For Labor Day Weekend, we went on a little adventure down to Baker, Nevada with Ashley's parents. You may wonder, "Where is this Baker? I've never heard of such a place."
So then, why would we choose to go there of all places for our one last attempt to squeeze the last drop of adventure out of summer? One word... Speleothems! And lots of them.
We headed out to the Great Basin National Park. After a lot of hunting and a few specially negotiated arrangements, we secured ourselves a campsite (It's a busy weekend and we got there a little late).
We promptly got a fire going and wieners roasting! As all good campers do.
After dinner, we took the opportunity to CHILL (with a capital CHILL). With how hectic things have been lately, it was really nice to have some time to just sit and relax.
I was even able to do some night photography! One of my favorite things that I just don't seem to have much time to do anymore. The moon was nearly full, so it was pretty bright out. It may look like daytime, but this shot was taken at night, I promise! Note the star trails if you don't believe me.
We had a lovely little friend stop by for a visit. Not really that little, I guess. This interesting bug was about 2 inches long!!
I woke up early the next morning to roam around and take a few pictures. Call me crazy, but there's something strangely relaxing and almost therapeutic about wandering around outdoors before the sun comes up and photographing.
So... about those speleothems! I learned this weekend that that's the technical word for "cave formations". Just outside of Baker, in the Great Basin National Park are Lehman Caves. This of course, was the destination of our adventure. It is one of the most densly decorated caves in the country. It was awesome! Here are a few photos.
Spikes everywhere!
Crazy patterns coming out of the ceiling.
I call this one "Petrified Fondue Fountain"
In the back here is "The Parachute". It's the most famous formations of Lehman Caves.
This one is called the "Angel's Wing". Hmmm.... I wonder why.
Happy little pair of spelunkers.
And the whole spelunking crew!
I thought this wall was incredible. Totally covered in crazy formations.
After touring the cave, we went on a short hike, then headed home. This is the little lake that we hiked up to.
This was a really fun trip. We had a great time and were able to see some very cool things. What a great way to wrap up a fun summer season.
5 comments:
Caving is fun! (As long as it doesn't get too narrow... i.e. Nutty Putty) Looks like you guys had a blast. What a fun way to end the summer! I'm jealous ;)
Wow looks like fun!!
Great pictures for a great adventure. I love Lehman caves.
Did you take all those pictures! They're really well taken!
Hey, hope you guys don't mind, but I found your blog when i was looking at Cara Johnson's and wanted to see what you guys are up to! But that bug is called a Jerusalem Cricket and they are HUGE! I had one living in my window sill once. I'd never seen one before that, but they're crazy looking critters!
-Karissa
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