Post by L Roebuck on May 19, 2006 8:23:52 GMT -5
Explore the underside of Dunbar Cave
By ANN WALLACE
The Leaf-Chronicle
Taking a hike into one of Clarksville's gems can be a chilling experience.
As you venture deep into the bowels of the earth — at least 150 feet — on a cave hike at Dunbar Cave State Natural Area the temperature will drop to 58 degrees.
"I remember visiting Dunbar Cave as a child for day camp with my school group," says Barbara Wilbur, a member of Friends of Dunbar Cave.
"We went there for parties and concerts," says Wilbur, who also shares the wonders of Dunbar Cave with her children and grandchildren.
The guided hikes are scheduled for 1 and 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in May, as well as 10 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Memorial Day, May 29. The 1/2-mile hikes take about one hour to complete.
Your starting point is in the roomy mouth of the cave where square dances, radio shows and big band concerts were once held.
As you descend into the cave — and as light fades into total darkness (seriously) — don't be surprised in a small, furry winged creature zips by your face. You won't have to time to react, except to say, "Ohmigod! A bat!."
Don't worry. They prefer mosquitoes over humans.
After shaking off the bat experience, you'll notice grafitti — some of it from Civil War days — come under the glow of your flash light, which is mandatory to enter the cave. Some of the grafitti tells fascinating stories, such as about a man who fancied bringing different lady friends to the cavern — wonder if they cared about the bats?
Also look for cave popcorn, brimstone, salamanders and crickets, too.
Excavations have revealed that man has occupied this cave for thousands of years.
"Dunbar Cave is a marvelous teaching opportunity from both a historic and environmental perspective," says Wilbur, a retired educator.
People are encouraged to call in advance for reservations as group size is limited per hike. Hikers should wear sturdy shoes and bring a flashlight for each person.
The cave hike schedule expands in June when there will be hikes Wednesday through Sunday.
Ann Wallace is a features writer and can be reached by telephone at 245-0287 or through e-mail at annwallace@theleafchronicle.com.
The Leaf-Chronicle
NSS Bookstore: "Dunbar Cave The Showplace of the South"
By ANN WALLACE
The Leaf-Chronicle
Taking a hike into one of Clarksville's gems can be a chilling experience.
As you venture deep into the bowels of the earth — at least 150 feet — on a cave hike at Dunbar Cave State Natural Area the temperature will drop to 58 degrees.
"I remember visiting Dunbar Cave as a child for day camp with my school group," says Barbara Wilbur, a member of Friends of Dunbar Cave.
"We went there for parties and concerts," says Wilbur, who also shares the wonders of Dunbar Cave with her children and grandchildren.
The guided hikes are scheduled for 1 and 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in May, as well as 10 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Memorial Day, May 29. The 1/2-mile hikes take about one hour to complete.
Your starting point is in the roomy mouth of the cave where square dances, radio shows and big band concerts were once held.
As you descend into the cave — and as light fades into total darkness (seriously) — don't be surprised in a small, furry winged creature zips by your face. You won't have to time to react, except to say, "Ohmigod! A bat!."
Don't worry. They prefer mosquitoes over humans.
After shaking off the bat experience, you'll notice grafitti — some of it from Civil War days — come under the glow of your flash light, which is mandatory to enter the cave. Some of the grafitti tells fascinating stories, such as about a man who fancied bringing different lady friends to the cavern — wonder if they cared about the bats?
Also look for cave popcorn, brimstone, salamanders and crickets, too.
Excavations have revealed that man has occupied this cave for thousands of years.
"Dunbar Cave is a marvelous teaching opportunity from both a historic and environmental perspective," says Wilbur, a retired educator.
People are encouraged to call in advance for reservations as group size is limited per hike. Hikers should wear sturdy shoes and bring a flashlight for each person.
The cave hike schedule expands in June when there will be hikes Wednesday through Sunday.
Ann Wallace is a features writer and can be reached by telephone at 245-0287 or through e-mail at annwallace@theleafchronicle.com.
The Leaf-Chronicle
NSS Bookstore: "Dunbar Cave The Showplace of the South"
