Sammartino Summer Groove: Tuesday at Timpanogos Cave

We spent the entire day at Timpanogos Cave National Monument, located in the Wasatch Mountains of American Fork, Utah (about 1 hour away from our condo). The alarm went off bright and early at 6:00 a.m. and we were on our way by 6:45. Enduring a bit of "Utah rush hour"--bad, but not like South Florida, we drove past the Kennecott Copper Mine, the largest open-pit mine in the world, I believe. The pit is half a mile deep and 2 1/2 miles wide.

The mine is everything in the lighter color.

After picking up our tickets in the visitor center, we explored the river and swinging bridge, and watched an introductory video. Jackson decided to complete the Junior Ranger badge before we started hiking to the cave. Kyle also completed his badge. The National Park Service requires kids to do activities corresponding to their age to become junior rangers, so Jackson did 13 and Kyle 14. The activities included asking a ranger questions about his/her job, identifying plants and animals, finding out about the natural formations, and completing a crossword puzzle. I think it's good for the kids to learn about a place in detail and makes them good citizens of the world.

Exploring the river

We arrived around 8:15--still cool out.

Kyle completed his Junior Ranger badge. The boys also did this when we took them to Yellowstone two years ago.

On our way up the trail

One-fourth of the way up

One of many interpretive lookouts. We found chipmunks and squirrels, but no rattlesnakes.

Inside the cave

Chris thought it would be neat to take the boys on a spelunking expedition. The rangers do this once a day for a little over an hour. It is limited to six people (including the ranger). What a unique experience we enjoyed--hard hats, lights, ropes, and knee pads. Yes, we had to crawl through some tight spots.