For over two centuries the Earth has been evolving. We have gone from only being able to travel by walking to jet planes that break the sound barrier. As technology around us changes and advances, one thing remains the same. Nature functions as it always has as long as we let it be. Caves are the best example of this. What most people don't know is that once you touch a part of a cave with your fingers, it has a very likely chance of stopping formation in the area that it was touched. The oils on our hands stop the water from staying in that spot and depositing its minerals. Another fun fact about caves is that they are underground so they are usually a mild 50 to 58 degrees depending on what cave you're in. Most caves are very educational, inexpensive, and a fun trip for couples and families alike.

Since cave exploring will be your new favorite thing to do, you'll need to know some cave vocabulary. Here are a few words to help you out.

Stalactite: A stalactite is a mineral formation that is caused by slow drops of water dripping from the cave ceiling and depositing minerals behind itself.

Stalagmite: A stalagmite is a mineral formation that is caused by fast moving drips of water that drop from the ceiling and hit the cave floor leaving behind their mineral deposits there.

Flow stone: A flow stone is formed when a steady wall of water flows and leaves minerals behind as it falls.

Most caves in the United States are easily accessible through tours. Some caves even have tours where you must crawl instead of walk. Depending on whether or not the cave is wet or dry, you may be able to take a boat tour through the water that flows though the cave. Cave gift shops usually include a variety of rocks and fossils that you can purchase a memory to take home.

Overall there are many different caves in the U.S. in order to give you many vacations. Go and have a blast and enjoy a look into a different kind of world!