For P-day this last week we went to Mammoth Cave National Park.  It is about 50 miles from where we live.  It is a huge cave complex reported to be about 400 miles long.  Supposedly the largest cave area in the world. It was very interesting and we actually took one of the smaller tours of a remote part of the cave.

This is proof that I went in the cave even though I worried a little about my tendency for claustraphobia.  There were some small passage areas where we had to bend over and we could touch each side.  The tour went well and we enjoyed our experience.

This is one of the smaller areas in the cave and I was relieved to get through it.

This is the large main entrance to the cave.  We didn't go down into this part because it was so many steps down.  This large cave area actually goes down into an underground river that eventually exits and forms the Green River that flows through the area where we live.  Kentucky has many smaller cave areas because of all the limestone in the area but none are as large and distinctive as this Mammoth Cave complex.

I am always impressed by the thicket/forest that naturally grows in this part of the world.

The roads in the Park are beautifully manicured but still in places the trees hang over the roads.  This whole area of the Park was farmed until 1925.  After the Park was created the area quickly grew into what it looks like in this picture.  The forest is very think and extends for miles.

Mother decided it would be fun to post a road sign of the week.  We travel many small roads in the countryside.  Most are oiled and well marked with a sign.  Some lead only to one house and the sign will carry the owners name like Darrell Smith Road.  It will still have a sign and the signs are well-maintained and "thank heavens" or we would have a hard time finding people.

This is what part of Possum Hollow road looked like.  We have traveled down quite a few like this and enjoy it unless the oil ends and the road gets smaller.  We have been warned about going down secluded country roads especially if we come to "No Trespassing" signs.  There are some pot farmers in the area and some "meth" labs secluded in the woods.  Fortunately we haven't run into any yet but we have turned around a few times and quickly backtracked.  We were trying to find one member when we came upon numerous no trespassing signs and on the side of the trailer was scrawled, "Smile your on camera".  Needless to say we didn't knock but went on down the road.

Mother and I in our rocking chairs on our front porch.  We had just hosted district meeting and Elder Oakley took our picture.  We have had some wonderful spiritual adventures too but I suppose not quite as interesting as the pictures.  We have found some interesting members that have wanted to remain lost.  One of them asked for his name to be removed from the Church.  Things will be tough for most of a day then we will have a great visit with someone and it will be all worth it again.  I suppose that is the way most missions go and ours is no different but it has been a real adventure!
Elder and Sister Peterson - "Kentucky Hillbillies?"