We visited the cave for the first time in April when there was still snow on the ground and we had to hike in the last stretch of roadway because the last portion of the road leading up to the cave was closed. It was only about a mile long, but because we had to hike through the snow wearing just tennis shoes and light sweaters (hey, it was full spring at home!) we didn't feel like trying to reach the end of the tube that time. We probably hiked about halfway though. At least we had flashlights, but only two.
This time we were prepared with flashlights for all and long sleeve shirts to put over our t-shirts. We hiked in at over 100 degrees and climbed down to the sweet feeling of 42. Ahhhh...felt good.
We hiked the lower trail all the way to the end and the kids talked me in to crawling on all fours, and for about 15 feet on my belly, to touch the very end. Those few moments crawling on my stomach were rather disconcerting as I am definitely not a fan of being closed up in tight quarters and totally have a fear of being crushed, so squeezing through a tight spot hundreds of feet below solid volcanic rock was not my idea of a good time. Nonetheless, I was victorious, and the boys and I sat for a minute at the extreme end reveling in our cramped glory before shimmying back up and out. Here are a few photos; the one with both of them is at the very end:
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