July 23, 2009 To the CAVE!

Hey Nature kids... we have an exciting outing in mind for you!

Have you ever wanted to go deep underground and discover what is under the earth's surface? This is your chance! We're going to go to Crystal Cave in Wisconsin. Here is another link.

"Discover a unique hour-long tour that will ignite your imagination. Knowledgeable guides will lead you through passages filled with glistening cave formations. Stalactites, stalagmites and rippling flowstone can be seen hanging from the ceiling or covering the ledges.The cave is accessed by a series of steps and ramps that allow you to descend over 70 feet underground where your journey follows well-lit, graveled trails. The cave temperature hovers near 50 degrees. A sweatshirt is recommended. Caves are naturally humid and will occasionally become slightly muddy on the floor. Please dress accordingly.Your adventure at Crystal Cave won't be entirely underground. A self-guided nature trail, The Lodge Gift Shop offering wide variety of items and apparel, and a hands-on gem panning experience are all waiting your discovery."

(They have a really good gift shop, including FUDGE, Moms!)

Join us at Korie's house at 9:30 (5721 Logan) and we'll all drive together in a caravan. Bring your lunches and a sweatshirt. Please let either Jenn or Korie know that you're coming so we can wait for you. We want to caravan together so we all arrive at the same time, in order to all be on the same tour.

Here are the prices: (yeah, I know it is kind of spendy... but we'll shy away from the pay places from here on out... I promise!)

Adults
$10.50
Students (13 - 17)
$8.50
Children (4 - 12)
$6.50
Seniors w/AARP Card
$8.50
Children 3 & Under
Free

Directions
Minneapolis / St. Paul:Take Interstate 94 (I94) east into Wisconsin. Follow I94 19 miles past Hudson to Exit 19 (Ellsworth Exit).Turn south (right) onto Highway 63. Go seven miles south. Signs will direct you to turn left (east)towards Spring Valley and the Cave which is six miles down the road on the right side

Also note:

For your safety and the safety of other cave visitors, no carried items are allowed on the tours. This includes, but is not limited to, purses, totes, camera bags, diaper bags, etc. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. The Cave is not accessible to strollers or wheelchairs
Baby front packs are allowed, back carriers are not. CAMERAS MAY BE TAKEN INTO THE CAVE.

The tour takes an hour, then afterwards if we're still motivated and the weather is nice, there's a nature trail on the grounds. "The Sinkhole Nature Trail is a 20-30 minute walk over gentle slopes shaded under a swaying canopy of leaves. Along the trail you will find numerous signs with information regarding the many types of trees you will find. Wild flowers are often found covering the trail floor (depending on the season) and those who are able to walk slowly and quietly enough may even spot deer."