Kartchner CavernsFeb 28, 2012
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Big Room Formations
Soda straw
Bacon ribbon
| We have been told by several RV’ers that while staying in Tucson we must go to the Kartchner Caverns. Each described this place with words or phrases like ‘spectacular’, ‘uniquely beautiful’, or ‘like nothing you have ever seen’. One person said “It’s just a cave, but you should go see it anyway”. Well we went and it was all of those things and more. Unfortunately we were not allowed to take any pictures but I did capture a few from others visitors and have posted them for you. In the end no picture can replace being in this cave, feeling the 98% humidity, taking in the earthy smell, and observing the pristine condition of this living cave environment. Our tour guide, Heidi, was a fill in guide who is really a scientist of sorts. She specializes in Bats but also does research on birds and water outside, and water, mineral and micro-organisms inside the cave. She provided a depth of understanding of the “living cave” that allowed us to appreciate the stalagmites, stalactites, and speleothemes in a whole new way. We also saw where the bats return to have there babies each year in addition to other locations where they just hang around. Our group asked lots of questions that also added to the quality of our tour. We entered the Big Room cave through a series of 5 doors. Only one could be opened at a time to insure the humidity remained high and that air only entered through natural means. They have taken great care to preserve these caves in their natural state while providing access to the public in a minimally invasive way. It was interesting that many of the formations had been given nicknames centered on food – the strawberry room, bacon ribbons, fried egg, turnips, and carrots. Each of these are formed by excruciatingly slow dripping water that has seeped down from the surface carrying different minerals along that give the formations their color. We were lucky enough to actually observe a drop fall from a stalactite into a ‘fried egg’. Heidi said it was likely the only drop that would fall that day. When we left the cave, again through multiple doors we were greeted by lots of sunshine, a warm wind, and about 35% humidity. The dampness on our skin and clothing seemed to evaporate within 5 minutes and the sunshine was certainly welcome. All in all it was a very memorable day. |
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