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viewed far above the visitors' heads as a tour guide points out the only entrance. Today, it is covered with a grate that allows only the natural inhabitants of the cave leeway to exit and enter at will, and at the same time, keep humans from falling to their deaths. While staring at that hole far above, it's hard to imagine how anyone could climb down into the cave, much less, how did a Native-American manage to do that a thousand years ago?

It was during the exploration of 1955 that the bones of this Native-American were discovered inside the cave. Not only had the constant temperature of 58 degrees preserved the bones, the sticks used as torches to light his way were also preserved. These charred pieces of wood are on display in the second level because removal of the items may cause disintegration. The skeletal remains of the man are freely viewed in the museum 300 feet above. Only one thing is certain about all of these remains-the sticks provide proof the man deliberately entered the cave. But why? And how? Was he banished from his tribe? Did the excitement of exploring the unknown pump up his adrenaline and smite intelligent warnings of fear? Did anyone else know he went into the cave? Was anyone looking for him when the cave became his tomb? Since he got in, why couldn't he get out? Did he get lost? Did he starve to death or did some other disaster befall him? Only the cave knows the answers to these questions, and it isn't willing to reveal its secrets.

As the "Discovery Trail" goes along, another question arises: did the Native-American peer inside the "Ghost Room?" As the tour guide points out, "When the first explorer climbed up to peer into this room, this is what he saw." He dims the lights to allow the ghostly view of the largest flowstone known to man. Its white crystals add to the allure of an unworldly presence. Did Native-American Man get a view of that? How badly did he freak out if he did? And what about John? On the same level with the "Ghost Room," "John 1922" is inscribed on one of the walls. Who was John and how did he get into the cave? Did he find the "Ghost Room?" Did he find the skeletal remains of Native-American Man? Considering the two surprises he had in store for him, how badly did he freak out? What happened to John? Did he climb out and run away as fast as he could, keeping his secrets locked inside him?

As tourists continue to descend into the cave, these questions remain unanswered. No one will ever know why the cave swallowed a Native-American man over a thousand years ago, but has apparently regurgitated all other victims, since no other skeletal remains have been discovered. As the years go by, the cave continues to grow and form, constantly spitting out gushing water into Blanchard Springs as a third level carves its own niche into the limestone. Perhaps this even lower level of caverns, that has only been chartered by the bravest of divers, holds more secrets and maybe even a few answers. Considering it took thousands of years for the cave to reach the maturity level it now has, how many other mysteries are buried deep within its depths?

Learn more about this author, Moira Bryant.
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