2007/06/05
Jewel Cave
From the National Park's website: "At 139 miles, Jewel cave is the second longest cave in the world. It is filled with calcite crystals and other wonders that make up the "jewels" of Jewel Cave National Monument". Volunteer cavers are actively exploring the cave so it may continue to grow in length as new tunnels are discovered. The cave can only be viewed on a ranger led tour and you can only bring yourself and a camera --- no purses, no water, etc. The park is so serious about preserving the cave that tarps are placed under the walkways to catch hair and anything else that may fall off of the people touring the cave.
The afternoon included a hike up one of the hills bordering Custer and a trip into the state park for some hiking and a quick dip in a lake--- Zaph's pick!
In 2000 a forest fire burned in the area including that over the cave. The park was happy to know that the smoke from the fire did not penetrate or effect the cave in any way.
One of the many passages we walked down.
Some of the "jewels" in the cave, the mud like material in the centre is "flow stone".
The tour group admiring the cave, while the ranger points out features.
Look for the strip of bacon --- it is a ribbon formation and this one is the largest know ribbon in Jewel cave. Start at the brightest spot in the photo and follow it towards the top right corner.
Some of the beautiful draperies.
A view of Custer from the top of an overlook.
A mom and her babies on one of the lakes in Custer State Park.
Zaph seems to attract little girls and they all love to pet him.
The afternoon included a hike up one of the hills bordering Custer and a trip into the state park for some hiking and a quick dip in a lake--- Zaph's pick!
In 2000 a forest fire burned in the area including that over the cave. The park was happy to know that the smoke from the fire did not penetrate or effect the cave in any way.
One of the many passages we walked down.
Some of the "jewels" in the cave, the mud like material in the centre is "flow stone".
The tour group admiring the cave, while the ranger points out features.
Look for the strip of bacon --- it is a ribbon formation and this one is the largest know ribbon in Jewel cave. Start at the brightest spot in the photo and follow it towards the top right corner.
Some of the beautiful draperies.
A view of Custer from the top of an overlook.
A mom and her babies on one of the lakes in Custer State Park.
Zaph seems to attract little girls and they all love to pet him.
