Oregon: Oregon Caves National Monument

 
 
 

Bumper Update no.2: In contrast to the Sea Lion Caves we loved the Oregon Caves National Monument. For $8.50 each(though we didn't have to pay as we bought a pass for all the National Parks/Monuments) you get to go on a 90 minute tour of the caves with a guide. They are really impressive. The story goes that the caves were discovered by a bounty hunter who entered the caves to save his dog who had run in to the caves in pursuit of a bear. He managed to get back out and tell everyone about the caves. Ash has been caving before in South America (in the "Grutas de Huagapo" - the tour there was slightly less organised!) but this was Andrew's first time. The caves are lit by artificial light but it was cool when the guide turned the lights out and we experienced "complete darkness" (caves are one of the only places you can experience complete darkness). We also found out that caves are the second safest place to be if there is an earthquake (the safest place to be is in an aeroplane, obviously).