Burning and Freezing on the Moon

I woke up inside of a volcano, both literally and metaphorically.

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I have learned that my inhuman ability to sleep in extends past the confines of a normal bedroom and apply even in a 95° fully lit van at 11am. Maybe that is something I should get checked out...

Anywho, today's main activity was hiking and spelunking in Idaho's Craters of the Moon National Monument.

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It was very fun. The monument was made by volcanic activity that was active just 2,000 years ago. It featured some of the rarest volcanic geology around, spatter vents. Which, back in the day, acted as pressure release valves when hot lava would spray out from the lava tubes under the ground. But nowadays they act as trash cans and lost and found dropoffs for tourists.

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But the main draw of the park was being able to go into their 2 caves. One of whice was a brisk ~47° with frost on the walls, which was refreshing on the otherwise 97° hike. No bag sightings but lots of pigeons. I also got propositioned to join a group of 4 moms on an active girls trip while on trail. I guess my personality feels right at home with the 35-42 year old wine moms letting loose for the summer.... I should have said yes.

After the park I hit the road to Missoula MT, so I could stock up and get some chores done before spending 5 days in Glacier National Park. And I-90 blessed me with some stunning mountain views, made more beautiful by the thick haze in the sky (unfortunately it was wildfire smoke, but a small price to pay for my ride to go from a 6/10 to a 8/10)

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TLDR: Rocks can melt from natural forces, and if you really think about that, it's freaking crazy.