Chickamauga Battlefield and Russell Cave

We were very ambitious today. We started the day at Chickamauga battlefield so the kids could finish off their Junior Ranger material. Jeremy, who was along for the ride this time, helped Nathan with his Jr. Ranger booklet while the rest of us attended a ranger program (Nathan was a little nervous about the rifle the ranger had).



William and Beth inspecting the cannon in 1995.


William, Leah and Beth inspecting the cannon in 2006.


When we were finished at the battlefield we headed off to northern Alabama to visit Russell Cave. Russell Cave has a Junior Ranger program, so William, Beth, Leah and Nathan hurried about filling in their booklets. When we went down to the cave we were the only people in our group so we were able to take our time. Our ranger was very nice, and after showing us the regular tour of the upper cave, she took us down to the entrance of the lower cave which is not usually open to the public. We had fun searching the stream for crayfish and salamanders. It was wonderful at the lower cave. There were no paths and barriers about to interfere with the beauty of the place.

Just inside the lower cave.


Looking for salamanders.


Daniel took this picture of William and I when the three of us visited Russell Cave in 1993 (I suppose you could say Beth was along for the ride).