Before getting to this weeks desktop, there's a couple of things I wanted to remind you about.  First, I'm still way off on the updates and have a couple of projects which are going to consume most of my free time the next week or so.  Expect the next update around the 22nd and hopefully I can stay on track.  Second, the previous weeks wallpaper is always still available by clicking the preview to the left found on this page.  Enjoy!

Above is this weeks free desktop.  Well, this week is one of those rare occasions where you get introduced to a place which has never been featured here before, welcome to the truly interesting Craters of the Moon National Monument.  Located on the Snake River Plain in south-central Idaho, Craters of the Moon showcases the effects of volcanism in the rugged, scenic landscape here.  This isolated wonder is filled the normal features associated with past volcanic activity: cinder cones, spatter cones, lava tubes, along with several types of lava flows, plus it has a weird solitude and beauty thing going on. (:  Really, the stark contrast in the cinder cones and lava flows with the sagebrush, wildflowers and the junipers is different and interesting.  This weeks shot sort highlights this.  Taken in August 2006 while walking one of the trails (I honestly don't remember which one), it's clear to see the junipers and brush vegetation along with the different soil make ups.  Where it flattens out, the black is lava flows and the unique mountains in the background just seem to finish this intriguing landscape. Craters of the Moon offers several miles of hiking trails, none of which seemed very hard, and allowed for some nice exploration experiences.  It's a very interesting National Monument, but some might find it's "out of the way" location a negative for visiting. Personally, I enjoyed the couple of hours we spent there and consider the time and miles getting to Craters of the Moon worth it.  

To set this photo as your desktop, click on the box with the correct size.  Right-click on the image and select the option to "save/set as desktop or wallpaper."  You're done!  If you wish to change the desktop image, simply right-click on your desktop, select Properties, and then select the tab labeled Backgrounds in your display control panel