Before we left on the trip when asked what he was most looking forward to, Henry said, “Mammoth Caves”. Well, it did not disappoint. Before setting off on our tour, the rangers issued several warnings: people with claustrophobia, fear of heights, heart issues, etc. should reconsider their choice. Despite the fact that it was in the high 90’s outside, we put on long pants and carried a sweatshirt to enter the cave where the temperature was to be 54 degrees. For large portions of the tour, we needed to walk single file, there wasn’t room to pass. It was during these portions that I completely understood the claustrophobia concern. At one point the lights were turned off. We were warned this would happen and instructed to put away any watches or anything else that would emit light. We experienced complete darkness for two minutes. Then the ranger lit a lighter. It was amazing to how much a little light could illuminate.
We hit another cave that afternoon: “Lost River Cave.” It offered a boat ride on a river in a cave. How could we pass that up? In the 30’s this cave was a dance club. The tour guide also bragged that Jesse James hid out here. (This and every other cave claims to have had Jesse James hiding out.) Before we left Lost River Cave the kids mined for gems. They loved it. We paid for a bag of dirt that the kids poured into a mining pan and filtered. Eureka! Gems! The next morning we returned to Mammoth Cave Nat’l Park to get our National Parks Passport stamped with our first stamp and for the kids to be awarded Junior Ranger certificates and badges. On our first day in the park the kids were given books by the ranger. The books are filled with information and activities. Depending on the kid’s age, they have to complete a certain number of activities to earn a badge.
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