This is one of the largest cave systems in the word and covers of three miles (5 kilometers).  To start off with, it is a great way to escape the mid-day summer heat and spend several hours in a unique and interesting place!  The temperature is a pleasant 56F (13C) – great for wondering outside of the desert heat or storing wine! The Caverns are complete with areas of stalactites and stalagmites with unique names, such as: Whale’s Mouth, King’s Palace, Hall of Giants, and Queen’s Chamber of Draperies.  I had first visited this area as a child, but was happy to return as an adult – equally moved and amazed by nature’s handiwork.  A highlight of the Cave is 300,000 Mexican Free-Tail bats.  We saw one that had fallen to its death, but most stay far away from the visitors’ eyes, only to emerge at night.  They leave the cave at a rate of between 5,000 to 10,000 every minute!