Filling the map!

I had my cave tour ticket for 9:15 AM on Wednesday morning.  Got there a little early to get my Park Passport book stamped. I was taking the Frozen Niagra tour. They take you on a 10 minute ride by bus first. I did pick the perfect tour for me though. Took my walking sticks which helped tremendously. Was hoping to see a bat but all I saw were cave crickets. The tour was 3/4 of a mile in each direction. There was a lot of stopping and discussions by the ranger. All so interesting. At one point there were 98 steps that were optional. At first I wasn't going to do them but the ranger said it was well worth it and he wouldn't leave without me. So I ventured down the steps and oh so beautiful.  It was called the drapery room. Soooo many different kinds of draperies. Slow coming up but obviously I did make it. He was right, it was well worth it. After that, I did a self guided tour. Rangers were along the way to answer any questions. I started down the trail into the cave which was 54 degrees (96 outside). The trail was extremely dark and hilly and pretty long. Again, glad I did it. On the way back after you got out of the cave the hill was straight up, it seemed. Good thing there were lots of benches to rest on that trek. So the cave has 405 discovered miles of cave. As you walk through you can see where they have certain areas marked and are still working to find more cave. The cave finders are all volunteer and many archeologists. Needless to say, I was kinda pooped so went back to RV

And took Asher to the dog park to play with his buddies!

s.     

On the way out of the park I passed this cemetery. It was quite old as you can see by the photo. The interesting part was the name of the cemetery. Little Hope Cemetery. So was it Little Hope Cemetery, meaning small or was it Little Hope Cemetery, meaning there was little hope. As in art, it is up to your own interpretation.

 

 

I was supposed to leave in the morning of the 15th, my birthday, and head to Missouri. Was all hooked up, unplugged ready to leave and the skies opened, with major lightning and thunder.  Fortunately my spot was available to stay another night. I spent the good part of the day watching movies and eating chocolate chip cookies that my friends Jack and Trish had delivered to my campground! The sun finally returned about 4:00 and I rode around with the camp manager and Asher in her golf cart. Was a fun afternoon. 

Finally left on Friday morning about 8:15. Drove thru Indiana and Illinois and finally to the Casino Queen campground about 3:15. Very nice place with lots of security. They actually come pick you up at your site and take you either to the casino or the metro liner. Went to the casino and lost a bundle, $10.00. Had supper at the steak house and left. Tomorrow I have tickets to take a tram ride to the top of the arch which you can see from the campground. 

 

 Asher and I bid ya'all a good night!