Loved The Caves

But got more adventure than I signed up for....

One of the highlights of our trip was visiting the Worlds Largest Caves in Kentucky, Mammoth Caves. Several months ago, I did my homework and carefully opted for us to stay at the "nice" accommodations in Mammoth Cave National Park VS the Rustic/ Primitive Cabins with no A/C and Shared Bathrooms. Smart and obvious choice...or so I thought....I booked TWO nights and looked forward to a quiet weekend in one of America's beautiful National Parks.

One step inside our room and I about gagged on the stench of mold and must. My sensitive sniffer told me that although this room "looked" clean...it was NOT clean. I hoped I would get used to the smell because all accommodations were Booked FULL. Changing rooms or leaving the park was not an option.

I did my best not to whine or make everyone feel badly. As sensitive as my nose is....Ron's is completely opposite. His sniffer does not pick up on most scents near or far. Due to his allergies, though, I was certain the mold and must would set him in to a wheezing/coughing over drive.

For some reason, he was fine....no allergic reaction and no ability to smell this strong musty, moldy room.

We called the front desk to tell them about the room (I think they have heard it before) and to tell them that we would not be staying the extra night. And then....After the Campfire program with the Park Ranger, I did what I had to do........right outside our door, at curbside......

I Slept In The Car

For solidarity...so did Katherine

(She did not like the smell, either)

Yes, we took our Flashlights, Books, Pillows & Blankies, and hunkered down in the Suburban in the middle of Mammoth Cave National Park. Oh the thoughts people must have had when Mrs H had to leave Mr H and SLEEP IN THE CAR!

We were safe and cozy until 6 am when my bladder would no longer allow me to sleep comfortably. I reached for the door handle to quietly sneek out of the car and....

HONK HONK HONK

BEEP BEEP BEEP

Yep, the car alarm went off and there was Ron popping up in the window of our room to see who was carrying us off.

After my potty break, I headed back to the Car for just a few more winks. Thirty minutes later....I popped up to see that the Deer were in our front yard ready for Breakfast from the Tourists.

Quietly, I got our loaf of bread, woke everyone up and we communed with nature.

It was a REAL CAMP OUT.

Caves....Recommend Highly

"Upgraded Hotel Cabin"... not so much.

Next time, I will just reserve a camp site and sleep in the Burb...no need to pitch a tent when the car is so comfy...AND SMELLS GREAT!

Up Close and personal with the Deer...

Yes, more than I signed up for, but it made for a great memory and some laughs along the way. To answer your other question???? YES....The Hotel received a written report of my adventure. I explained that I checked out early as I had no desire to PAY to SLEEP IN MY CAR for TWO NIGHTS IN A ROW...Haven't heard from them yet.