Cave Country

Kentucky is known for karst topography, 

where the earth consists of soluble limestone that is 

easily dissolved by the slightly acidic underground water.

This forms sinkholes and caves and Kentucky has lots of both.

On our way to Mammoth Cave, the world's longest cave,

we checked out Cub Run Cave.

Cub Run Cave was discovered in 1950, toured for a year

 and then sealed in a legal dispute for 55 years.

Consequently, it did not suffer from commercial vandalism

 where patrons were allowed to carve their names

 or break off a piece of the cave for a souvenir.

 The unassuming entrance.

 Inside is a wonderland of cave formations.

The ceiling is covered with stalagtites.

And there are huge stalagmites.

 rippling pools

 cave bacon,

and intricate flowstone.

We also saw many of the cave creatures, such as cave crickets

salamanders,

 bats,

and even the elusive blind crayfish.

Cub Run is a fantastic cave.

Don't miss it when in the Mammoth Cave area!