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. Well, this week we are heading back to a place which has been featured here a few times 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. The shot this was taken in August 2006 while walking the North Crater Trail. This is looking northwest somewhere around the Big Craters and it's clear to see a few of the junipers along with brush vegetation and the different soil makeups. The foreground is broken lava and cinders with the unique Pioneer Mountains in the background. 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 time we spent there and feel a second visit here to be well worth it. Check the links section for more info on Craters of the Moon National Monument.