Day 14 – Blackfoot to Craters of the Moon

Day 14 – Blackfoot to Craters of the Moon
82.6 miles, 6:28, 12.7 avg

A good day until the end. Got a pretty early start to beat some heat. Half the way to Arco it was actually cloudy and there was a thunderstorm. Big drops and some thunder near the Idaho National Laboratory.

Middle of nowhere, ID

Close-up of my "shield"

Arco was clear, but not too hot. Overall, it was a good desert crossing. Luckily for me, Arco was celebrating its Atomic Days, July 17, 1955, when they first turned on the nuke juice to power the city. There was a booth advertising free radiation testing for former employees of the reactor. Lots of food and good times to be had, the whole town was there. A classic car show, dunk tank, etc. For me, an Atomic Burger from Pickles. I also recreated the famous Arco photo from Tour ’97, not as exciting with no people in it, though.

Arco photo 2007. Minus a tree.

I left town with a hopefully semi-easy 18 miles to Craters. Yeah right. The first half was good, mostly down and very little wind. Then, as usual, I started going up and then the headwind kicked in. The climb up to the park was bigger than I had anticipated and I guess the Atomic Burger wasn’t enough food, because I quickly fell apart. A couple of mandatory rest stops and some fig newtons later, and I arrived at the Visitors Center where I learned it was 100°. Got some good info and a 7UP.

My "backyard" at Craters camp

Campground is OK, right amongst the lava flows. I’ll check out the Ranger Program tonight.

Wildlife today:

• 5 or 6 pronghorn
• Calling burrowing owl
• Clark’s Nutcracker

Cinder cones on the way to Arco



Storm's edge on way to Arco