Monday, July 15, 2024

Enchanted Cave

I'm wrapping up the last of the outings me and Jess had when she came to visit me in the mountains.  This day was a fun one, as we drove to see the cave that is located not that far from here.  This neat cave is a lava tube that was formed by a volcano 20,000 years ago.  It is completely dark inside, so you have to bring a flashlight or a lantern to accompany you.  It gets very cold inside the cave, and remains 46 degrees year round.  The hike is only 1/3 of a mile, so it is accessible for kids and older people.  I didn't go through the cave myself, and took a nice walk with Charlotte, but I did walk to the entrance of the cave and took a few pictures.  Come along, and see the interesting and somewhat spooky cave that Jess and Francesca and uncle b. walked through.



















 When they finished walking through the cave, and they came out from another direction, Francesca saw me and shouted "grandma!"  This is a popular attraction in this area, and I'm glad that Jess was able to experience it, and spend this time with her brother.

~Sheri

29 comments:

Debby said...

The first time I walked through the cave that you mentioned, we used a flashlight with a very weak battery. Then my husband jokingly said, "Watch out for the snakes," and that did it. I had to finish since I was halfway through, but it was scary as my imagination got the best of me.
Next time I will wait on the outside of it!

I love our area! I'm glad you were able to visit the cave and took some nice photos of it, as well as darling photos of your family. Have a wonderful weekend!

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Sheri,
That was an interesting cave, however short in distance.
In the South of my Province of birth there are huge marl caves and they spread into Belgium as well.
Indeed, the temperature inside remains year–round the very same.
Hugs,
Mariette

Katerinas Blog said...

The cave that was formed by a volcano 20,000 years ago looks extremely interesting!
You had a great time with Ches!
Have a beautiful week!

Jeanie said...

This looks like a great experience together Sheri -- though I have to admit, I don't think I'd be comfy there. Too worried I'd slip or get a little claustrophobic. Yet it looks cool inside and very interesting. My favorite parts, though, are the photos of you and your "girls."

Ginny Hartzler said...

Yikes, that is scary to me. I would not have gone in, either. What I see at the end, is that a turn? Is it very long?

Rajani Rehana said...

Beautiful blog

Carla from The River said...

Hi Sheri,
Did you see any bats?

LoveT. said...


The photos are great, you look so happy. Jess has so much love on her face, her eyes are always shining.
The cave is unusual, I would also go in. :)

LoveT. said...

The photos are great, you look so happy. Jess has so much love on her face, her eyes are always shining.
The cave is unusual, I would also go in. :)

VENTANA DE FOTO said...

Muy interesante la aventura, hasta la pequeña, ha disfrutado con la excursión.
Un abrazo.

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

Wow, I bet that was a cool spot on a hot day! You and your family certainly enjoyed some interesting places, Sheri. Family times are always the most cherished of times, aren't they? I enjoyed seeing your photos of this special time. Have a great week!

Chatty Crone said...

So that was your enchanted cave - when I looked at it I said no way would I go down there! It looked too scary for me.
Who watched the baby, or did you take her too?
How nice your son and daughter got to see each other.
I noticed your eyes - they are black and just gorgeous!
I guess the girls were not scared.
We have caves near us in Chattanooga - Rock City - and they go deep where the stalactite and stalagmites grow. Can't say I love caves. A little claustrophobic!
A great visit though.

Shug said...

Very interesting. I'm assuming you have been in it before. Great pictures of the family and it is so good that Jess and your son were able to experience this together. I am too afraid of caves so I most likely would not have gone in. I'm glad you shared the pictures of the cave and wow...to think of this being formed 20,000 years ago. I know you all had such a great visit....

CiNdEe's GaRdEn said...

Sheri,
I haven't been there since high school, but I remember going there and the teasing of snakes inside. There is another cool place to visit that is really fun too. Stays cool in the summer so makes it a perfect place to visit! Haven't been there in several years either. Glad you are enjoying your visit!!!!

Louca por porcelana said...

Precious time with your adorable Family! Best wishes, dear Sheri.

gluten Free A_Z Blog said...

Wow ! Tha cave is impressive and so interesting that it formed by a volcano 20,000 years ago. What a great adventure for Jess!

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

Caves are so interesting but I am with you, they are not my favorite, so fun that your kids got to enjoy it together! Precious pictures of you and your children! It's always so fun to explore your local area. So glad that you had such a wonderful visit with your kids!!! Many blessings to you!

Red Rose Alley said...

Thank you, Pat, for following us. I appreciate that very much. : )

Jim and Barb's Adventures said...

We do love our cave tours, and this looks like a great one!

Susan said...

Oh Sheri. I'd be with you...OUTSIDE of that cave. It would be too spooky for me. Oh gosh, your daughter and granddaughter were BRAVE to go in there. Thanks for the great photos and for sharing. Hugs. Susan

Rose said...

Do you not like caves? Not sure I would now...but have gone through one or two when younger and liked it. I have changed a lot with age.

Debby said...

Sheri, Its time for me to say Goodbye here on the blogosphere. I'm shutting down my blog and in a couple of weeks I will decide to take it somewhere else.
You have my email and I wanted you to know what a sweet person you are. Yours was always my favorite blog. Take Care and God Bless

roughterrain crane said...

When I see big caves, I always think about ancient people who might have lived in it or worship it as a sacred place.
Francesca walked into the unknown world with anxiety. She saw you with full of sunlight and warmth. Her shout expresses her relief.

Donna said...

Aww, Glad you all enjoyed your time there! Cool looking cave!
hugs
Donna

Red Rose Alley said...

Thank you, Prairie Rose, for following us. I appreciate that very much.

Carola Bartz said...

Lava tubes are so fascinating. The first time I went into one was at Lava Beds National Monument and then again on the Big Island of Hawai'i. I remember that at Lava Beds we had to wear hard hats because some of the tubes were quite low, narrow and, of course, dark, and hitting your head is quite painful. I'm glad that you could have such a great time together.

Debbie Nolan said...

Sheri how amazing. I have toured caves in Virginia and you are so right...extremely cool - love the photos of everyone. That little Charlotte is getting so big and cute as a button. Glad you had a great day with your family. Hope the end of July brings you more joy dear friend. Hugs!

Marilyn Miller said...

What a great cave. I would be intrigued probably enough to go inside, but it does also look "spooky". Caves are a bit scary, but fascinating too. Loved see your little grand girls too. So cute!

Haddock said...

Lovely pictures. I liked that "close inspection of the castle"