Who would have pictured Texas as a place for caves? Not me. But sure enough, we spent 90 minutes underground in the Longhorn State Park cave. Turns out Texas was covered by a sea 500 million years ago, which faulted 250 million years ago and then 1 to 2 million years ago acidic water started to flow through the faults, resulting in the caverns we explored today. The currents created some interesting and beautiful sculptures.
Since then, humans have made use of the cavern in a number of ways. Comanche Indians used it as a council chamber (but daylight only; they didn’t like the dark). Confederate soldiers used it to store ammunition and gun powder. A rancher’s daughter was kidnapped by Comanche braves; three US soldiers lowered themselves into the cavern and rescued her and yes, she married one of the soldiers. The cavern was a venue for dancing in the 1920s, complete with live band. During the depression, Civilian Conservation Core workers hollowed out more of the cave, installed cement floors and railways to create the environment we enjoyed today.
Afterwards we went to the Texas Hill Country Olive Company for olive oil tasting and lunch. Next, a visit to Chip and Jeanne’s youngest son, Scott, at his office where he provides deep muscle therapies to his patients. Finally, dinner outside (under a heater) with Jeanne and Chip.
It was an interesting and enjoyable day. One of the best features was driving through what is the beginning of Texas hill country.
We charged the Tesla on the way to our airport hotel. The alarm is set for 4:30 and we catch the 7:00 AM flight to Boston. Sunday, we head to Manchester to be with Carter while his dad travels to Kathmandu.
We won’t be doing more traveling until we fly back to Austin on January 24 so don’t expect more postings until the 25th. See you then!
