Early spring flowers. Abundance is often just noticing.Signs of an old home place. Land was purchased for the park in the late 1930’s and 1940’s. My family was one that had to leave their homes as they were in what became the National Park. The ground under their farm is known as Great Onyx Cave.Cemetery at Mammoth Cave Church. I have ancestors buried here.Entrance to Floyd Collin’s Crystal Cave. Floyd was trapped in and died in Sand Cave. He was looking fo a connection to his Crystal Cave that was closer to the main road so he could attract more tourist.The Cave area is one of the oldest tourist attractions in the U.S. Like Crystal Cave, there were so many caves in operation that there were Cave Wars. There are still a handful of private caves, but many of the others are now in the Park. Some of the best know like Crystal, Great Onyx and Colossal are rarely or never shown by the Park Service.
What an interesting post. I well remember my visit to Mammoth Cave when I was still in grade school. My memories are a little dim, but I certainly remember how wet everything was, and how the metal stairs were lit with single hanging light bulbs, just like my grandmother’s fruit cellar. I remember drawing stalagtites and stalagmites for show and tell at school, too.
Oh, gosh. So long ago. I wish. Some very rural place, I’m pretty sure the caves were at least a 2 or 3 hour drive. I was a child. I remember “hopkinsville” or something like that was the closest town.
Gosh, now you’ve got me about ready to text my momma and find out the exact town. I need to call her soon anyway, maybe I’ll ask then and circle back to this 🙂 I have no idea why I care so much! I guess just because you asked and I want to deliver an answer.
Fascinating learning about you and your ancestors’ connection to Mammoth Cave. My parents took us to Luray Caverns in Virginia when we were children and that memory is pretty hazy now. Your picture of the entrance to Floyd Collin’s Crystal Cave — I’m not sure I’d dare to go in there! But the spring walk on the ground above looks lovely.
The Yoga Cowgirl 
What an interesting post. I well remember my visit to Mammoth Cave when I was still in grade school. My memories are a little dim, but I certainly remember how wet everything was, and how the metal stairs were lit with single hanging light bulbs, just like my grandmother’s fruit cellar. I remember drawing stalagtites and stalagmites for show and tell at school, too.
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Cool! I’m guessing you were on the Frozen Niagara tour from your description.
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Nice pics. My Grandma used to live there, I believe I went as a child.
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Cool! Do you remember where she lived?
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Oh, gosh. So long ago. I wish. Some very rural place, I’m pretty sure the caves were at least a 2 or 3 hour drive. I was a child. I remember “hopkinsville” or something like that was the closest town.
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Well that gives me a good idea of the area. Yeah, that is still the area of BIG farms, very rural.
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Gosh, now you’ve got me about ready to text my momma and find out the exact town. I need to call her soon anyway, maybe I’ll ask then and circle back to this 🙂 I have no idea why I care so much! I guess just because you asked and I want to deliver an answer.
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It is a connection to a blogging friend and your roots, a part of who you are and from where you came.
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Exploring out on nature is so much fun and so interesting what we can learn. Thanks for sharing the spots where your soul roams Sarah 😊
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Thank you.
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I’m pretty sure I must’ve visited here, but it was so long ago that I don’t remember details. Maybe I need to schedule a re-visit?!?
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Come on down!
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Fascinating learning about you and your ancestors’ connection to Mammoth Cave. My parents took us to Luray Caverns in Virginia when we were children and that memory is pretty hazy now. Your picture of the entrance to Floyd Collin’s Crystal Cave — I’m not sure I’d dare to go in there! But the spring walk on the ground above looks lovely.
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Those hand carved steps are narrow and slick. Though I am struck by how he tried to create a beautiful setting for his cave.
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Such rich history and wonderful memories of your family Sarah! 💖
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