Hiked into the valley in '94, '96 and now '99. The pumice pounded against their tent at night in the wind sounding like gravel thrown at a tin roof. Walking often meant precarious steps across a waterbed of pumice floating on water, or dragging through a pea soup mixture of water and ash. They reached the Novarupta dome on the second day and watched the fumaroles smoking rhythmically on alternating sides, as if it was breathing deeply. For days on end they listened to nothing but the wind.
Cabins provide some respite from the constant wind for weary travellers in the valley.
They were built for geological research and are located within a day's hike of most volcanic features. Now in a state of disrepair, it saddens repeat hikers like Bob and Deb who have found shelter here over many years. We had to insist that we wanted to fly over the volcanoes and craters despite discouraging views from Mike, the Brooks Lodge manager, and caution from Chris, the float plane pilot who finally was called in. Committed, he took the time to clean the back windows so we could photograph. No, just volcano enthusiasts.