Bluff Dweller Caverns with the Schmankes

We were so busy this summer & so decided to visit Grandma & Brenda in the fall.  Our first Friday off of school that also worked for Brenda just so happened to be the best weekend for the Schmankes to visit as well.  Brenda suggested that since Erin, Corey & Genevieve were in Austin, TX now, we might have more fun if we came down as a group instead of separately.  So we caravaned down to Little Rock on the weekend of October 11th.  Our family tries to hit a cave on the drive there or back & so we invited the Schmankes to a cave that we went to when Janae was 3-1/2 & therefore would be age appropriate for Maya & Nolan.  The kids & adults really enjoyed themselves.  We saw all sorts of wildlife (salamanders, a bat, an albino crayfish & a frog) & even though Kevin & I had already been through the cave 3 years ago - we were still amazed by it's beauty & saw several new things this time.

 Outside the cave's entrance

 One of the many amazing features in the cave - this is a section of the ceiling.

 One of about 6 or 7 sala-manders we saw.  He was about 2" long.

 The kids pretty much led the way.  Janae kept trying to jump in front of our guide, I think she was proud that she'd been here before & wanted to show Maya & Nolan how she was "cool" & knew the way.  I'm pretty sure she didn't remember her visit.

 A sleeping bat.  No flash allowed - or else he wouldn't be sleeping anymore!

 Our guide "played" these pipes by tapping on them.  They resonated a beautiful sound.

This is a large multi-ton rock that is balanced on a fulcrum.  Our guide lifted the massive rock with her finger.