An Underground Adventure

This time we were prepared.  During our last cave adventure, R and I practically froze as we weaved our way through the dark cave for the 30 minute tour.  Knowing this one was considerably longer, we dressed warmly for the occasion. 

Eerie lights guided us through the maze of rock, Tennessee dirt, and wooden guardrails.  Pointing out the stalactites and stalagmites, our guide was quick to elaborate on the beauty and history of the natural wonders of the cave.

Perhaps for creativity, the park has left a recreated version of a whiskey still, one of many that used to litter the recesses of the cave.  Local residents used to be able to wander in and out of the cave at their own leasure, and while some of the property has been defaced by traveling groups, there still remains bits of history, such as graffiti from the Civil War and artifacts from indigenous tribes.

And for the last part of the tour, we rode in a boat to see the cave's pond filled with fish.  Although I do hate to look at schools of fish, the underwater lights had a surreal effect on the walls of the cave as dark, big fish created shadows.

It is amazing to think what this cave had seen in all its years.  It's amazing to think of the people who wandered in and discovered its secrets.  And even more amazing is that there are still parts undiscovered.