Interstate 65 led us to Park City, KY., cave country. Here Mammoth Cave would prove to be worth the trip. We arrived just mins before the tour was about to begin which has been pretty much par for the course for us. Having explored other caves we knew to grab our sweatshirts and hiking shoes. We met up with our tour guide and he began to explain the history of the Mammouth Cave system. We were stunned to learn it is 365 miles long making it the longest cave in the world. It maintains a constant 54 degrees and 97% humidity. Limestone is the only rock you will find as the cave is dry. We ventured down almost 200 feet below ground passing through an enormous rotunda. It was in this area soldiers fighting in the war of 1812 washed dirt to collect material for gun powder. Our guide told us a story of a man who was found dead in the caves many years ago. His body was perfectly preserved to the point the could determine is last meal. What makes this impressive is the body dated back over a 100 years. Of course that paled to the furry chicken nuggets we saw hanging from the ceilings. Ok.....they were tiny bats affectionately referred to as "furry chicken nuggets" by the park rangers. After the caves it was a two hour drive to Nashville. We ate dinner at the neatest restaurant, the Aquarium Restaurant. We ate while sharks, rays, tuna, eels, and a multitude of other fish swam around us. It was a totally cool experience. The kids of courses loved it stating it was the best restaurant ever! The food was really good too!! Finally it was show time at the GRAND OLE OPRY! The energy outside of this place is just incredible. Theres a stage outside where you can listen to some great county music, fresh kettle corn being popped, hands clapping, people singing and dancing, and smiles everywhere you look. While waiting for our show to being, we explored the museum. It was fantastic! It really sets the tone for the show. Inside the opry we would three tiers and one each tier were long benches covered in red velvet seat cushions. 4400 is the oprys capacity and it was sold this night for both shows. We were privileged to see Little Jimmy Dickens who at 88 is still preforming in top form! Bill Anderson, Carrie Underwood, Trace Adkins, Ricky Skaggs, Little Big Town, Connie Smith, The Charlie Daniels Band, and Lori Morgan rounded out the evenings entertainment. I cant even begin to express what an awesome event this was. The amazing part was the shows cost. $142 for all four of us! Unreal! My poor little kids were just so tired that we let a just before closing as it was midnight after all! This truly is a must see for anyone who just loves music of any kind.
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