While my husband and I have been to a couple really nice caves in Alabama we can not remember their names.I do remember they were pretty far off the beaten path.But well worth it.One that we have not seen is DeSoto Caverns . DeSoto caverns was the first officially recorded cave back in 1796!It is famous for its Onyx cathedral.This cave also boasts mazes,cave wall climbs and laser shows.Probably an atmosphere geared towards children but the photos make it too impressive to pass.

       Arkansas is famous for its caves.We have been to some wild ones there that were a little scary but a lot of fun.We also have visited Mystic caverns and Blanchard Springs.One of the only cave systems controlled by the US forestry service.But there are so many more caves in the state.Bull Shoals caverns is in the town of the same name and has 2 underground rivers and an underground trout stream.Albino trout? Don't know.

   Hurrican river cave is in the middle of the state and has an impressive outdoor waterfall.I think we may actually have been to this cave before.

   As the name suggests Old Spanish treasure cave is supposed to be the location of a great buried treasure.It was run by a man who started one of the first mining companies in the state as a cover up for his search for the treasure.He never found it but the cave lives on as a tourist attraction with underground camping and a spooky halloween cave tour.

   One of the largest bat colonies in North America is located in War Eagle cavern near Eureka.Prime Arkansas caving country.The movie "Frank and Jesse" was filmed here.(I've never heard of it either).You can enter by land or by boat at the natural entrance on Beaver lake.

     Also in Eureka Springs is Onyx cave.It is a living cave with a year round temperature of 57 degrees.Instead of guided tours you take a 30 minute tour with a headphone which alerts you to all the various cave attractions.Along with the cave is a button and Doll museum.Admission is free for the museum.I wonder why? BORING! I will definitely skip the museum but while in the area I am sure we will find many wild caves to explore.Always ask the locals.Usually they can tell you how to get to places where caves are waiting for you.Sometimes these caves are the best.

I have been in a great cave in Kentucky but unfortunately do not know the name.

but another I'd like to see is Hidden River Cave in historic Horse cave, Ky.I'm sure there are lots of caves in this area.

On the other side of the state line in Indiana there is Bluespring caverns.In bedford, In this huge cave offers a boat tour.The boat ride at the Lost Sea cavern in sweetwater, Tn was a real dissapointment so I'd love to try another hopefully better  "mystic voyage".

I love caves wild and commercial.I know a lot of people say they are too claustrophiobic for caving.Wild caves I can see.But commercial caves are well pathed and open into enourmous rooms.many offer camping,mining,weddings,overnights,etc. My husband and I love to hit caves when on roadtrips.They are no more expensive than a day at the movies and so much more fun! There are currently four caves in California i hope to visit.

1) Black Chasm Cavern in Volcano near Jackson. ( I love the name!)

2)Boyden Cavern in Kings Canyon,Sequoia National Forest (I also love natl forests so this is a twofer)

3)California Caverns in Mountain Ranch, near San Andreas

4)Moaning Cavern in Vallecito,between Angels camp and Murphys

I wanted to write about my garden but am once again thwarted by technology. For some reason I can not select a text color.I did it before no problem.Why are the easiest things never easy? Anyway back to the garden.I have really slacked off in the past month or so.Ever since Open Fields really.I have had bad allergies and then we got that freak cold spell plus all the concerts that came to town.Hmmm gardening,Widespread Panic,gardening,Widespread Panic? Obviously I chose Widespread.But now the weather is gorgeous.Almost 80 degrees and fall colors everywhere.So time to put the peppers to bed.I had planned to overwinter several varieties but am having a change of heart.Some like the Inca Red Drop did so well for first years that it seems like overkill to save the plant.Others like the Madame Jeanette I never found a use for even though it is a great pepper and would probably really perform for me in its second year. Shit I just realized the time! I need to go to work.Ugh work is such an inconvenience!