Perspectives on Craters of the Moon

 

https://www.idahopress.com/opinion/editors_notebook/forget-national-monument-craters-
of-the-moon-should-be-a-national-park/article_084c0496-ad13-53c9-99f0-75e374fb6af5.html

            I was on my mission the first time my family visited Craters of the Moon in Arco, Idaho.  I had only heard about it – but not in full detail as I learned the second time my family had gone – just to make sure I had the opportunity. Patrick was with the family the first time but had managed to miss out the second time.  I still did not experience the fullness that the family had endured the first time around. They told me that everything looks the same.  The picture above, the picture below, whatever is behind it - it looks the same.  The scenery does not change.

            Jenna had reminded me of this as she was asking about church policies and state policies on precautions with COVID.  Unlike the rest of the RS presidency, I am not in a hurry to embrace the world as perhaps I had in 2019.  It’s too soon.  Not just for me – but many people.  And I respect their privacy.  I respect their desire to stay home.  I don’t mean to sound negative nor focus on the solitude but I know the pandemic is not over.

            I think Roland and Jenna get annoyed that I am not as anxious to be outside as they are.  Jenna then tried to remind me of the Craters of the Moon incident that I had partially related to her I don’t know how long ago.  I would have thought before Oregon.  She told what she thought she remembered and got most of it wrong.

            “Didn’t you say that one place looked the same but that when others had approached you and asked if it was worth the walk Corey said that it was.  He was focused on the good parts, right?”

            “No.  First of all, I wasn’t even with them but had heard the story second hand.  And it wasn’t Corey.  It was Patrick.  When people would approach members of my family and ask, ‘Was the trail walk worth it?’ my mom would answer that everything looked the same.  And yes, Patrick did build it up leaving the tourists to believe perhaps there was something.  After they crossed paths my mom would say to Patrick ‘Why did you tell them that?  Do you really think the walk was worth it?’  Patrick would respond, ‘No, but if I had to do all that walking, I am taking somebody down with me.’”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bv07oiiyDCw

            Not the greatest response for a returned missionary to want “others to suffer as he had” but I somehow don’t believe either his or my mom’s response would have made a difference to most tourists.  My mom had related their experience when they took me back to see the caves – which let me tell you a Duracell flashlight doesn’t have enough power to explore.  You will need the strength of the sun if you go cave exploring.

            The highlight of that day trip was NOT Craters of the Moon but rather the parade we had to stop for - not by choice mind you.  We had to stop for it.  The wind blows dry in Arco – or did at that time.  Mom pulled out a fresh loaf of bread from the car and made sandwiches.  By the time we got them into our mouths the bread tasted stale. 

            I think I was more impressed with Arco and Craters of the moon than I am with the safety vs. freedom issues that are currently a part of our lives.