Community Chat

[Spurt]

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@qualitygal wrote:

I think I'm too claustrophobic!!!  Even the thought of bats doesn't bother me.  Makes me think of Tom Sawyer.

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@qualitygal 

Yep, I've taken the tour of Longhorn Cavern located in Inks Lake State Park in Texas....the cave has quite an interesting history....it served as a home to Native Americans, a refuge for outlaws (outlaw Sam Bass is said to have hid 2 million in stolen money there) , settlers mined bat gano to make gunpowder, it was also a gambling casino, and even a dance hall......On the tour we even saw a tiny bat.....

[ScrapHappy]

Yes, LaRay Caverns.  Many, many years ago my parents took me to Crystal Caves.

[Kachina624]

Yes, Carlsbad Caverns Natl. Park and it was absolutely magnificent.  I wouldn't have missed it for the world.  Now they have an elevator so you don't have to walk up, which is quite steep.

Halfway through the tour, they assemble everyone in the "big room" and turn off the lights for a couple of minutes.  Its the darkest dark you'll ever experience.

The place is so huge, you never feel claustrophobic.  You're so busy gawking, you never think about it.

[FlyersGirl]

Yes Crystal Cave in Kutztown PA. I think the last time I was there I was about 15. Loved it at the time. Stalagmites and Stalactites. 

[northiie57]

My late hubby and I went several time to our local ice caves, amazing!

https://www.awesomemitten.com/grand-island-ice-caves/?fbclid=IwAR1XNPBXTk9qk_1ja22aOM1QiUOqqO45bYIIy...

[laluzdelmundo]

Yes, London's Bat Cave. LOL 

There was a huge actual "bat cave" at Canyon Lake (near Phoenix) that could only be accessed by water. It was pretty spooky, filled with bats of course, and had a pretty funky smell. Because of the high ceiling and the large opening at the entrance, it did not excite my claustrophia. It's was over 30 years ago and I'm wondering if it's still the same.

My parents took me to visit Carlsbad Caverns when I was 5 or so and I remember very little of that beyond the stalactites, which I thought were so facinating. I do not want to go there again nor into any other cave.

[wilma]

Yes. I live in KY so I've been to Mammoth Cave several times. I'm not claustrophobic, but if you are, there is a tour that's not so "confining". They offer several options for tours. I've also been to Squire Boone Caverns in Indiana with my students on field trips. We had a few students who couldn't handle that. I would love to see and tour the caves others have posted about. I think caves are fascinating.

[teganslaw]

I've been to Mammoth Cave in Kentucky years ago. 

Lookout Mountain Caverns in Tennessee is very nice. The underground waterfall known as Ruby Falls is a must see for tourists. One of the most beautiful sites ever.

[BirkiLady]

The US has fascinating caves! My parents took us through many when we were children. The history and geology enthralled us, which usually led to future vacations including other cave tours.

Then as a parent of a son, we began spelunking. What FUN that is! Never became frightened because there was so much more to see and learn. Most awesome experience to share with young teens! 

[Stray]

I’ve been to a couple of caves and they were dark & damp but not uncomfortable for me. I just came back from Croatia & went to a cave; we listened to a concert & the acoustics were wonderful. However, what was impressive, tho not a cave, located 135 meters (443 ft) underground was the Wieliczka salt mine in Poland. A whole cathedral, which holds mass, carved from salt. There are carvings as you walk along the passages also carved from salt. We walked down but, luckily, took the elevator back up. I understand there is a wellness spa even further down.