We had one day left to sightsee and one spot we ended up was the Historic Diamond Caverns (info here)
today there will be more photos than words
There are several caves in this area and we found that most recommended the Diamond Caverns over the massive Mammoth Caverns which has over 400 miles of tunnels
It is very dark down there. I was shooting at 3200 ISO wide open with a slow shutter so hopefully things won't be too blury. You are not allowed to bring tripods, monopods, movie cameras, hiking sticks, purses, backpacks, so it was a challenge
It was a moderate 58F down there.
Narrow stairways and steep steps
You are not allowed to wander aimlessly, you must be with a guide
A larger lung capacity would have come in handy as it was a strenuous walk back up
Can you notice the steep angle of the stairs ?
Tomorrow we head to Tennessee. I am thinking that I will be internet challenged for the next day or so as while there is Internet Available, it doesn't mention free and you know what that means. We thought that we got a good rate for the Hotel, but then they didn't tell us about charging $35. to park for the night.
Great photos of the underground caverns!
ReplyDeleteI grew up touring the caves, though mostly Mammoth Cave, as everyone who came to visit our family in those days got a run down to the caves from the Ft Knox area, my childhood home town.
Looking at it now I realize that I could never go in them again due to my severe claustrophobia, so I enjoyed touring them via your camera lens!
Very interesting caverns ... good for you for going down.
ReplyDeleteJust think of all the yummy food you can eat now with all that exercise from the caverns.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a great place to wander and spend an hour or two, especially on a hot day.
Bob, almost everywhere a person visits has an uphill to it. The older I get the more I dislike the uphill parts. I think my Pop tried to teach me that with the stories about walking to school uphill both ways.
ReplyDeleteWow, $35 to park at the hotel? Highway Robbery.
ReplyDeleteGood job shooting under such low light conditions.
Looks like fun! Are you heading through Colorado? When? We leave Wed from Denver making a few stops between here & Phoenix.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the cave photos. I have always enjoyed looking around caves. Try to hit Carlsbad Caverns later on in your trip if you are in the area. At least it would be all downhill followed by an elevator ride up at the end.
ReplyDeleteNow that makes it a lot easier. Like the elevator on the Amalfi cost that takes you down to the green grotto. Certainly scorned by hikers but appreciated by tourists.
DeleteHaven't been to the caves yet, but passed a few on the way to Oregon. So pretty, but I think I would have to plan a longer trip to go and enjoy! Pics are great for me to live vicariously through you though!
ReplyDeleteGreat pics, especially considering your lighting challenges. Would you really want to be allowed to wander aimlessly in a cave? I bet those temps felt nice in this recent heat wave. :-)
ReplyDeleteAs for hidden hotel fees... most hotels in cities charge for parking. And most of the "nicer" hotels charge for Internet use. I honestly think it's because they cater to business travelers, who need Internet access, and thus will pay, no matter the cost. It always seems ironic that normal folks like cheaper hotels because of the perks like free parking and Internet.
ReplyDeletePhotos look more than fine to me Bob. Never knew about the Diamond Cave, visited Mammoth twice years ago during a Blue Ridge Parkway ride.
ReplyDeletePopular places (and hotels) seem to charge for parking but what gets me more than that is valet parking.....what a nuisance.
Amazing pictures of the cave, Bob.
ReplyDeleteIt must be a challenge for the really fat folks on those stairs. When I visited Leman's caves off Hwy 50 in Nevada back in the 80's the Park guide seemed surprised that I was Canadian. I try not to sound like Bob and Doug McKenzie:)
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ReplyDeleteRest easy Bob. You're loved.
ReplyDeleteFarewell my friend. Thank you for all of your help, your kindness and enthusiasm for life.
ReplyDeleteSafe travels Bob. I couldn't ride yesterday, it wouldn't have been wise. Today I rode. I remembered seeing you in my mirrors, the perennial sweep. Thanks for having my six.
ReplyDelete:( til we meet again bob... ride with angels my friend.
ReplyDeletesending love and light to you, yvonne, family, and all the friends you've touched along the way.
You shared interesting information about Historic Diamond Caverns. It is a gorgeous natural festooned cave. I have visited this Cave after my us west coast bus tours with my family. It is really most beautiful. Its construction is awesome. You have also shared superior images of this Cave. Everyone visits this cave during these hours 10:00am to 5:00pm. I want to again visit this cave.
ReplyDeleteBob,
ReplyDeleteYou were one of a kind and the world is sadder without you in it. Miss you my friend, I hope you've talked all the angels into wearing pink crocs. You are dearly missed. Yvonne and family you are in my thoughts.
I'm having trouble believing you're gone. I'm so sorry we didn't meet. Just 5 more days. . .
ReplyDeleteI hope you welcome the other side as much as you have other adventures. You know that love you talked about missing? It's here, in the hearts of all of your friends and readers. We all miss you so!
Smooches and Smooches Sweetie. Oh how I wish I could have given you just one squeeze!
Sash
Riding with you and your spirit of joy and adventure every time I go out on the roads.
ReplyDeleteWhat an adventure you are having now my friend!
Will get to meet one day...