Next we drove to a lava canyon created from an eruption prior to the 1980 blast. The 1980 eruption cleared out debris covering the previously hidden canyon. The result is a canyon with steep rocky sides and a river containing fantastic waterfalls flowing in between the canyon walls. A suspension bridge was built a mile down the canyon. I had lots of fun jumping up and down on the bridge while a nervous Jamie clutched the sides. Further down, the trail cut into the walls of the canyon creating a narrow path with a steep and long drop off to the river. Feeling uncomfortable, Jamie decided it was time to turn around. If she had only seen some of the routes I had to take in my climbing class!
July 22, 2000