Last Friday my youngest was able to immerse herself in her class study of caves. 50 Third graders, and their chaperones, headed to The Ape Caves near Mt. St. Helens, WA. This cave is the longest continuous lava tube in the continental United States. The idea of going into a deep, dark cave sounded cool. But, let me tell ya', I was so-o-o-o glad when it was over.
Lily is not-so-patiently waiting to go into the Ape Caves. (She doesn't hide her boredom well)
We're in the dark, cold, (did I mention DARK?!?) cave. If your flashlight goes out - you're outta' luck. We're in a cave!
"The Meatball". A piece of lava lodged between two shelves of lava suspended high above our heads.
Rob and Lily did a count of 3 then turned off their flashlights so I could take their picture. (It's amazing how wide your eyes get when you're in the dark. :-> )
We've made it out!
Lily gets to be "Alice In Wonderland" and go down another hole. (Oh these lucky kids! ;-> )
End of Ape Caves field trip. (Thank God!)
It was an experience I'll never forget. It's something you don't get the chance to do everyday. The kids had a great time (and I was ready for a cocktail). Isn't exploring fun? ;->
Lily is not-so-patiently waiting to go into the Ape Caves. (She doesn't hide her boredom well)
We're in the dark, cold, (did I mention DARK?!?) cave. If your flashlight goes out - you're outta' luck. We're in a cave! 
"The Meatball". A piece of lava lodged between two shelves of lava suspended high above our heads. 
Rob and Lily did a count of 3 then turned off their flashlights so I could take their picture. (It's amazing how wide your eyes get when you're in the dark. :-> )
We've made it out!
Lily gets to be "Alice In Wonderland" and go down another hole. (Oh these lucky kids! ;-> )
End of Ape Caves field trip. (Thank God!)It was an experience I'll never forget. It's something you don't get the chance to do everyday. The kids had a great time (and I was ready for a cocktail). Isn't exploring fun? ;->