Scene at entrance to Carlsbad Caverns -
Our visit to Carlsbad Caverns was most interesting. Over eight hundred feet under ground, it is another world, one that would be dark and foreboding but for the modern day miracle of electricity. It was unexplored until a cowboy named Jim White, was intrigued by a dark cloud of major proportions rising from what was referred to as the “big hole”.
He investigated further and discovered that it was thousands and thousands of bats that were ascending to the sky from the depths below. Exploration and investigation of the caverns became Jim White’s life obsession. When one visits the caverns today, they cannot help but be amazed that anyone could explore the depths of those caves without the benefit of electricity or other modern day amenities.
Pictures from within the caverns
Jim White was uneducated and could barely read or write, if at all. He told his story to a ghost writer who wrote a book about White’s experiences and explorations. I have linked some background information that you may find helpful
Carlsbad Caverns National Park contains 100 known caves, including Lechuguilla Cave—the nation's deepest limestone cave at 1,567 feet (478m) and third longest.cave. We were told that Lechugilla Cave will be maintained in its natural form for medical, environmental and related research and discovery. Today, only certain specified rangers are approved for entry into the Lechugilla Cave. In our search for knowledge, it is believed that research from below the earth’s crust may be as valuable as that of our voyage into outer space.
There are many rooms and regrettably, I do not know whichf pictures came from what room. However, the various rooms are awesome in their simple beauty and magnificence. When in the caverns, one almost feels as if they have entered “hallowed” halls, so great is the artistry within.
I was unable to link to the National Park site but I will e mail the link for you to check out if you haven't already been there.
