columbia river gorge

Day 279 – Columbia River Road (Part 2) and Mount Hood – Columbia River Gorge Loop

Day 279 of a Year Long Road Trip Along America’s Scenic Byways

Ice Cave in Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Another wonderful day in the Pacific Northwest!  After a quick snapshot of Mount Adams, I took a short jaunt west from Trout Lake to explore an ice cave.  I expected to be taken on a guided tour, but instead found myself alone in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.  Beneath the evergreens by a picnic area is the entrance to a lava tube.  The cold air from the winter is trapped inside the cave forming an ice pool with stalagmite ice crystals poking upward from the floor.

Based on the information board map drawing there are two ice pools, a natural bridge, a crystal grotto, a crack room, and a few pits.   I only explored the first ten feet of the 400 foot cave as I was alone and had no intention of falling on ice and sharp lava in the dark!  I also followed a path above ground which led to the crack room and the pits.  Had I had the proper equipment and a partner, I would have liked to see the crystal grotto.  I bet it would be fantastic especially closer to winter time.  The weak beam on my flashlight just barely illuminated the area from a distance, but neither my eyes nor my camera were successful in focusing on much!

ON THE ROAD AGAIN!
under the rim trail

Day 177 – Bryce Canyon Country – Part 2

Day 177 of a Year Long Road Trip Along America’s Scenic Byways

Bryce Canyon National Park

I spent the whole day in Bryce Canyon National Park, and it was fantastic.  As I drove to the park, bright and early, the cloud covered sky sprinkled drops of rain.  Just before the park entrance, I stopped at some forest land to let Petey water a few trees, and during our 5 minute stroll it started sleeting on us.  I could see a few sections of blue sky beyond the black cloud, so I hoped for the best once I arrived at Bryce Point.  As I continued a mile further, I saw a rain drop defy gravity and flutter upward in the wind…no, it was actually a snow flake.  I saw only a smattering of snowflakes before I passed through some intermittent sprinkles and finally parked at Bryce Point where I prepared for a 5.5 mile hike.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN!