Last week I took you to Huka Falls. This week, I am taking you literally across the street, or road, or highway or whatever you wanna call it.
While we were at Huka Falls we were doing some research as to where to head next. I saw this next place’s name nearby and said “The name alone makes a visit necessary.” Ok, maybe I didn’t say that word-for-word but I am pretty sure I was excited about the next stop.
That place is the Craters of the Moon.
I love the way that rolls off the tongue. It sounds so, well, ethereal. That makes sense given that its name inspires thoughts of parts beyond our own atmosphere. And it does deliver just that.
Enter through the gift shop, take that Banksy, and you’ll come out to a covered platform that looks out over the grounds. As I mentioned, you will feel like you’re in a different place than before. You look around the park and see rolling hills of green and shrubs and trees and then BOOM there’s where you are. Steam rises from the ground creating pockets of warmth where various flora exist and thrive due to these special conditions.
You won’t find these plants surviving in just any old place. They exist here because of the geothermal activity beneath the Earth in this very spot. I was totally unprepared to be as wowed as I was. It’s an easy walk to make thanks to a well-maintained walkway.
I have only seen steam like that coming up from city streets, volcanoes, or fog machines. To see the steam rising naturally from the Earth was very cool stuff.
The walkway has numerous short branches from the main path to provide you with a better look at the grounds. Take the time to look at it all. It’s well worth it.
I know that this may not look like much but it’s cool as hell. The vents have created a completely different ecosystem from what is across the road. Mere meters separate you from one type of topography to another. I know I must sound like a yokel being amazed by nature, but it’s true! It’s a fascinating place and amazing to behold.
I brought my jacket with me, given that it was the middle of Winter (August, Southern Hemisphere, reversed seasons, etc.). But, I did not need it. It was quite warm on the walk thanks to the vents and our constant movement.
Towards the end of the walk, there’s a part of the path that goes up. You’ll have to double back but, whatever, get yourself up the trail. It’s a tad steep but worth the trip. Once you’re up there you’ll be treated to a hilltop view of the park and the various vents that populate it.
After you’re back down to the main trail, you’ll exit through the gift shop (mutters an apology to Bansky) and head off on your next adventure.
Thanks for visiting, and I will see you later!
John Kidde Writes 