Although Mammoth Cave is the longest cave system in the world with over 400 miles of chartered passageways, scientists believe there may be another 600 miles or more left to be mapped.  

A dusting of snow covers the ground this morning and it is noticeably colder outside.  The temperatures in the cave however, stay relatively constant and it is actually warmer inside once we travel pass the wide open entrance.

Mammoth cave is aptly named as there are rooms here that are 2 acres in floor space and apx. 90 feet high.  I felt like a little peanut within it's cavernous shell.

Although no bats occupy this section of the cave, there are other entrances that have hibernating bat populations.  Mammoth cave is home to 13 different species of bats, most of which migrate to warmer climates.







Indiana bats remain but have been decreasing at alarming rates due to a emergent disease called white nose syndrome (WNS).  WNS has killed millions of bats across the state of Kentucky and has placed a number of species on the endangered list.



Just like the bats, although a bit on the "late" side, we too must make our way south. Tomorrow we set our course heading towards Texas where we will meet up with other family members to cross off an item that's been on my list for quite some time.  But first we have to get there... and there are no superchargers for 800 miles.