This is where we will be for the next 5 nights.
Tuesday was a gray and cloudy day. Although we did ride, it was so cold and yucky out that I never took my camera out. Wednesday looked like more of the same, so we went to Blanchard Springs Caverns. This is a 'Living' cave. It is the only tourist cave that is owned by the Forest Service, other federally owned caves are part of the Park Systems. The difference is that Blanchard Springs is less well known, due to the USFS not having the Marketing budget that the Park Systems has.
Although the locals knew about the caves from the early 1900's, exploration really began in 1955. The caves opened to the public in 1973. Currently only the Dripstone trail is open, as the other route is closed for bat hibernation.
Caves are so cool, I like touring them
Looks like something out of Dr. Seuss' Whoville. Where's the Grinch??
This reminded me of a prairie dog
Looks like the Opera House balcony
More neat stuff
Soda straws on the ceiling
After our time in the cave, we went though the rest of the rec area. We checked things out and did a little hiking.
It is a beautiful area
with towering rocks
and gigantic caves
The rock over the cave is really thick. There is evidence that locals sheltered here during winter storms
More deciduous trees
We hiked down to the old Mill pond
lots of fish in the pond
In the 30's and 40's the CCC were busy here, building pathways
This one went to Blanchard Springs, where it comes out of the caves
The CCC also built some roads and bridges
The trail was a little sketchy in places
Thursday and Friday both had sunshine even if they weren't real warm. But everything looks better in the sunshine.
Thursday we went southwest
Friday we went northeast
The sky was blue
but cold enough to wear many layers, including the electric jackets!
It is really rolling hills in this area
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