Day 4: Hagerman Fossil Beds NM to Craters of the Moon NM
July 10th, 2007
Today we got up at 8:30am and took advantage of the free continental breakfast in the motel lobby. It had OK food. At least there was a variety to choose from. At 9am we did a much needed load of laundry and checked out of the hotel at 10:45. After gassing up, we purchased groceries for the next few days. In the restrooms of the grocery store they had interesting signs for the employees. In the girls restroom, placed above hooks, Kim found a sign that read something like: “All aprons must be removed and hung up here prior to any employees using the restroom.” In the guys restroom Scott came across a sign that stated “Employees who do not wash hands after using the bathroom will face immediate termination.” We would like to know how they enforce either of these rules. Maybe some bathroom voyeurism?! After the grocery store adventure, we went to see Shoshone falls. After a brief preview of the “falls,” which is really just a dam that happens to have water falling from it, we decided it was not a view that warranted paying $3.00 to see. We tried to locate Twin Falls but was unsuccessful in doing so.
The first planned stop for the day was at Hagerman Fossil Beds NM. The main question we both have is “where are the fossils?” The visitor center is extremely small and inadequate for actually informing the public of what the national monument is supposed to be for. It also is housing a display for Minidoka Interment NM so it is possible that is a reason for the poor quality- just plain not enough space. The title of the monument is deceiving because aside from a skeleton replica of the miniature horses for which the monument is named, there is really no other mention of the fossils during the scenic drive. The main focus of most signs seemed to be about the emigrant trails (i.e. Oregon Trail) and markers depicting where the wagons passed through on their way to places such as the Oregon territory. While the monument visitor info states the emigrant trails are clearly marked by white markers, we found it extremely difficult to see where the trail would have been for most of the scenic drive. It was a disappointing experience and we both feel that we will never have to go back to this particular park.
Next on the days journey was a stop at the nearby Minadoka Interment NM. This was a surprising place. While there is hardly anything left to remind us of this interment camp, we both felt that it was an important site and worthy of perserving. We only wish it had been protected prior to the rest of the land being developed by farmers etc. It is amazing to see how huge this interment camp was when you are faced with what remains. It is unfathomable that this happened. It is a small site but worth a visit.
We ended our day at Craters of the Moon NM. We arrived around 730 at night and found a decent campsite (#33)int he parks lone campground. It is located on a hill of sorts and provides a pretty cool view of the lava flow. We decided to go do the loop road, which is the main focus of the monument. We were able to accomplish most of this before sunset. We set up came and made our dinner of grilled cheese, pineapple and pudding for dessert. Our dinner conversation ended something like this:
Scott (after looking up from enjoying his pudding): “What am I Kermit?”
Kim (after putting down her empty cup and taking spoon out of mouth): “Because I’m Miss Piggy?”
Laughter ensued because a) we are tired and b) we are tired. After cleaning up the campsite it was bed time. We are in for an early day tomorrow so hopefully we get a good night sleep.
1 Comment