SPELUNKING

While one group helped the archeologists dig pits and look for artifacts, the other group went to explore the Lava River Cave. Lava River Cave is an old lava tube. The cave is about a mile long that ends in sand. We walked the length of the tube while receiving occasional stories and tidbits of information from our guide. At the end of the cave it continues a little farther but can only be accessed on hands and knees. A few of us chose to venture the last few feet with lanterns to earn bragging rights that we went all the way to the end of the cave. After returning to the rest of the group we briefly turned out all our lights and were swallowed in darkness.
One group also explored Skeleton Cave while with the field rangers. Because many teenagers know Skeleton Cave as a party cave the Forest Service constantly has to barricade the cave and pick up trash. The site is also known as a terrific place to practice rock climbing. The entrance to the cave is a very steep pit in what looks to be the middle of nowhere. A single steel ladder seems to be the only safe way to descend into the cave.
	Once inside the mouth of the cave we were able to use the outside light to look around. However, as we ventured further inside the cave we became surrounded by a constant cool temperature and darkness.