I was talking with our friends Bob and Sherry and telling stories of our annual adventures to Peterson Prairie (showcased here in a couple of blog posts 2012, 2021). They offered us the opportunity to use their family cabin that is located in a similar area.
The weather was so lovely, that we opted to tent camp right outside so we could see the stars, but still enjoy the indoor amenities of running water, refrigerator, stove, etc.
We were elated to have my sister's family join us---it was our first post-vaccine family gathering and finally the kids were able to visit, share, HUG, and play together. What joy.
We shared a weekend of outdoor meals---soaking up the ideal weather.
Steph made paella as a special Father's Day dinner. Dad was able to come out for the day to be with us.
Jonah is sporting an arm splint because he has a buckle fracture at the distal end of his radius....
The hardhat will be explained momentarily.
Oh, Ezra.
Ezra enjoyed exploring new terrain in which to test his balance, strength, and vestibular system.
Tess and Fritz are such enjoyable company---very polite, helpful, and giggly.
The chalet was built in the 1960's by Wade H. Dean and his son, Earl Dean.
The view while washing dishes at the kitchen sink. Jesse liked the plastic figurines of Shrek and Donkey paired with the vintage light, plaid wallpaper, still life painting.
The second floor has a sleeping loft.
The cabin and property are a treat themselves...but there was one more very cool attraction.
The chalet is built over a massive cave. There is a staircase down into the cave from inside the cabin. The photo above accurately captures the awe of this crazy place.
The door to the cave is heavily secured to prevent any accidental adventures either in or out.
Jackets and head lamps are a must--the hard hat came in handy too for our fearless leader, Jonah.
Similar to the Ice Caves and Natural Bridges in the area, this cave was once a lava flume.
The cave is massive: 30 feet wide and 40 feet tall---and is almost 4 football fields in length.
According to a Ruralite publication from June 1962, "the cave was discovered in the 1880's by a boy, Jack Aerni, while herding cattle. He sat on a rock pile, felt a cold air draft, found cracks in the rock, and dropped some things through."
The cave temperature remains 42 degrees year around. As you may have guessed from the blog title, it was used in the 1930's for aging cheese. There are lumber remnants from the storage racks.
Taking pictures in such extreme darkness was a challenge.
After walking a 1/4 mile in the dark, we got to the other end of the tunnel.
Everyone kept exclaiming "this is so cool!"
This place is amazing and we wanted to know more about it. Our friends shared newspaper articles and documents about the history of the both the cave and chalet.
This place is truly a treasure. Until a few years ago, anyone could drive up to the cabin and enter the caves through the east end. But after regular vandalism of the chalet and sightseers lighting camp fires on the property, a gate was installed.
We are very grateful for the opportunity to explore this unique place and give it the respect it deserves.
The cabin location allowed us to do day excursions with the kids---and because the weather was so lovely, we went to Goose Lake for some fishing and canoeing.
It felt really good to be together again!
Thank you Bob and Sherry for the amazing opportunity!
