Cave Exploration: Unexpected

Cave of Wonders....

This story begins on a birthday trip. We stayed in Jelly Stone national park in Cave City, Kentucky. We were in a cabin that had bunk beds, a small kitchenette, a bathroom, and a pull-out couch as well as a fire pit outside. We went to a dinosaur museum, went swimming, and of course visited a dark and mysterious cave.

In all seriousness, we weren't sure what to expect but this was not it. Not in a bad way just in a surprising one. We got ready, had breakfast, and hopped a packed bus to Mammoth Cave. The bus stops on a hill "above" the cave. You walk downhill and enter a small opening that leads into the Cave of Wonders. (Get the reference;)) Upon entering, you are met with a narrow passageway with an even narrower flight of stairs. When I say narrow, I mean you had to slide sideways past jutting out walls that if you weren't careful, could completely rip open the side of your face. Joy!

As we began to ascend these stairs, we encountered a giant cave dwelling spider. This spider was at eye level and looked like it could be a tarantula! Sad part was, you couldn't turn back, there were people coming up the stairs behind you and you couldn't run forward because people were there too. So, we had to pretend to be brave as we shuffled pass this giant spider. I don't suffer from claustrophobia, but on that day, all bets were off.

Once we were up the stairs (Big sigh of relief) the cave was huge! We saw stalactites (icicles hanging for the ceiling) and stalagmites (icicles that rise from the cave floor.) They were truly beautiful. Nothing like I'd ever seen before. You felt instantly relaxed as you heard the water drops hitting the ground. As our tour continued, we entered a wide open "room" with lights and rows of benches set up toward the middle. The tour guide told us to be seated as they explained more about the cave. To be truthful, I don't remember half of what was said, I was still shocked by all that we had seen.

Remember how I said you felt relaxed, this feeling came to an abrupt end. They proceeded to turn off every light inside the cave. They also told us to be silent as the cave became eerily quiet. It was so dark in fact, that you couldn't see your hand in front of your face. I may have had a slight panic attack, who am I kidding everyone on our tour did. Once all the lights were turned on, we continued with the tour.

Walking through this area felt more like a walk in the park. A breeze if you will. Then we came to a section where two large, cavernous drop-offs welcomed with open arms on each side of us. There were no railings, no walls, NADA. Just two literal black holes, where you couldn't even pretend to see the "bottom." Get me out of here now. I'm no longer having fun.

We finally came to the end of our tour. Hopped on the bus and headed home. With all joking aside, it was an incredibly experience. I highly recommend. The uninterrupted beauty of this cave is what got me. One of the coolest experiences I have had. Jellystone Park was great as well. We ate smores and defended ourselves from attacking bees. Little side story, as we tried to take pictures with the Yogi and BooBoo bear statues, large bees started swarming us. We had to duck and run for cover all the while trying to get a good picture. Interesting to say the least.

Thanks for reading. Please contact me with any stories you have. I'd love to hear from you! Until next time. Bye!