed. I hope it heals good and leaves a big braggin' scare. LOL Great post enjoued the post.
    Dan

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  9. Barbara and RonSeptember 3, 2011 at 7:46 PM

    Yikes! Not my kind of hike. Poor Phil, but he's still smiling.

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  10. HappytrailsSeptember 3, 2011 at 8:25 PM

    Ooops! Looks like a good bump on the head. Ouch!
    I had never heard about lava tubes until this post. Blogging is certainly a learning experience!! It does look like some rough terrain but very interesting!!

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  11. JoJoSeptember 3, 2011 at 8:49 PM

    OUCH! I hope its ot to bad.
    That cave didn't look that big until Phil was standing in front of it. I don't do caves of any size. But it looks like you all had a good time.

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  12. AnonymousSeptember 4, 2011 at 9:41 AM

    Looks like Philds head got a bo-bo. Only 160 days of school left and retirement! Trying to sell house now. Hope to see you on the road!
    Rita Norvell

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  13. SondraSeptember 5, 2011 at 5:27 AM

    OH that smarts!
    I've visited a few caves that have guided tours--and alghtough its quite interesting..IM a chicken when it comes to tight places--

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  14. RustedgrannySeptember 5, 2011 at 6:13 AM

    OMG! I can't believe you were brave enough to go in. Appreciated looking at it via pictures, thus alleviating any insane desire to see for myself.
    Clearly, Phil is a good sport.

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  15. Prettypics123September 5, 2011 at 12:48 PM

    As you entered, I thought, Oh my, she is brave. Claustrophobia set in just looking at the photos. Diana thank you for your warm comments over at A Camp Host's Meanderings. Levonne

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  16. Paul and Marti DahlSeptember 5, 2011 at 3:09 PM

    Looks like Phil got some sense knocked into him. That must have gotten his attention. :c0

    As usual, another unusual place you've discovered. I'm seeing a TV show with you as the star on the Travel Channel in the near future. ;c)

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  17. ladynomadSeptember 6, 2011 at 2:28 PM

    Oh my aching head!!!!!
    But I think I would have felt very closed in before very far and then it would have been back to the opening. I don't like caves unless they are all lite up and nice paths have been made for walking.

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  18. AnonymousSeptember 9, 2011 at 4:22 PM

    Oh wow there is no way I would have gone down in that thing anyways LOL

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  19. KateSeptember 10, 2011 at 1:59 PM

    I got about five feet into a lava tube at Craters of the Moon and totally wussed out. On geology field camp, no less...the irony! Brava!

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