Amazing View on the Way Up to Lava Butte at Newberry National Volcanic Monument (+5 insets!)

(+5 insets!) (Please view large, it's worth it!) :)

Mind-Blowing Landscapes
Do you sometimes have a hard time dealing with your pictures because they show such incredible views? There are some days when the sky is so beautiful that any picture you take is incredible. There are some places that are so staggering that you could close your eyes and click the shutter release at anything and every picture would be amazing. When you have jaw-dropping skies combined with unbelievable scenery, the combination can cause a meltdown!

Our visit to Newberry National Volcanic Monument was just that sort of experience. It was hard to choose which pictures to process and which to leave out, but I tried for picks which weren't too similar. I am sure you know what I'm talking about! It's been a terrible struggle but here's today's batch.

Today's Main Picture
The main image today shows a panoramic view from the road that leads to the top of Lava Butte. It was absolutely amazing to see this eerie, incredible sight as we made our way up the hill to the lip of the caldera and lookout tower. Happily, the road was closed to vehicular traffic--it would have been miserable to deal with bunches of tourists driving up and leaving us to deal with choking car fumes in the heat.

Today's Insets
The first inset has a story to go with it. As Steve and I stopped, yet again, to take in the vista on our walk up, we noticed movement on the road. Eyes goggling, we saw that it was a cyclist…heading up this steep grade (about 10%) in the glowing heat of the late morning. We stared at each other…it was Insanity! As the rider eventually passed by, huffing and puffing like a properly-cared for engine, we congratulated him on the impressive effort. At the same time we couldn't help wondering what demon possessed him to climb this steep hill. Our amazement was eclipsed later when we headed back down an hour later and saw him climbing the hill…AGAIN! He was so fit that he spoke to us as he chuffed by, saying he does this three times in a row for training, three times a week! Incredible!! He wasn't the only one either. We saw several other cyclists making their way up to the top, and others who abandoned their bikes on the way, clearly misjudging the challenge of this monstrous hill. I will say that when it comes to a challenging bike ride, this is not what I'd want to do. Long-distance works for me but crazy climbs are not my thing, and especially not in the heat. UGH!! :D

Other insets show the brick-red road and hillside, a view of the lookout tower as we walked up the hill, and a crazy panorama that shows the lookout tower and the magnificent view from the lip of the caldera. Finally, a peek through the trees to see a view of the Cascade mountains in the distance.

I hope everyone is doing well! Stay safe, dry and warm! :)

Explored on 3/16/21; highest placement #8.