Before getting to this weeks desktop, there's a couple of things I wanted to remind you about.  First, expect the next update to be on time.   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. This week we feature a shot from a very interesting location and one which has been seen here a couple of times before, Lava Beds National Monument. Located in northern California, about 10 miles south of Tulelake, this very rugged landscape is a testament to its violent volcanic past. Geologically, Lava Beds is a real wonder as it contains the largest concentration of lava tube caves in the US while also featuring many of the other formations associated with volcanic regions, namely cinder cones, spatter cones, fumaroles, maar volcanos, and lava flows. Even though the other features are well represented, what attracts most visitors here are the lava tubes which were formed in the lava flows during the volcanic eruptions. Now you might be asking yourself 'How is a lava tube formed?', (: well when lava flowed underground, the outer surfaces of the flows cooled while the inner sections remained hot and flowing, forming tunnel or tube of lava. When the eruptions ceased, the lava drained from the tunnels leaving the outer shells which are the tube caves present today. Lava Beds also has a historic significance as this is the site of the Modac War of 1872-1873, where the Modac Indians used the land as a natural fortress against the US Army. This weeks shot was taken in September 2005 and captures the view looking out of a partially collapsed lava tube called Big Painted Cave. There are Modoc-style pictograghs on the wall behind me, and though they are faded from their original condition, it is still easy to make out the shapes and marvel at the artwork left here. With many trails to walk, and the chance to explore the many different lava tubes, this is one well worth a visit. Check the links section for more info on Lava Beds National Monument.