May 5, 2006 – Another Cave Visit

Since it was raining again today, we decided to take another cave tour so at 8:00 AM we headed to the Visitor Center for the New Entrance Cave Tour (3/4 miles). Our tour guides were Ranger Dave and Ranger Bob. This cave was also very different from the other cave tour. This was the east end of Mammoth Cave. Yesterday was the west end of Mammoth Cave. Once we entered the Cave, we had to climb down 329 steps to get to level 3. This tour had many small passages and only a few larger areas. Here is a picture of the typical passage ways:

It was another dry area but at the end of the tour we entered the wet area that had the stalactites and stalagmites. Since we were a small group, he was able to take us to a couple of side trips – what another incredible experience. We did find out that on level 6 there is an underground river that flows to the Green River. There are a few eyeless creatures that live in that river. According to Ranger Dave, there are some special tours offered in the summer to that river but it is considered a strenuous hike. Amazing!!!

I do not have any good pictures of the cave since it was very dimly lit and hard to take with a camera. Sorry.

Since it was still raining, we decided to do the Flint Ridge Scenic Drive and then go to some of the small towns in the area (Cave City, Park City, and Glasgow). There are many farms in this area with lots of cows, calves, and we even saw Texas Longhorn cows (hugh horns!). We were able to get a picture of Andy and me at the Mammoth Cave sign:


And of the ferry crossing (we won’t fit!!):


The rain finally stopped around 5:00 and we were able to enjoy a wonderful evening around the campfire – watching the butterflies: