Defying Gravity

Somewhere outside of Bear Valley, California, nestled in the Sierra foothills, is the Moaning Cavern. This colorful limestone cavern is so massive that the Statue of Liberty could easily fit inside of it. Tourists are welcomed to take guided tours down the 100 ft spiraling staircase, or if they are a bit more adventurous, they can rappel 165 feet down the inside of the cavern by rope. “No previous experience is necessary to find your inner spelunker!”

When I read these words in the California Guide Book, I was hooked. This is exactly the kind of experience I dreamt about when I first moved to California. I knew that my friends back in Alabama would be so impressed, as if my experience would earn me some long coveted Girl Scout badge.

Regardless of my reasons, my husband and I drove down towards Bear Valley and prepared for our adventure. When we first arrived, I was excited and trembling with anticipation, but that quickly turned to fear as I browsed the long list of injuries they were not responsible for–broken extremities, paralysis, death. I began to scrutinize the gear, the ropes and the staff with the intensity of an operating room nurse. How diligent were they at testing this material? Were there ever any injuries? Is the guy securing my harness stoned or do his eyes always look that way?

I pushed my fear down into a small cavity inside of my gut and began my decent into the small dark tunnel. At first it was a bit claustrophobic, but soon I began to ease up. This wasn’t so bad, I told myself and then I saw the light. Moaning Caverns suddenly opened before me and my fear turned to panic. As I backed over the ledge, I realized that I would have to dangle on my harness a full 165 ft in the air. My feet were frozen, glued to the tunnel floor. The line started to back up as I sat motionless, but try as I might I couldn’t make my feet budge. The tourists on the ground were like small ants and a paralyzing fear shot up my legs and spine.
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