Intact Lava Tubes and Tortoises

After the collapsed lava tubes we went to see intact lava tubes.  There were stair ways into the tubes and then we walked through them to the other side and then up the stairs to get out.  In the surrounding fields are several tortoises.  Some in the grass, some in the ponds but none of them moving swiftly.

Grazing Tortoise

Tortoise Two

the entrance to the lava tube

Down down it goes

Patti in the distance

The tube had allot of structure along the sides

There were ripples in the rock where the lava flowed

A two level lava flow, not sure if it is two different flows or one flow with a harder center area from a former flow

Lots of structure in the lava tube

This tube is very long

A plant grows anywhere there is light

Lunch time for the reptiles

Quite tasty indeed

Close up time

Most leathery

Males tails turn to the side to protect the jewels

An introduced species the Ani

The SS tortoise has sailed

I really like the reflection in the water to complete the circle

Huge fore limbs

A shell that is empty

Inside the shell

The backbone is fused to the shell

Bone Yard

Different shells for different species