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Show I? The Daily Herald 6 Sunday, January 21, 1998 IdiOQ On ItlOOO ' ' ' ' ' " . ' By J.R. ALLRED Special to The Daily Herald ; CRATERS OF THE MOON NATIONAL MONUMENT, Idaho Want a new twist for cross country skiing? How about skiing tlve moon? Before they made their moon landings, astronauts visited Idaho's Craters of the Moon to study volcanic geology and to get a feel for tile harsh environment they would encounter. ' Now, cross country skiers can visit the National Monument and get a feel for what skiing the moon if there were any might be like siiow there. Craters of the Moon National I Monument attracts some 250,000 visitors each year, mostly in spring and summer. But there is little activity when winter snows come to the 5,900-foelevations. So National Park Service officials are turning the snow into an asset. After they close the seven-mil- e loop road through the monument to automobile traffic, they set track along the same route for cross country skiing. Skis provide the best access for a close-u- p look at the park's 83 square miles of contorted features with the added contrast of snow against the black volcanic rocks. The monument stages a winter festival with games on an outdoor ice pond, a craft show, snow sculptures, a sledding hill and sometimes horse-draw- n sleigh rides. The festival follows the Winter Rose Festival in the nearby town of Arco, which features snowmobile races, a parade, sledding for kids, a chili cookoff and "snow softball" games with a ball that is to help players bright orange find it in the snow. "The games tend to be real short," says Lisa Kochenderfer, one of the players. Winter temperatures range from 45 degrees (F) to well below zero. Kochenderfer says Craters of the Moon is thinking of extending the orange ball idea by adding a golf tournament to its winter festival. Arco's Winter Rose Festival is scheduled Feb. 4 this year, and Craters' festival is planned for Feb. ot II. Kochenderfer is sales manager for the Craters of the Moon Natural History Association, a it that a bookstore group operates at the visitor center and donates profits to the National Park Service to help fund research, interpretation and conservation programs. She said interest is growing in exploring the monument on skis. Winter camping and telemarking on volcanic cinder cones are also attracting many people. Some visitors expect a prominent volcano, similar to those on the islands of Hawaii or Mt. St. Helens. But volcanic activity in Craters of the Moon consisted of "fissure eruptions" along cracks in the earth's crust. Powered by mild gas pressure, the fluid basaltic lava produced many small cinder cones and vast non-prof- fields of lava flows. Some 25 cin' der cones at Craters of the Moon were all small volcanoes. Volcanic activity occurred for millions of years in the Snake River Plain, but in the Craters of the Moon area it began only about 15,000 years ago and continued until about 2,000 years ago. Nervous visitors might want to scientists keep a wary eye out believe eruptions could be renewed at any time. There is a seismograph in the visitor center. was relatively The area unknown until Robert W. Limbert, ta visionary Idaho explorer, author and promoter, hiked the area, photographed it and described it in newspaper and magazine articles. Limbert's article, titled "Among the Craters of the Moon," was published in National Geographic! in 1924. He argued for national park designation. He sent a scrapbook of pictures and words describing the area to President Calvin Coolidge. Craters of the Moon National Monument mer months, but the Coolidge responded favorably and attracts thousands of visitors during ihe sum country skiing during issued a proclamation establishing Craters of the Moon National Monument. It was dedicated June 15,1924... e is a particularly popular time to visit the monument You can reach Craters of the principal routes of the Oregon Trail, because the wild flowers are at Moon National Monument by turnand that three prominent volcanic their peak. ing off Interstate 15 at Blackfoot, mountains that rise abruptly from Desolate as the landscape looks, Idaho, and driving west on U.S. 26. the plain were landmarks for the more than 300 species of plants Markers advise you are followearly travelers. grow in the area. Wild flowers take About an hour from Blackfoot is ing Goodale's Cutoff, one of the root where scarce soil and moisture collect in holes and cracks in the lava. A Buffalo Caves walk from the ceiling before solidifying. Idaho's state flower, the You passes through grotesque ridges Some contain ice syringa, and others space themand plant communities and need a flashlight to explore, them. selves to use the sparse soil and explores the caves. Sturdy, protective shoes are water. Indian Tunnel walk takes you essential for any hiking in the Water is a concern for the few in a lava tube. These underground monument. A'a means literally, species of wildlife that inhabit the are formed when the surface of a the on "hard because its surfeet," for Virtuand visitors. human area, lava stream cools but the interior is face often and jagged. all drains sharp ally precipitation continues to flow and drains a pasis more Pahoehoe but still through porous lava so the area is sageway. benign, . t can'demand " careful very dry. Particularly in summer, hiking. the Some of caves and tunnels when temperatures hit the 90s and have stalactites of lava that dripped the black landscape absorbs the sun's rays, dehydration is a threat. Spring and summer visitors drive the loop road and can take several short hikes to see fields of TOURS f&J TRAVEL jagged a'a lava or hardened streams of pahoehoe. tERVIHQ UTAH S.NCE 1982 The North Crater walk NEW TOURS provides spectacular views of the lava flows below from the crater's Bluebonnets In Texas Deep South Tour top. It then descends into the vent New Orleans, Lafayette, Natchez, Cowboys & Cajuns of the cinder cone. San Antonio, Houston, Johnson Vicksburg, Montgomery, Atlanta, Charleston Savannah, St. Space Center, Moody Gardens, Bayou Country, Plantation Homes, NEw Orleans, Mississippi River Cruise April mm 27-Ju- ly g. Fab. 0 Charlie Prosa Show Feb. 27 March 1 Eddie Arnold Mel Tillie March 11-6-- PALM SPRINGS Lane, Provo. Fab. 21 - 25 $529w ECONOMY TEMPI ETOUR $198, DUO March 9- -7 L.A. SHuImmI April24-May- Nauvoo $1165 3 Apr 27-3- Theater. "Gate Sept 9 -- 15 1514 h- July 0, 8-1- Oct. 4, Dec. 14-2- 0, 2- - 8 Scandinavian Spectacular June Deluxe Church History Tour 10-2- 5 July 10-2- 6 os cm mmn tours fouRSFOR CU L. IC TCMffO Mt Ft.. rttaJWU, Ui mm rt9Ut f t jJUsat Mea llbucueroue SI. LQUiS ... "s' 00-658-85 6 SEATS LEFT! Pageant. San Franclaco, Redwood & Joseph Dallas froms90 Houston from$90 $7C irsncTPr? SI UIIWIWI y tdtanca pUKhlSt. Seating Is limited. nay apply. Flits change without notice. v Non - rehmdabli. lU Other restrictions Roundlrip Air from SLC Mice iiicnpuiann llIWJIUIIU W V J Based on Quad Occupancy - 2 Adults J I: J...IL.. If.;!... (oyca. a4 44 ihswbiiiiu a cA wnuren wyewer W J m - nwui 1 1 21 Day sdmncs ssresue rsqilrad. Valid Jan. tfiru March 31 & April 23 thru June 15, 1996. Roundlrip Air only- - Jan. 29 departure from$1S995 person! Oiiw resrdem imv Wy HIt' MTPWTTP (Hi JJ 2 Nts. Hotel i OO starting at only Puerto VaUasta tJITO55 Roundlrip Air only, call for valid departure dates and restrictions. Much More Ri tn ex sum Umfulmanviim. " mtiaD(xfcjonllBwiiMl MiaiafUf MviMnMm(imrMnfM.n Mmw amUm imUm fymto itwnnwm MlUr svrcWatf m ippy Sum fwtn mn tn wwXv mtioHC tm tutncl UsaKrmpmaimMlt'lritiioaliiaaiminn v a in $W3 1135 OUR BEST DEEP SOUTH TOUR EVER INCLUDES: New Orleans: Mlwlasippl River Cruise, French Quarter Acts of the Apostles Orlando: Disneyworld, Cypress Gardens, Kennedy Space Center entertainment, oceanside resort Myrtle Beach: Branson-styl- e Atlanta: Stone Mountain, Olympic venues, city tour Nashville: Grand Opry & Opryland USA IWo 1996 Tours: 4-- Corinth Irnmhmt Oct BratfceOariPimtmai Ncv,25-D&- Ephesus Delphi Mcsscnia ISRAEL 8 Cacwrca CntlnRoclbMThnTtn9umpede S(Unt 2-- 18-2- July JBB Cumorah Twi (towiomLDS Onich Wtory Tom) July Fnc md Eland Allg. Europmol Ttrnjif Tour The Bmt rfOtnrwiy. 6 .Aug. BnmaiTOayi Athens Mykonos 19-3- 15 Rhodes Patmos Rome extension available. ! ! 1 $olitea ..June .Oct j 0 Oct. May Trace the journeys of the apostle Paul on a 12 day Tour and Cruise, 100 of our Branson travelers (approx 10OO) said they would recommend Webb Tours to their friends. We're proud 01 our Branson reouiauon. All Bruuon Tour Include 7 days8 nights in Bunion APRIL 15-2Round Trip Air U( Malta Lodging at Revolt Hotel Ntuvoo, Hanibal, Brtnson APRIL 13-2It DriMf Bute Eicclknt St. Louis, Branson MAY 1 Exprinccd Guide! All Showt k AcllTtttet 6 days5 nights in Branson MAY 13-1- 8 $648 ..April 22 '27 Pajwit from INCLUDES: Ml. irvm ...from$72 PhltQflfl USlludyU 16-2- 5 Trove! with the Branson Specialists! BfSMOd, KasMHi, froms58 Portland rihl pro. '96 BRANSON Bwsofl,iDrt ..... LasVeoas Church History Cumorah Paaeant HAWAII CRUISE 1 AZM . Seattle Reno Lcs CaHos 12 Temples, Los Angeles rtalrlanri PhnonlY S Mm final. Q ONLY Myrtle Beach, Includes 21 meals. 3 Ticket by January 31 and complete travel by June 4, 1996. optional; Thousands travel with hvrawip their friends recommend us. 19 278 - 3101 or 1 m PC $1059 April WelkResort, Glory of Easter Pageant, Palm Springs Follies & Player's island. I 3-1- Hurry lor these Great Deslsl Cue Way AMare from SLC Trusted Travel Partner Since 1968 Webb Tours PASSAGE Savingt to you $600 SPRING SPECTACULAR Cat! 37.Q4BO Branson Tours Israel Tour 6 y 14-2- mm Mr & Port taxes included, Sail aboard the Statendam, Rydam M Category. March TOURS f&J) TRAVEL June 1, March 25 - April 3 Choice of 3 itineraries with excellent Church History instructors bv the most experienced operator of Church History tours. 10, 12, or (including the Nauvoo Pageant) 15 days. All include selected U.S. or history sites Julv 3 July I $869 of Heaven" ALASKA CRUISEINSIDE 30-Ma- 25-2- VsZJS J.R.Allred 8 27-A- & North Missouri Mill $1899 5 Call Today For Free Brochure CALIF.EASTER PAGEANT Shows, Lodging, Transportation monument entrance. An alternative : to returning to at Blackfoot is continuing west and joining Interstate 84 at Twin Falls for a loop. back to Utah. es Kansas City; Apr Grand Canyon, San Diego . Theater $643 6-1- Branson shows, Eureka Springs, Precious Moments, St Louis & TEMPLE TOUR 6 Apr. Bt May g Look no furtherfor the best value! 7 Day Cruise Aboard the SS Independent, 5 Island Honolulu, Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Hilo, Kona, This tour will prove to be a voyage you'll never forget Broadway Tony Award 0eufy and The Also: Nuntanta Dinner Theater Uichaml Crawford In La Voga "EFX Now York Radio City ROCKITTSS Show La Vegas Dfm 9 March 16-2- San Diego, las Vegas, St George Temples, 4. niEATIiK LOVJBRS! Arco, the first city to be served by an atomic electrical power plant, from the nearby Idaho National Engineering Laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy. From Arco, it's 19 miles to the 8 The Other Bransons Myrtle Beach, Pigeon Forge, Nashville -- 9 Shows Greenwood, Ronnie Milsap, ' Gatlin Brothers, Stars & Sightseeing Las vegas runner & snow, ralmbpnngs, Follies & City Tour, Mesquite, Virgin Riivr, Date Festival, Ostrich & Camel Races! Great Fun, Come and join us! 9,h. ATTENTION I monument has 83 square miles of contorted ." landscape that resembles the moon. area is ideal for cross the winter as well. The h Music! Music! Music! DATE FESTIVAL New Orleans, Tallahassee, Orlando, 373-453- ' J.R. Allred Photo 29-Ap- r4 Dogwood In Tennessee KERRY'S WINTER ESCAPE Disneyworld, Kennedy Space Center, Epcot Center, St Augustine, Holzman, 2994 Mojave Azaleas In Florida Pest of Florida April More. Mar South Manti, Lake Powell, Grand Canyon, Mesa, Easter Pagent, Las Vegas, St. George. Mar $1360 8-- & Easter-Templ- 14 18. Block 2 is Call or write to us lor more information: Art and Donna Augustine Orlando & Atlanta LDS Temples, Splendid China, EPCOT, Ringling & Edison Museums, on Gulf, Busch Gardens, Atlanta Tour SPECIAL LAUGHUN! '129 Mht Includes: One Night at the Stateline, Two Nights at Riverside In laughlin, One Show, Three Buffets. Mesa, 20lh-Au- I t 1 March June July , year-roun- d. MESA EASTER PAGEANT BYU-Hawa- i Road to Craters of the Moon doesn't involve flying Mid-Jun- Manti, SL George, Las Vegas Temples, Come with us to Hawaii this summer and get Three full weeks, meals and housing included, for only $988! ii We stay at the on door Oahu. next campus to the Polynesian Cultural Center (Free Access). This is our 8th year. Block 1 is i 9 5 ferarf:A87itdtouroftheHofyUnd$i290 11-2- 2 or Sept T Shepherds Fields Capernaum Apr. 25 Mt. Sunrise service on the Sea of Galilee May 6 June of Beatitudes McjidJo Nazareth The Dead Sea 12-2- Massada i 20 Oct. 9 3 Dome of the Rock Bethlehem Tk Garden Tomb Call for further details about this incredible journey! 11-2- 7 19-- pt Carmcl Three 1996 Tours: 1 Ask about these other exciting 1996 Tours: ' Church History & American Heritage Nauvoo & Branson Book of Mormon' South American Temples Tour European Temples Tour The Exodus ' 1 km tew may 412 L Recognized Jor Honesty, Value and Personal Service Jor 27 Years iV.i |
