To Mammoth Cave on Foot

A trip to Mammoth Cave was proposed by several of our boys two weeks ago--as a pleasant way to enjoy part of their vacation.

The ways and means were discussed and it was finally decided that the walking stunt would be the most enjoyable, economical and novel way of making the trip.

Of the twelve candidates only four appeared upon the scene of action on Monday, Aug. the 5th at 4:30 a.m. These were Tom Judd, Hugh Creswell, Reed Shelton and Ralph Hurt. Late in the day they were reinforced by Mark Holladay, John and Ernest Harris, who preferred driving instead of walking, and in this way provided the means for the transportation of the baggage for the party.

As those on foot drew near Bliss it was noticed that one of the pedestrians was showing signs of travel and was beginning to seek the rear. The other three left him in the care of Mr. Whitlock, and resumed their journey, arriving in Gradyville in time for breakfast. Here they were joined by Charlie Diddle, who was en-route to Sulphur Well.

The next stop was made at Weed, where they received the joyful news that the patient left at Bliss, after a refreshing meal and a severe rub-down with Japanese Oil, would overtake them in 15 minutes.

At Taylor Robertson's a second halt was made. At this point another member was added to the party, an amiable donkey, by the name of Balaam. He proved a friend indeed as he was quickly seized and mounted by the patient with the "stove up" knees. Leaving "Balaam" with his burden, the others forged ahead, making record time, arriving in Edmonton at 12:15. About an hour later they were joined by the rest of the crowd. Here confusion reigned because the baggage of one member of the party had been lost from the buggy. The song "O! bring back my baggage to me," was sung to good effect.

After an enjoyable meal and about two hours rest the whole party set out for Glasgow, arriving there about 8:30 p.m.

On the following morning a caucus was held, resulting in the unanimous decision, "all aboard the cars" for the Cave.

All being in excellent spirits, made the ride of 21 miles, which brought them to the cave.

With Williams for a guide, Route No. I, was taken that afternoon. It included the boat ride on Echo River, the view of the pits and domes and the climb up the corkscrew, all of which beggars description.

The following day, Route No. IV, the Long Route, was made with the noted Bishop as guide. From 9 a.m. til 5 p.m. the crowd remained underground admiring the mysterious formations of nature. Ganter's Avenue almost got the best of the bravest of the party, especially those who were over six feet tall. The Avenue is two miles long and on the average, four feet high by twenty inches wide. On this route a descent of the Cork Screw was made, which is even more fearful than the ascent.

["The noted Bishop" was Ed Bishop, an African-American who served as a cave guide for almost 30 years, beginning in the mid 1880s.]Floral Hall, with its wonderful gypsum formations, held the whole crowd spellbound. At the end of this route one of the party asked Bishop if a hole were made to the surface would he be in Kansas. Why?

Thursday morning [August 8th] the party disbanded, Hugh Creswell returned to his home in Tenn., the "patient," unwilling to attempt the "rugged heights" of Metcalfe and Adair, returned home by rail and those who drove through started for home, passing the "lone and weary" travelers, pegging their way through rain and mud for Columbia.

The entire party are enthusiastic over their trip across country and their adventures in the cave, and they plan to attempt a similar expedition in the near future.

"Jim" is a prolific contributor to ColumbiaMagazine.com, who furnishes surprise after surprise, and delightful memories, sometimes as more often than weekly, sometimes more often than daily. Should any modern band of adventurers attempt a re-enactment of the trek, please keep CM informed. -EW

This story was posted on 2010-11-17 09:12:31

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