For most of us, when we think of Gold Country, the imagery of cowboy towns, wild west saloons, and stage coaches probably emerge. Many of these gold-rush towns, formed after the 1848 discovery of gold in California, still exist along historic Highway 49. These days, Gold Country has evolved from rustic mining towns to a charming tourist destination of award-winning wineries, classy boutiques, arts and crafts stores, culinary excellent restaurants, and memorable antique shops. A few caverns found "inside them hills" in the heart of Gold Country are also a popular attraction for the family and adventure enthusiasts.
Over the course of 2 days, I explored 4 historic towns of the gold-rush era, namely Jamestown, Columbia, Murphys, and Angels Camp in Tuolumne and Calaveras counties. All 4 are located within the California Mother Lode zone ~ a zone filled with gold-bearing quartz veins and regarded as one of the nation's most productive gold-producing districts. Jamestown is located on historic Highway 49, Columbia on Parrots Ferry Road, Murphys on Highway 4, and Angels Camp is at the junction of Highways 49 and 4.
Close to Murphys and Angels Camp along Parrots Ferry Road is the amazing Moaning Cavern, a limestone cave located in Vallecito, California (pop. 442 per census 2010). Known to be California's largest single cave chamber with a height of over 180 feet, the massive room is tall enough to fit the Statue of Liberty. It was astounding. I enjoyed the 45 minute informative tour (cost $14.95 per adult). Some highlights:
1. Skewed depth perception inside the cave due to a lack of natural sunlight. Visually, everything looked close even though in reality, they were over a 100 feet away.
2. 65 feet down several flights of narrow wooden stairs was the middle landing platform where I saw and touched some limestone columns and draperies. When struck, these 'dead' columns made fascinating sounds. Looking up at the ceiling of the 180 feet chamber from the platform, I saw stalactites.
3. A seemingly flimsy 100-foot-tall metal spiral staircase that was built in 1922. I feared for my life when I walked down the 10-storey-high column, no thanks to acrophobia.
4. Spectacular sight from the bottom of the shaft. With time and a good dose of wild imagination, various 'images' - from Winnie the Pooh to a gargoyle - started to appear from the rock formations. They totally rock.
1. Skewed depth perception inside the cave due to a lack of natural sunlight. Visually, everything looked close even though in reality, they were over a 100 feet away.
2. 65 feet down several flights of narrow wooden stairs was the middle landing platform where I saw and touched some limestone columns and draperies. When struck, these 'dead' columns made fascinating sounds. Looking up at the ceiling of the 180 feet chamber from the platform, I saw stalactites.
3. A seemingly flimsy 100-foot-tall metal spiral staircase that was built in 1922. I feared for my life when I walked down the 10-storey-high column, no thanks to acrophobia.
4. Spectacular sight from the bottom of the shaft. With time and a good dose of wild imagination, various 'images' - from Winnie the Pooh to a gargoyle - started to appear from the rock formations. They totally rock.
5. Absolute darkness when the guide turned off all the lights in the cave. Pitch black. Silence. Heightened auditory function. My eyes were opened but I couldn't see my hand in front of me. After some time, I 'saw' a white dot from the top of the cave ~ a strange optical illusion generated by the mind.
I hope you'll enjoy the photos below. May the love, peace, and joy of grace be with you and your loved ones this holiday season and always.
