At the very end of the 18th century, when there were still 50 years left before the Civil War in America, and the thirsty for adventure continued to explore the continent, a whole complex of caves was discovered, which later formed a national park called “mammoth cave"(Mammoth Cave National Park). Нand at the moment the territory of the park is 21,380 hectares, and the length of all passages inside the caves is more than 600 kilometers and ranks first in the world (in length).
Throughout the park (now only about what is on the surface) are laid Free routes where all tourists can pass the time and get acquainted with the history of the complex. To be honest, the first impression was deceptive: no mountains (they are what I associate with caves), no failures and faults in the ground - only a map of possible routes, most of which are seasonal, and the schedule of departures for tours.
Seeing the buses delivering to the entry point, the imagination ran wild. Moreover, the trip takes about an hour, and what is not close is always doubly interesting!
Interesting, but found in absolutely all American parks (it does not matter whether we are talking about national park, amusement park or let's say NASA Center) a feature is the ability to create entertainment for everyone, no matter how difficult it would be to do it physically. For example, I expected that even a medium-difficulty route through the cave would bring together seasoned bearded adventurers, but no - children, very young children, pregnant women, old people. In short, leisure for all.
Upon arrival at the entrance (descent?) to the cave, our group gets acquainted with the ranger guide, who immediately promises an exciting walk. He warns that nothing can be taken out of the cave and asks not to take photos with a flash.
We go into a small bunker, where a long descent begins, but with American convenience. No, they don’t sell fast food here, but they made comfortable handrails and steps.
The first thing that catches your eye is the titanic work of creating this route (and it is just one of many).
The second is an approach to creating an atmosphere, chic lighting where needed, alternating with pitch darkness, creating the effect of the infinity of the cave.
According to our guide in the complex mammoth cave, there are still branches of caves that have not been studied and can stretch for many kilometers.
During the route there were 2 small halts, during which it was told who and when discovered and lived our route in this cave.
Stalactites (one of the points that attracts tourists so much in such places) is the chemogenic deposits in the form of formations that hang from the ceiling of the caves, creating an unusual spectacle.
Somewhere in the depths of my soul, before descending underground, I had a glimmer of hope that stalactites would look different, but no - they resemble icicles, the dirtiest icicles.
The whole journey takes about an hour and flies by like an instant, leaving a lot of questions like “So how did it all get here?"
Almost at the very end of this short journey, they give you the opportunity to plunge into complete darkness, the lights are turned off everywhere. In a few minutes you have time to realize how cool you can get if, God forbid, there is a problem with electricity in the complex.
Complex Mammoth Cave in the National Park (Mammoth Cave National Park State of Kentucky left the most positive emotions.