Exploring Dim Cave- Finding my Childhood

 Today we headed into the mountains to check out Dim Cave.  Something about those crazy rock formations, hiding down there in a mysteriously lit cave, brought out child like wonder in me.

Alan: Can you imagine being the first person to discover this place?  What would you think?!?

Me: THE CAVE OF WONDERS! Raw! Cave of wonders!

 So maybe I actually turned back into a child while I was in there, because all of a sudden I was living in all of my favourite movies and games.  Every where I looked was another beloved character...

 

Gloppy, from Candyland.

 

Not the most coveted spot on the board, but easily the most delish.  Who doesn't love fudge-sicles? 

 

Most definitely NOT my favourite movie, but even I can see Jabba-the-hut here.

 

NEVER thought this guy would make the blog. 

I'm so much less embarrassed by this movie reference. Can you see him?  The cutest alien EVER?  He's the only reason I'd ever want to go to space.  I used to fantasize about braving the... wild black yonder?... to find this little guy, and bring him home.  

 

Too bad I'm such an incompetent Navigator. 

 

When I started to get hungry, all I could see was Christmas candy.

 

You know, the kind that is so lovely to look at, but whose taste is a mystery because it always sticks together like one giant tin-shaped candy. 

 

But mostly, at every turn I was just sure we were going to run into Chester Copperpot.

 Poor treasure hunter, caught in one of One-Eyed-Willie's traps. 

Or maybe an organ made out of bones...

And then we found this... and I knew...

"Chester Copperpot! Don't you guys see? Don't you realize? He was a pro. He never made it this far. Look how far we've come. We've got a chance."

I knew One-Eyed-Willie's treasures were within our reach.

But then Alan said it was time to go.  And I realized I was hungry. 

My treasure hunting days will have to wait...

As we emerged from the Cave-O-Wonders, I could feel my childhood slipping back into my past.  But I was relieved to know that it wasn't out of reach.  All I needed was a little magic to bring it back.

On our way home we passed by some real live children on the side of the road.  The were playing together in the grass, and when they heard our car coming they ran over to their flower stand, beckoning us over.  We stopped to buy some daisies they had picked in the field and squeal at their adorableness. 

When Alan asked how much, the older one held up one finger, recognizing us as tourists.  The little one shouted "Bir lira!"  Best lira I've spent in a long time. 

Children are great.