Aishling the Airstream Update No. 057

Let's talk about Cathedral Caverns State Park

From the internets: "Originally called Bat Cave, Cathedral Caverns was opened to the public by Jacob Gurley in the 1950s. The cave was renamed because of its cathedral-like appearance. Purchased by the state in 1987, it was opened as a State Park in the summer of 2000.  The first feature most people notice about Cathedral Caverns is its massive entrance. The huge opening measures 126 feet wide and 25 feet high, a world record for commercial caves. Inside the cavern are some of the most beautiful formations Mother Nature has ever created, including “Goliath”, one of the largest stalagmites in the world, measuring 45 feet tall and 243 feet in circumference." They also have a campground and cabins.

 

This is where we had our Vintage Airstream Club Region 6 Rally...

[originally planned for March but postponed due to SEVERE weather*]   

A LOT of planning went into this rally and we were so glad to have wonderful weather the weekend we were there - you just never know what these 'between season' months might do in the south!

We intentionally chose our campsite because it had this wonderful meadow behind it  [also one of the few sites - at the time- that had a good cell connection -] 

And I have to say - 

Craig made all my dreams come true with the lighting and multiple fire pits. 

I put out several tables and 

 

there was plenty of room so people could move about and visit together.

I wanted to create little pods

and I think it turned out well even we did in up all together by the time the weekend was over...

Did I mention we had beautiful weather?

While the 'colors' were not at their peak, 

they still gave us quite a show!

And as many times as I've been to Scottsboro, AL 

I have NEVER been to Payne's Soda Fountain where you can get the best slaw dog and 5c ice cream [on Thursdays, if you're old] around. 

Also - that gr-ma's potato salad was THE BEST. [Thanks for that pro tip, Linda!

 

And of course we had our nightly campfires -

Again [thank you, Craig] I LOVED our set-up in the meadow!

We had several activities planned for the weekend - and one was a trip to Unclaimed Baggage [look it up -] so fun with our group!

And OF COURSE we had to do the cave tour! 

It is beautiful!!

 

It's only about a mile or 1.5 long, but I had a messed up knee [twisted it somehow while we were in Dothan.. but thankfully after six weeks of babying it, all is well.]

 

But I did share some private transportation during the tour. lol -

So don't let the hike in prevent you from doing it.

[Maybe call ahead to schedule a golf cart tour guide though.]
 

I hope to go again when I can walk it and enjoy lingering

 around some of the best formations -

Driving through North Alabama was a pleasure.

And I'm so glad we could share our state with the almost 50 people attending the rally! 

 

Another outing was dinner at The Top of the River where they always have 

good catfish, cornbread, greens, and slaw! 

And sunsets!

 

It was pretty cool to have the 'original' VAC R-6 rally attendees** all together again - missing Doc and Cathy due to his passing last year...

[**since I've been region representative -] 

We've come a long way since the voodoo road in Natchez! - HA

 

All-in-all, I think it was a successful rally.

And I look forward to camping there again!

So - Cathedral Caverns State Park

There are basically two campgrounds - up front is 'improved' with full hook-ups.. and in back is more 'rustic' with no sewer and a bath house. I like both areas.

I never went in the bath house, but didn't hear any complaints, either... 

The cave is up the hill with plenty of parking. 

*The park was WONDERFUL to work with when we had to change plans due to weather. I mean - I really can't say enough about how great Judy and her staff were to us!! 

10 out of 10 stars for sure!

#HardwickAdventures

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