Caverns of Sonora

   We finally made our way to the Caverns of Sonora. Tours only go out at set times and they are not always the same time. Basically, once someone comes in and signs up for a tour they create a tour time about 45 minutes from the time that person or group pays. This gives them time to add others to the tour group. In the meantime, you can walk along their trails or view the peacocks and ginea hens. There is also a large gift shop with very intersting items. You can pan for gems or fossils or just buy  food for a picnic and enjoy the outdoors. So, even though there is a wait, there is still plenty to do.
   Be sure to use the bathroom before the tour begins because the tour lasts about 2 hours. They will also tell you that if you have problems breathing that the air is thin and it can be muggy down there. The one thing they don't tell you is that just before the end of the tour you will be climbing several flights of stairs that are at a very tight, almost straight up angel so be prepared to be fit or take a few breaks. The next day my legs were very sore. I guess I need to work out a little more.
   Inside the cavern was amazing. There were areas that seemed a bit damp and puddles that you had to walk through in some places but they were shallow. You just had to be sure to hold onto the rails if you did not have good shoes on. I think my favorite part of the tour was when we sat for several minutes in complete darkness. It seemed so peaceful. At the very end the walls were so white and smooth, this area was called the belly of the whale and it was awesome. I could set up a bedroom in that space. Other interesting features were the snake pit where formations twisted around each other like snakes. The feature called honey looked just like honey dripping from a jar. There is an amazing crystal room as well so be prepared to be awed. Be sure not to touch walls while inside because the cavern is still growing and changing. Once a spot is touched the oils and chemicals on the skin can kill the formations.