Hi All:
It's been a few days since we have blogged so we have some catching up to do!! On Saturday, we went to Lava Beds National Monument in Tulelake, California. The lava beds were formed by volcanic eruptions at the Medicine Lake Shield Volcano. The landscape created by the volcanoes is very rugged and is dotted with cinder cones, lava flows, spatter cones, lava tube caves, and pit craters. 1872-1873 were the years the Modoc Indians took advantage of the lava flows during the war. They were led by Captain Jack, and they sought refuge in Captain Jack's stronghold, which was a lava fortress. From this stronghold, a group of fifty men and their families managed to hold off nearly 1,000 U.S. Army forces. They were able to do that for about five months. This land was very important culturally to the Modoc Indians, and was worth it for them to fight for it. The battle was bloody for both sides, and the end result was typical of what happened to many Native American settlements. The Modocs eventually were defeated. That's the very short version of the story.
The day was fun for us, especially Meredith and Jeremiah. They wanted to go in the caves, as did everyone but Bessie. However, since they had both been in the Mark Twain Cave in Missouri, they had to be decontaminated before they could go in. White Nose Disease, which has killed many bats across the United States, has not yet reached California, so anyone visiting the California caves has to be decontaminated if they've visited affected caves.
Decontamination Complete!
Pete, Amanda, and Jeremiah in one of the Lava Bed Caves
Gary and Jeremiah picking up a lava rock
Amanda and Isaac enjoying the Lava Beds
Lava Rock from Lava Beds National Monument
We stopped at a Dairy Bar in Merrill, Oregon on the way back. We passed up one of the local delicacies, Gizzards, in favor of creamies. It was a fun day.
On Sunday, Amanda, Jeremiah, and I went to her church. It's called Revolution Church, and it's a new church. The pastor was powerful and on fire, and I enjoyed every second. I'm so happy that she and Pete have found such a nice church home.
Today Amanda had to work and Pete was sleeping from being on call last night so we decided to go to Lake of the Woods. It never rains in the high desert of southern Oregon, however it was pouring when we got there so we decided to drive over the mountains to Ashland for lunch. When I say over the mountain, I mean that. Elevation 4,500 feet, straight down, no guardrails, my heart was in my throat. People actually live there, couldn't imagine it. When I saw the sign for school bus stop, I really freaked!! I think when I retire, I'll get a job driving a school bus on Route 66 in Oregon.
We are having a great time It's supposed to rain tomorrow so we are not sure what we'll do, but Wednesday we are headed for the beach!!
We appreciate everyone's support and prayers for this incredible journey!!
Talk to you soon - Bessie
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