"Rockin" it large

The morning begins at the "Bat Cave". Later the name changed to "Cathedral Caverns" as this massive Alabama cave reaches new heights of including one of the world's largest stalagmites. The mammoth mouth of the cave swallows me as I enter.  

I stop, peering down, as the tour guide shows us an old, wooden bridge used a long ago for mining purposes.  Another stop as we learn about this stalagmite standing at 27 feet high and only 3 inches wide!

Rooms and rooms with some of the most unusual formations created by Mother Nature. Thousands and thousands of years of water and air creating marvel masterpieces.  

Throughout this underground wonderland is pools of water and yes, there are plenty of bats flying over our heads.  Once the tour is completed, we are informed to take the same path pack, at our own pace, enjoying everything we have just learned. 

Returning to my vehicle, I pull out my Alabama state road map as I have been told the next stop is somewhat a challenge to find - Rock Zoo.  Thirty minutes later, I am sitting at the end of a dead-end road lost.  I look in my rearview mirror and miraculously spot an old pick-up truck heading my way.  I get out and begin walking towards the truck hoping for instructions.  A woman rolls down the window and laughingly says, "You gotta be lost." I learned I took a right when I needed to take a left.  As they drive away, one of the children sticks his head out the window and shouts, "You can't miss it!  It's super cool!"

The straight road continued for about 1 1/2 miles.  Nothing on either side except large empty fields with an occasional home or small structure plopped in the middle of it.  Finally, I spot huge painted rocks on the left side of the road.  Behind these cleverly painted rocks is a small home, barn and farm.  I walk through the unfenced zoo humored admiring the creativity of each animal.  The kid was right - "It's super cool!"