The Big Hole

Tuesday we wanted to go see the big hole just 6 miles from our campground--Meteor Crater. Bob had been showing Chris and DeAnna the short video on computer for several days. I think they thought we were actually going to see the meteor fall to earth!

We got credit for a cache by taking a photo in front of the museum.
Once inside, Chris tried to pick up the piece of meteorite on display--he couldn't budge it--it weighs 1,400 pounds.
You cannot go to the crater floor, but there is a simulation area for photos to make it look like you are in the hole.
Before you see some of the next pictures, let me tell you it was extremely windy. We started to go on the rim tour, but the wind was so bad we didn't think we should. The rim tour lasts an hour and takes you along the rim of the canyon to picture rock which is on the upper left of this picture.
We did go out to the observation areas. The wind was really whipping everything and everyone around. We started at the upper observation area.Then we went to the lower observation area.We thought it would be a bit more sheltered, but the observation deck was made of planks--the wind came up from below!The crater is unbelievably deep. The square in the center of this picture is a six foot high fence around the original drilling area. On the right front corner is a six foot cut-out of an astronaut. You can't see him without using the telescopes.
This is another view of the crater.The kids and I found a sheltered area at the lowest observation area and Grandpa stood in the wind. Notice the hood on his jacket.....
We stayed sheltered as long as we could, but we finally had to leave.We returned to the rv, but no one wanted to go out because of the wind.
Bobby and Cathy arrived early in the afternoon. The plan is to move on to Grand Canyon Wednesday. Has anyone checked the weather? It is going to be COLD every night we're there.