Exiting the Ape Caves

Jedi Theresa preparing to exit the Ape caves....

You have to climb a ladder to get out of the lava tube...

Below is Kristine demonstrating just how it is done. Lantern and all!

Ape Cave Adventures

Left to Right: Kristine, Melinda, Shaunna and Theresa

Me and some friends from church decided to get together and make the trek through the Ape Caves once again. For those that don't know what the Ape Caves are you can visit the website below for more detailed information. However, for those that are not interested in a history lesson, it is a 1 1/2 mile hike through a lava tube. Lanterns and flash lights are a necessity if you don't want to injure your body in anyway or if you don't like not being able to see your hand when it is directly in front of your face. Our only casualty on this hike was the Jenks' lantern . It was tragic, considering we were only 5 minutes away from the end of the tube. http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/MSH/ApeCave/


As you walk through (it takes about 2-3 hours. Depending on how fast you go) you find that there are a variety of different obstacles to over come. Here in this picture you can see Eric Jenks climbing the steepest part of the hike. He makes it look easy only because he is 6'5'' I can vouch for those that are 5'7'' and smaller and let you know it is not so easy.


Here we have David Overlin giving you an example of another obstacle for those that are taller (which happen to be all the guys that went with us) There are many areas where ducking is a must. However, there are just as many areas, if not more, where the upright position is maintained. This is preferable to many yet the constant change in scenery is what makes the hike more
adventuresome. In the beginning of our hike we stopped and sang hymns at the point where the cave was the most spacious, making for good acoustics. Even though I am not gifted in the area of singing, it was definitely the highlight of the trip.