Good morning,
Here's a way to beat the heat, visit a cave! Missouri has more than any other state in the nation. Its estimated the Show-me state has almost 57-hundred caves and who knows how many others as new caves are discovered every year.
The reason I bring this up is because of a cave's climate. Most are at a comfortable 60 degrees, but they are humid, damp places. That's what I found recently when I visited Fantastic Caverns just north of Springfield. Here, I am with my boys, Seth and Aaron checking out the layout of this cave that was discovered by a dog in the 1800s.
Interesting fact here, its said that less than of Missouri's caves are mapped. Fantastic caverns is a ride through cave. Your tour guides drive trams through the cave stopping at several points along the way. Yes, there are lots of Stalagtites, the ones that hang down from the ceiling. (remember they hold on tight) There are also Stalagmites, the grow up from the floor. (If they keep growing they just might meet up with the stalagtite)
When Stalagtites and Stalagmites meet they form a column and some over hundreds of years can have some weird formations. Do you see a face in the formation below?
We also checked out Marvel Cave at Silver Dollar City but before I could take any pictures, Seth got spooked by the dark space below us as we were about to descend the several hundred stairsteps that lead to the Caves' floor. We may try that again later this year.
There are plenty of commercial cave tours available within a short drive of K-C. The price may be well worth it and please don't tresspass into a cave on property that doesn't belong to you. It be unmapped and could prove dangerous. Some caves require permits to tour or explore.
Thanks and a have a great day,
Brett
