This was our only week long trip for 2006. We decided Mammoth Cave would be the destination and everything else would be winged without reservations since most of the schools were already in session. Worked out well and we had a lot of fun.

First stop was Cumberland Mtn State Park. One of the things nearby was the Homestead Tower which was built by the homesteaders who worked the 10,000 acres purchased under TDR's New Deal.

Linda, Stephanie, and Jessica in the top of the tower. The 97 stairs to the top was a little bit of a work out.

Next, we moved up to the Mammoth Cave area. The tourist highlight of the stop at Mammoth was a lantern tour of the Great Onyx Cave. Eight old fashioned Coleman lanterns provided all the lighting. The family think the lanterns made for an extremely nice change from the electrical lights.

Stalagmite and columns near the entrance.

A large section of ribbon fallen from the roof

The required family portrait on any tour.

A very unusual "flower" of gypsum called "The Rose."

A short little hike from the Green River brought us to Echo River Spring.

This is One of the places where water flows from the caves.

We also managed a short hike from the visitor center. These two hikes were part of looking for clues to answer a GeoCaching GeoSpot.

GeoCaching caused us to stop at a few places we normally would have driven by. Like walking to the center of the parking area.

Or this information sign which talks about the replanting of the forest after removing the farmers.

The sign was at an old church which had been braced to prevent from falling. We walked through the graveyard looking at the tombstones too.

The next day, we spent relaxing around the camp ground. It gave me time to get some pictures of Moutardier COE for my web pages. Was nice sleeping in, playing games, swimming and taking a nap.

A wonderful breeze blew off the lake most of the time we were there which kept the bugs down to a minimum except the honey bees after our sodas.

The shortest, not necesarily the quickest way into Mammoth Cave is down the backroads to via the Green River Ferry. Don't go this way with your trailer though since they aren't allowed.

(c) 2006