Spider Cave

Finally got John into Spider cave this week. What's so exciting/significant about Spider Cave you ask? Spider cave is one of our off trail tours. It's more of a mental challenge, but does require some physical challenges. I was very proud of him because I know he was a little apprehensive about the trip.

This particular cave tour starts with a 1/2 mile hike down into the bottom of a canyon. From there, you climb about ten feet down a ladder into the entrance of the cave. That's actually the easy part. Next, you encounter a 30 foot belly crawl (yes, even for me) which curves you around. There are two sections, where a good size adult male (like John) have to physically dig the rocks from underneath them to squeeze through the opening! Yeah, I know some of you think we're both crazy.

We had a good lead ranger (thanks Sam) who is actually a little bigger than John. He was right in front on John. I was behind John encouraging him when he got to the most difficult parts. Once you make it past the 'squeeze' we arrive in what they call the auditorium. It's NOT a big room, but large enough for about ten adults to sit down in comfortably.

From that point, there's a lot to see and do in the cave. Several other physical challenges, but nothing like the first thirty feet. Spider cave offers some very interesting formations, some very white in color and also a lot of mineral deposits, leaving the cave walls red, or orange and almost yellow. Overall, a very beautiful cave to visit.

If you're interested in this particular cave tour, it's only offered to the public on Sunday. It tends to book up several months in advance as the tour is limited to eight people.

Working OT today - Bat flight tonight followed by the Star Party. Supposed to be hot. Looking forward to a break in the triple digit weather, although no relief is in sight! Keep cool...

Val & John