Exploring Fantastic Caverns in Springfield, MO pt. 1
While on a work trip with a few other fellow Steemians in Missouri, we decided to make the short drive into Springfield to take a tour of Fantastic Caverns.
After arriving at our destintion, we purchased our tickets for the tour but it wouldn't start for about 30 mins so we decided to take a walk along the short nature trail they have on the property. While there really wasn't much too the trail it was a pleasant way to kill the time before our tour.
There were a few nice boardwalks through the woods that offered nice views of the surrounding property. At the end of the approximately quarter-mile trail there was a scenic creek that looked like it could be a great location for a bit of fly fishing, had me wishing I brought a rod along on this trip!
On our way back towards the vistors center we heard a rustling along the steep face of a hill adjacent to the trail. We all stopped to scan the area in search of whatever kind of critter that might be causing the noise. After a few moments of silence we heard it again and finally located the culprit. I slowly walked along the base of the hill as the animal was slowly and unknowingly making its way towards me. Eventually, I got within about 10 feet of the criiter and it was definitely aware I was there at this point....turned out to be a big muskrat!
We still had about 10 minutes to kill so we all decided to take a closer look at a few of the extremely well-restored vehicles scattered throughout the property. If you're a fan of anitque vehicles (especially Jeeps) these are for you. All of the tours here at the caverns are conducted with the vistors riding along behind a Jeep, kind of like Jurrasic Park. Here are a few shots of some of the past models they used to tow the vistors along on the tour.
The Jeep pictured above also had a unique antique contraption in the back of the vehicle to help power the headlights, an old alternating current motor. That's pretty damn ingenious and creative if you ask me, they had to find some way to have light when taking visitors into the dark caves!
Back inside the visitors center there was, in my opinion, the most well-restored Jeep on the property. Even the original gauges, stick shift, steering wheel and rims were in immaculate condition. Towards the back of the center was yet another interesting and well-resored antique, an old gas generator.
Finally, our tour was ready to begin so we all made our way down the ramps to climb aboard our ride for the day. After we all piled into the wagon and our tickets were punched, there was a short spiel from our tour guide and we were off on our way to explore the caverns. Keep an eye out for part two inside the caves!
#thealliance #steemusa
until next time...
Great photos! It is almost like I was there ;)
Thanks! Pretty sure I spotted your doppelganger there!
lol....could be....all us Gingers look alike.
Nice shots! Love the poison gas, and also the muskrat. Well, not combined, as that would be hazardous to the poor little guy's health! Nice classic cars, too!
Appreciate it @fotosdenada, I really wnjoyed checking out the antique Jeeps and other gear!
Yeah, the jeeps are great! We have a lot fewer up here in Minnesota, as collectors and restorers can't drive them in the winter. The salty roads would tear them to pieces.
I wish I had a newer Jeep, especially a small manual, 4x4 Wrangler. Alas, grad student budgets don't allow for such things.
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WOW that must have been such a cool experience the whole thing the cool vehicles and amazing caves
absolutely. it was quite different from previous cave tours I've been on since we were taken around behind an antique Jeep. Got some really great shots coming in pt. 2, thanks @tattoodjay!
Looks king forward to part 2
I have seen many caves but never from a cool Jeep like that
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