HIDDEN GEMS
Cave without a Name Cave Without A Name, named during a 1930’s contest by a local elementary student describing the cave as “too pretty to have a name,” is a magnificent display of one of nature’s masterpieces. The six cavernous rooms filled with clusters of virtually every type of cave formation, from delicate to imposing, earned the designation National Natural Landmark in 2009. Sheltered from daily weather changes, the constant 66 degree temperature of the cave is very enjoyable. The sound of water drops filtering through the limestone tell a story of a living cave with slow growing, sparkling crystalline formations, which delight our imagination. Within the cave, view a clear, subterranean, trickling stream with miles of water passages, some still unexplored. While many get to see little tri-color bats sleeping in the cave, some are lucky enough to see a salamander or crayfish in the water. Tour the cave, visit the nature-inspired gift shop; have a picnic; pan for gems; select a geode and discover the mystery inside; roam the trails, explore the hills and canyons above the cave. Look for deer, fox, turkey and a variety of
birds (including the Golden Cheeked Warbler and Painted Bunting). Look closely at the rocks and soil to see the occasional fossil. Concerts in the cave make use of the unique acoustics in the Throne Room - a very special treat with the backdrop of cave formations. The Moipei Trio will perform May 27th and Terri Hendrix will perform July 1st. A full listing of concerts is on the website. A new program this year is "Texas Cave Trail" where one can tour Cave Without A Name, Natural Bridge Caverns, Inner Space Cavern and Sonora Caverns within a year and receive a free t-shirt. The campground has RV hookups and primitive camping, with a covered pavilion and fireplace. Linger on the grounds, relax, listen, and discover the site, known collectively as Cave Without A Name. 325 Kreutzberg Rd., Boerne 830-537-4212
CAVE CONTENTS 101:
18 Hill Country CULTURE
I CELEBRATE WOMEN ISSUE
STALACTITES
CAVE DRAPERY
STALAGMITES
A tapering structure hanging like an icicle from the roof of a cave, formed of calcium salts deposited by dripping water.
Deposited from calcite-rich solutions flowing along an overhung surface. Surface tension allows these solutions to cling to a wall or sloping ceiling as they stream slowly downward.
A mound or tapering column rising from the floor of a cave, formed of calcium salts deposited by dripping water and often uniting with a stalactite.
Cutaway Thinkstock/Dorling Kindersley ;Photo compliments of Cave Without a Name
TOO PRETTY TO HAVE A NAME BY PATTY PERLAKY