Day 16, 19 August: Carey to Arco, ID
Day 16 was basically a repeat of yesterday in terms of distance and climb, but a bit more to see. About 10 miles out we entered Craters of the Moon National Monument, a lava landscape created by eruptions along the Great Rift volcanic zone from 15,000 to about 2,000 years ago.
After a descent to the desert floor and rest stop, we regrouped at a park in Arco and proceeded to a museum commemorating the town’s history as the first in the world to be lighted by nuclear-generated power – only for an hour or so in 1955, but a watershed event nonetheless. That and many more contributions from the nearby Idaho National Laboratory are documented here. One of the prototype reactors that submarine officers train on was located here. The site includes a submarine memorial and the sail of the USS Hawkbill (SSN-666), which of course was meaningful to Tes.
We held evening quarters honoring Scott Hendrickson. We ride tomorrow for Steve Dole, Jeff Welsh and Rex Aaron, all of 11th Co.
Dave grilled cheeseburgers for dinner and we partook of the Arco KOA’s evening ice cream social. Thanks, Tes!
Tomorrow is a long one, 89 miles and likely rain. I’m not sure exactly how to dress and will make the call when we see how it is in the morning. At least it’s relatively flat and should be good road. After that a welcome day off in Rexburg!
Bill Montgomery
USNA 1973 Ride-2-Remember 
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