The caverns

The last several trips to California we have seen  the signs to California Caverns and tell ourselves we should take the boys. This time we did it. I went years ago for 5th grade camp. And it is very much like I remember dark, cool, and a long way down.




Moaning Caverns. Named for the moaning sound it use to make. Apparently it stopped moaning when the put the steel staircase in during the 1920's. 

This is a picture of Jared at the first landing about 65 steps down. 

Alex headed down to the main landing 169 steps.

Just a little nervous.

We made it down. Elizabeth didn't like the cave.

Weird.

Apparently your depth perseptions is off inside the caverns. This formation looked about 20 feet away and about the same size as the suburban. It is actually more that 65 feet away and this size of a 2 story house.

Back up 264 steps.
The staircase is made from the scrapes of a WWI battleship.

Back into the sunshine!

A trip to California wouldn't be complete with out panning for gold. Or at least semi-precious "rocks"

Black Chasm

The boys loved the caves. They bought rocks and cracked open geodes. Elizabeth didn't find it as thrilling. And she left a permanent reminder. In one of her little fits she threw her Binky over the edge. Oops.

All in all another successful adventure for the Johnston's!