Xythian's photos with the keyword: Lava Beds National Monument

The entrance to Skull Cave from the inside.

Inside Skull Cave in the closed area. This was the last time my hands were free as behind me from this shot is a bunch of boulders to climb over to get to the open area of ice. The cave is as chilly as you might expect for containing ice in July.

Here is where I could feel the chilly air -- from 70 or so to probably 60 or so after descending a short stairway -- and not even in the cave yet.

This is about as narrow as I saw in the cave. I put the DLSR away after this to free my hands and avoid bashing it against the floor or wall. Caves come much smaller, of course. I am a little startled that the GPS trackpoint appears to be accurate.

I had been debating if it was worthwhile buying the $7 "bump hat" in the visitor center. It was. Now I have cave helmet as a souvenir instead of a scalp scar.

The light is mostly supplied by a "Kick" light (small battery powered LED light). The Kick threw a much wider swath of light than my flashlight or headlamp. This was where light from the entrance was no longer visible. I shut the flashlight(s) off briefly here and experienced the profound darkness available in caves.