A peek at the top of the Lava Butte

Along with our trip to the Lava Lands at the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, we decided to take the drive to the top of Lava Butte.  At the Lava Lands you literally had to gain access to the Butte by purchasing a tag that had a certain time on it.  We asked why this was, and the Park Ranger informed us that they only allow a certain number of vehicles to the top because of a spacing issue.  Once we got up there we realized what she meant.  The peek of the volcano was right under us when we parked.

The crater is 150 feet deep.  We thought it was so interesting how the eruption happened, yet life took back over and caused the growth of the trees around the crater opening.

Looking out at the top you can see the flow of lava by the darker path that leads toward the hills and mountains in the distance.

Off in the distance you can see another cinder cone.

The view of Three Sisters Volcanoes.

I loved how the lookout tower was powered by solar energy.

We took the walk around the "lid" of the volcano.  Skylar couldn't help but want to take a peek over the edge.

Standing on loose

The view from the top of the cone was amazing.  

The lookout tower from the other side of the volcano crater.

In the winter months, when the snow is falling in the Cascade Mountains, lava rock from places like Lava Butte are trucked in and stored in holding areas to prepare for the snow fall.  The lava rock and cinders are then spread on the roadways to help with traction.  The cinders work in the same manner as pea gravel or rocks, it's just a bit neater to see lava rocks than plain old rocks, in my opinion.  :)

Eco-Tip:  Be sure and get garden tools ready for the winter months ahead.  Store garden equipment properly so that rust won't take it's toll on your metal tools.  Deep your metal in olive oil and place blade-side down in a tough of sand, and prepare your snow shovel and show blower for the snow fall of the season.  Be sure to check outdoor faucets for any wear and tear and cover for the cold months ahead, too.  For this and other tips on going green visit, The Earth and Me:  Go Green.  

For further tips on making your life a bit more informative on the "green" front, visit my Examiner Green Pages:

1.  Little Rock Green Living Examiner

2.  Portland Green Living Examiner

A hike through the Lava Lands in Oregon

While on our trip to Sunriver, Oregon we visited the Lava Lands and the Newberry National Monument in Bend, Oregon.  The Lava Lands is a stretch of land that is covered by lava rock left over from the volcano eruption of the Newberry Volcano.  We walked The Trail of Molten Land and stood at the top of the peak. It was a very informative and interesting hike, and here is a recap of our trip.

Inside the interpretation center it covers everything you could possibly want to know about volcanoes and especially the Newberry Volcano.

Newberry Volcano

Newberry Volcano is a large potentially active shield volcano located 40 miles east of the Cascade Range and about 20 miles southeast of Bend, Oregon. Its official name is the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. ... Wikipedia

Elevation: 7,989' (2,435 m)

Prominence: 3,215' (980 m)

Last eruption: 690 AD

First ascent: 1873

Mountain range: Cascade Range

Most lava rock is made of pumice and other rock.  This display shows how pumice is light and floats in water over the other rocks that made up the flow.  Lava rock is one of the best pumice stones you could ever have in your shower, by the way!

We headed up The Trail of Molten Land.

We bought some walking sticks for our random hikes and this trail hike was one of the best terrains, but we still used the sticks for some of the inclines.

Lava rock covered most of the ground, except on the trail.

Inside some of the larger lava rocks were small pieces of lava rock.  This one looked similar to an egg and inside of it was the smaller lava rocks.  It was fascinating to us.

Skylar found several little cave areas where the lava, when it was flowing, went up over something that was in the ground and left this cave-like opening.  Most of them either lead all the way through to the other side, or they ended not far from the opening.  He explored ALL of them and found some interesting things.

Of course his chipmunk was on an adventure too.

We stopped at the top and had a little snack.  The wind was blowing just enough to make it a nice area for a small picnic.

The mountain behind Skylar is Lava Butte.  We conquered the butte after we finished the trail.  (pictures to come soon)

After our snack we headed back down the trail.

We noticed new things on the way back down, like this tree.  It was the only tree around in the entire lava land area, and it was growing right out of the rock.  

The signs gave a bit of information on how the lava flowed through the land.  We read ALL of them.  

When we left the chipmunks were running around like crazy all around us.  A few ducked into this hole in the ground and Skylar placed his chipmunk there to see if any of them would come out and greet it.  They didn't....I think they were onto us.  Ha!

The Lava Lands and The Trail of Molten Land is just another attraction that Bend, Oregon has to offer.  You can read more about the Lava Lands from the USDA site here.  

Eco-Tip:  Families that play together, stay together.  For this and other tips on going green visit, The Earth and Me:  Go Green.

What's Cooking Wednesdays: 15-Bean Soup

I've started linking up with What's Cooking?  Wednesdays over at Going the Distance Blog with Jenn.  You can link up as well, every Wednesday with your own recipes to add to the mix.  And while you are over there, visit some of the other blogs that have linked to find out new and exciting recipes.  

15-Bean Soup revamped

15-bean soup as been around for quite sometime, but it always seemed so boring to me when I made it.  I decided it was time for a change.  With this new revamped method, I feel it brings a bit of life to the old favorite.

Here's what you'll need:

1.  15- Bean Soup (20oz. bag)

2.  Diced Whole Tomatoes (14.5 oz can) 

3.  Leftover Ham or Cooked Ham (I used a spiral ham we had a few nights before)

4.  Mexican Chili Powder (2 tbs.)

5.  Garlic Powder (2 tbs. or more to taste)

6.  Creole Seasoning (3 tbs. or less to taste)

7.  Seasoning Salt (5tbs.)

8.  Ground Black Pepper (3 tbs.) and the seasoning package that comes with the beans

Pour your beans into hot water and allow to boil according to the package directions.

 As the beans are cooking add your whole tomatoes and the spice package that came inside your bean bag.

Add your meats after the tomatoes have been added and allow to simmer on low for about 30 minutes.

  

 Add your spices and sprinkle in your salt and pepper.

When your spices have been added, allow to simmer for about 2 hours or until beans are tender.  Serve with   Parmesan Cheese, french bread or even just simple crackers.  

Enjoy!

Eco-Tip:  Eating at home is one of the greatest things that can help you live more green.  Cooking together as a family creates togetherness, and eating at home helps you watch calories and eat healthier.  For this and other tips on going green visit, The Earth and Me:  Go Green.