Distinctly Montana Magazine

w w w . d i s t i n c t l y m o n t a n a . c o m 27 assigned a letter, with numbered survey points along the way. Our goal was to pass through the Key-Hole into the K-line. From there, we would cross the stepping stones and take a short break in the Three Trolls Room. We would enter the W-line, crawl through the sand tubes, making our way to W50 and the Pool Parlor. Dropping flagging tape every fifteen to twenty feet, we knew we wouldn't get too lost. We started walking down the enormous passage. That passage didn't stay enormous for long. We suddenly turned to the left and headed toward what looked like a solid wall. But inside the cave, every rock potentially hides another passage, and we squeezed through a small tube barely the size of our bodies and popped out in front of the Key-Hole, another twisty passage that we couldn't fit into while wearing our packs. We meandered through the cavern noting survey markers, check- ing the map, and admiring formations that got prettier and prettier the deeper we went. We gawked at Pete's Mustache, a curly set of crystals formed by gypsum, and stealthily moved past stalagmites, stalactites, cave popcorn, cave bacon, helectites, and other creations slowly built through thousands of years of dissolved minerals grow- ing micrometer by micrometer. Eventually, you get lost in the cramped yet vast space. Marvel after marvel passes you as you go where few have trod before. We would take breaks not knowing how far we had traveled. Without looking at watches, we had no idea the time; was it still daylight above? The only indicators telling us to stop were the growling of our stomachs and our aching legs. As we headed back, following and retrieving our markings, it was as though we were in a whole new cave. Everything looked differ- ent and new facing the other direction. Some landmarks, like the Three Trolls, were easy to spot, but most passages appeared entirely different. Finally, we squeezed back through the Key-Hole, under the rocks, and a trickle of light streamed down the entrance pit. Gearing up, we ascended back out of the pit, closed the grate, de-rigged, and locked the gate. Weary yet satisfied, it was time to head home to The Armpit for dinner and a deep sleep. WE LIVE IN A WORLD BUILT ON UNDERGROUND CAVERNS Throughout the history of the world, animals have sought shelter in caverns. They play an especially important role during the winter months as bears and bats get out of the cold and into the relative warmth underground while they await the return of spring. Prehistoric peoples used caves for shelter and ceremony. Over many years, new caves have opened, and old caves have gotten bigger. Today, the cave systems are just as important as they were hundreds of years ago. As modern cavers squeeze and shimmy below the ground in search of adventure, many others are helping scientists around the world discover how our earth has changed over the eons. With the help of those who commit to underground exploration, the scientific community has accumulated invaluable data on prehistoric crea- tures, floods, eruptions, oceans, and more. As for me, I now am on the lookout for depressions, odd shadows, and overhanging rocks that could open to immense caverns below. Passing through one of the larger rooms in the cave, it's not all crawling! Pete's Mustache is one of the more recognizable, and highly fragile, formations in the cave. Taking a break in the Three Trolls Room. SCOTT SERY SCOTT SERY CUYLER HARVEY

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