-3-
meaning
more clear. The entrance is just a hole in the rocks, but after getting inside
you come into a foursquare tunnel about three and one half feet square with a
six-inch gutter along the west side, about 10 inches deep. This tunnel is
intact for about 100 yards and then opens into what looks like it might have
been at one time a completely round or half-round passageway which now looks
like the solid lava which it goes through has been chipped and crumbled by
extreme heat. It is possible to travel for about a half mile inside before the tunnel
becomes obstructed too much for a man to get through.
I have been trying to get someone who would
help me clear this obstruction enough to get through and several have agreed
but when we get there and start to work they soon give up and want to get out.
Another funny thing is that every time I go back the work done before does not
show, yet there is no evidence of fresh falls of rock from the ceiling. At this
point the feeling that your in mortal danger becomes almost overpowering, after
battling this feeling for an hour I feel as weak as if I had been sick for
weeks and I have made this attempt many times.
The opening has been dynamited at least four
times that I know of. Supposedly to kill rattlesnakes, yet I have never seen
one either in the mouth of the cave or inside. In fact my experience with snakes
leads me to believe they would never brave the cold blast that comes out.
Still the feelings of distrust and fear
clings and none of the natives will consider exploring this artifact which
could be made the biggest tourist attraction in this part of the state -- if
people were just not afraid to go down there...
I am willing to discuss what I know with anyone who won’t believe I am
crazy, and would like to find someone who has the