THAT'S ONE BIG HOLE IN THE GROUND

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30

I've noticed that the front end of the pickup bounced a little bit a we were on our way the last few days. I figured that a tire was out of balance and decided to take a look. Not only was it out of balance but the tread was wearing thin on all of the tires. I knew I would need to replace them soon, but not this soon. First we went to Wal-Mart and then to Big O Tire Store. Big O didn't have anything in stock and Wal-Mart had a good price. Problem was, the tires they had wouldn't hold the necessary pressure 80 lbs. Fortunately the tech at WalMart discovered that before he installed anything. We found a tire store in Glascow that had what we needed so now "baby has some new shoes." 

A field of tobacco.

After a quick lunch at Long John Silvers we headed back to Cave City and Mammoth Cave National Park.

 Let me tell my senior friends - if you don't have a Sr. Pass for national parks, be sure to get one. They cost $10 and get you in to National Parks free. Our admission to the cave was 1/2 price - a total of $5.00. You can get one at any National Park once you turn 62. Upon our arrival at Mammoth Cave National Park, we at first signed up for the 2 hour Historic tour. When we got to orientation the Ranger said that we shouldn't go if we were claustrophobic or didn't like heights. Jenna doesn't like tight places and I am not fond of high places. Consequently, we backed out of that one and signed up for the 1 1/2 hour Mammoth Passage tour. 

       it was a long way down to the cave entrance.

The park ranger pointed out a "breakdown."  They don't like to call them cave-ins.

 We joined about 35 others and a park ranger for a leisurely stroll about 1/2 mile into the cave. It was very cool - 55 degrees - as we descended into the cave. The ranger told us that people have beeen coming into Mammoth Cave for apprroximately 4000 years. Currently there are 400 miles of cave that have been explored and mapped. He described it as a pile of spaghetti with passageways on top of each other running in every direction. It was an interesting tour - one I would recommend. The whole Mammoth Cave National Park was very beautiful - very green and well manicured in the public areas. If you come to tour, bring a jacket as it is cold down there. Tomorrow we head out for Dayton, Ohio about 255 miles. When we get there we will be just over half way to our final destination in Stowe, Vermont. Until tomorrow - Happy Trails.