Cave Exploration

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I recently had the chance to go on a cave exploration near Clifton, TN. Like many of you, I've seen photos and watched other people exploring caves on television. Nothing came close to doing my experience justice. It's amazing to hear about how it takes hundreds of years for Stalagtite to grow, but to see it up close, being able to actually hold a piece of it in your hands, doubles the magnitude. We drink water everyday, and although we know it's full of minerals, it's still hard to believe that something so clear and pure can produce massive rock formations. Or, perhaps 'water crystal formations' would be a better term for describing stalagtite, because, when you wash away all the layers of dust and dirt, you're left with a piece of pure crystal. I did find a couple of large pieces already broken off, however, it doesn't start off this way. When stalagtite first begins to form, it's no larger in width than a soda straw. It's when these small pieces meet that they connect and fuse together. I'm going to be taking some individual photos of the pieces I found. If anyone else has photos, or maybe an exciting cave story, let me know. (liz@japroprieties.com). I'm still really amazed with my whole experience, and would love to find some other caves to explore. (The photo attatched is of a group of 'soda straws' hanging from the cave ceiling. When you shine a light on them it looks like a thousand twinkling stars.)