Description: We did not have far to go to get to our next attraction -
Cave of the Mounds. Like Little Norway, it is also located in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin.
Cave of the Mounds is an underground cave that was discovered in 1939 by workers who were doing a quarry blast for limestone. Our guide led our tour group of five down the steps into the cave to begin our 1-hour tour (
Southwest Wisconsin Pass is accepted). I was immediately awestruck by the variety of oozing shapes of the rock formations. We saw stalactites that
hang tight from above and stalagmites that are fixed
mightily to the ground. These structures are a variety of colors from creamy white to blood red. There are pools of water that reflect the surrounding shapes and colors. Lights and pathways have been installed to allow visitors to see this incredible place without destroying it. We were not allowed to touch anything other than one particular rock our guide pointed out. It was worn smooth from all the visitors that touch it.
The temperature inside the cave remains at 50 degrees Fahrenheit year round. Our light jackets definitely came in handy. Occasionally, we would receive what our guide referred to as a
cave kiss. This is when a drop of water drips from the ceiling of the cave and hits you. I received about a dozen
kisses that day.
Besides the fascinating rock formations we saw, there were some other highlights during our tour such as phosphorescent rocks that glow in the dark. We also experienced total darkness when we entered a section of the cave and our guide turned off the lights. I saw absolutely nothing even when I put my hand a about a centimeter from my eyes. We were told our eyes would never adjust to give us visibility in this situation because this section is shielded from all light sources. We were told that a person would more than likely lose their vision if they somehow managed to stay in these conditions for more than a month. Their body would determine that their eyes are no longer needed.
We climbed the long stairway back to the gift shop where our tour began. Even though I have done cave tours before, I was still fascinated by Cave of the Mounds. No two caves are exactly the same.
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