A blind wolf. Someone gouged out his eyes when he was a pup, horrible but true. The other wolves help him negotiate the habitat. 

A giant collie? Nope. A 180 pound Mackenzie Wolf. Sure looks like he could make a good pet though. 

More cute little doggies... 

On our way to California, we stopped at Howling Acres Wolf Refuge. Here's a wolf howling, true to form. 

July 27 in Pictures: Lava Beds to Grants Pass, Oregon

We did some morning caving and then drove to Oregon...

Susan made some new friends along the way. Mike had no idea just how disgusting these birds really were. And he was really surprised that instead of a chirp or quack, these guys growled like tigers. 

There's antother helicoptor getting ready to refill. 

On our way to Grants Pass, Oregon, we ran into a big wildfire. Click on the photo and you can make out a helicoptor with a bucket beneath it. 

A pelican in flight at the Refuge. We also saw about 10 other species of birds and a coyote who didn't take to Susan' howling. 

Another pic of Shasta...it seems to be following us everywhere. Or, it could just be a big mountain. This is taken from a Wildlife Refuge by Tulelake. 

"Devil's Den" just outside of the Lava Beds Park. That's all lava rock in 100 degree weather...yuck! 

Here's a cool formation we found in Valentine Cave. Don't let the flash light fool you, it's otherwise pitch black down there. 

Sunshine finding its way into a shallow cave...almost beautiful enough to make us religious. 

More caving in the morning...Mike on his way into the depths. 

July 26 in Pictures

Unable to go obsidian hunting, we headed to the volcanic caves.

There was an amphitheater in the Lava Beds Campground. At 9PM, they presented a campfire talk on the Modoc War that took place on the premises over 100 years ago. 

This park rocks! We explored 4 huge volcanic caves this evening...no guides were required! 

That's Susan in a cave down there. 

You can find him here too. We later dubbed him "Hercules". 

Outside of the Hercules Leg Cave entrance, we made a new friend. Click on the picture to see him. Contrary to his survival instinct, the little guy actually approached us!