A Trip to DeKalb for NIU Basketball-- Part 6: Great Deal and Mission to Boot

No charge for parking by the Convocation Center!!  How about that!!  We walked over to the center, stopping to pet a Yorkie puppy who was going crazy running around and up to anybody within dash distance.  His owner said this is the first time he's been outside and it was a real nice early springish day for these parts in northeast Illinois.  That was one happy dog.

We bought general admission tickets for the big price of $5 apiece.  And, that was for two basketball games.  The NIU women played Central Michigan in the first game at 1 pm, then the men played CMU in the second game at 3:30.  Not a bad deal for college basketball.

The university bills this as Spring Homecoming.  In addition, today, the first 1,200 fans got a replica NIU basketball jersey.

Inside, we got to see the NIU mascot, Mission, who was posing for pictures with fans.  In addition, his replacement in several years, Mini Mish was there.  Mini Mish is related to Mission, but not his son.  Mission is nine years old and replaced another favorite Huskie (NIU spelling) Diesel.

--RoadHus

A Trip to DeKalb for NIU Basketball-- Part 5: The Chick Evans Field House and Convocation Center

After checking into the Red Roof Inn on Lincoln Highway, we drove over to the Convocation Center, usually referred to as the Convo Center.  Evidently, no company or person has paid to have it named after them as of yet.

The Convo Center replaced the Chick Evans Field House at the corner of Lucinda and Annie Glidden roads.  The Chick Evans Field House is a 6,000 seat indoor facility that opened in 1956 and until the Convo Center, was where the NIU Huskies basketball teams played.  They played there while I was a student from 1969 to 1973.  And, we had some pretty good teams back then.

This is also where major concerts were held, including the Neil Diamond and Elton John ones that Liz and I saw.

Chick Evans, however, was more like an oversized high school basketball facility with nothing but bleacher seats.  What we needed to grow our basketball programs was a bigger, more modern facility.

The new facility seats 10,000 and is west of Chick Evans Fieldhouse and nearer to the Lincoln Highway.  A good description of it is that it is a really big round white building.

The Convo Center opened in 2002 and I saw the first NIU basketball game that played there as well as Bill Cosby, who had the first non-athletic event.  I can still remember his first words in the show.  He said he was flown into the DeKalb air port on a small plane and a girl approached him and handed him an ear of corn and said, "Welcome to DeKalb."  We're kind of known for corn out in the area.

Yeah, Bill.  Real Corny.   --RoadVo

A Trip to DeKalb for NIU Basketball-- Part 4: Talking About Hotels

Drove Annie Glidden Road to Lincoln Highway (Illinois Highway 38) and then west a short distance to the Red Roof Inn which has become the main place we stay at these days.  And, we have a history with this hotel.

But before getting there, we passed the old Travel Inn which has been closed for many years.  It used to be Motel 6 when we were students and for a lot of years afterwards and was the main place we stayed at for homecomings and other events.  It wasn't the Hilton, but clean enough.  But we noticed when it became Travel Inn it started slipping.

Plus, the St. Valentine's Day killer at NIU stayed there the night before he committed those horrible murders in 2008.

The Red Roof Inn used to be the Best Western and before that was the Holiday Inn.  When we got married on campus, August 25, 1973, at the campus Newman Center, we had our wedding reception at the Best Western.

So, this hotel has quite the history with us.

--RoadDog

A Trip to DeKalb for NIU Basketball-- Part 3: Lincoln and Douglas Halls

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22

We next went to Village Commons Bookstore right across from West Campus on Lucinda Drive.  This place can cost us a bit of money because of all their NIU stuff for sale, but we managed to get out just as rich as we went in.  Also stocked up there on Northern Stars, the student newspaper.  Always good to be in the know.

So sad to see Lincoln Hall, where I lived freshman year 1969-1970  is closed and has been for several years.  Liz stayed in Douglas Hall sophomore and junior years and that has been torn completely down.  She is not happy about that not am I happy about Lincoln being closed and I'm sure eventually to be torn down.

That is two big dorms closed now.  Each one housed 1000 students back in the day.  There is a new dorm at Northern, right across from the old Lincoln Hall to the north of it.  Student population at NIU was about 24,000 when we attended 1969-1973 and remained around that until a few years ago.  It has now dropped to about 17,000.

Definitely a cause for concern.

Reopen Lincoln!!!  --RoadColn

A Trip to DeKalb for NIU Basketball-- Part 2: The President's House

Earlier last week, I had come across an article about the NIU president's home being for sale.  We did not even know that NIU had a president's home.  So, we figured to go looking for it.

We turned off Il-23 by Quentin-Rosette School north of downtown, and started driving around back in that area.  Liz and looked its location up, but had not brought the information along with her.  We didn't find the house.

I just looked it up and it is at 901 Woodlawn Drive, about five minutes from campus.  It was built in 1952, has 6,000 square feet and listed for $295,000.  The lot is 1.3 acres.  It was sold to NIU's President Rhoten Smith in 1968, who gave it to the NIU Foundation in 1970.

It had been used by each NIU president since then until the newest one, Lisa Freeman, who already had a house in DeKalb and chose not to live in this one.

Since it was now surplus property, it was decided to sell it.

The President's House.  --RoadPres

A Trip to DeKalb, Illinois for NIU Basketball-- Part 1: The Historic DeKalb-Sycamore Road

FEBRUARY 22, 2020, Saturday

Northern Illinois University held its annual Spring Homecoming games this past weekend.  This is where the women and men's basketball teams both play at home and during the afternoon.  Liz and I like to go out to this whenever we can.  And this weekend, we did.

We took our regular avoid Huntley way out to DeKalb.  And that means driving on Illinois Highways 120 to Woodstock, 47, 176 to Marengo and then 23 to Sycamore.  The, we took the bypass around Sycamore (Peace Road) to Il-23 again and then the famed DeKalb-Sycamore Highway.

This road is significant in Illinois road history as it was one of the first paved two lane roads between two towns and then, as World War II started for the U.S., one of the first four lane roads between cities in the state.

Needless to say, when we were students at NIU in DeKalb from 1969 to 1973, there was not a lot of businesses on the road, but not any more.  It is one store, restaurant or gas station after another.  Driving it can be exasperating with all the stoplights, many of which are quite long.  Real standard homogenized stuff.

--RoadDog

Eight Great Places to Celebrate Women's History-- Part 1: Harriet Tubman and Women's Rights

From the Travel Awaits Blog by Sage Scott.

When the United States was established in 1776, women were not allowed to own property or vote.  Their career choices essentially were to run the house and bear children.

But, things have changed.

These are some good places to see the roles women have played in subsequent U.S. history:

1.  HARRIET TUBMAN MUSEUM AND EDUCATIONAL CENTER,  Cambridge, Maryland

The small but mighty Underground Railroad conductor.  She also was very involved in the Civil War.


2.  WOMEN'S RIGHTS NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK,  Seneca Falls, New York

In 1848, a group of 300 women gathered in Seneca Falls for the first Women's Rights Convention.  They produced the Declaration of Sentiments.  You can visit the Elizabeth Cady Stanton House who was a leader in the movement for 72 years and the Wesleyan Chapel where the convention was held.

--RoadDog

Please Don't Run Over the Mayor in Sycamore in 1920

From the Feb. 19, 2020, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1920, 100 Years Ago.

"Dr. C.B. Brown, mayor of Sycamore, was injured there yesterday when he was knocked down by an automobile.

"The mayor was badly bruised about the right shoulder and arm, but was able to walk to his home and was able to be on the street this morning, according to reports from the city."

Let's Hope He Wasn't Laying On the Street.  --RoadDog

Keep Downtown Parking in DeKalb in 1970

From the Jan. 22, 2020, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1970, 50 Years Ago.

"Some 100 merchants along Lincoln Highway in DeKalb turned out yesterday afternoon to let a three-man city council committee to know they do not want all the parking removed from Main Street in downtown DeKalb."

Main Street in DeKalb is the Lincoln Highway, now Illinois Highway 38.

RoadDog

Litterbugs Along DeKalb-Sycamore Highway Back in 1945

From the Feb. 12, 2020, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1945, 75 Years Ago.

"Auto drivers who use the road between DeKalb and Sycamore frequently, have entered a protest about the rubbish and debris of all kinds that have been scattered along the highway at various places between city limits and the entrance to the city dumping grounds.

"It is not believed the city wagons are losing the debris, but as to who might be the guilty parties, county and state authorities are determined to learn, that the practice may be stopped."

Kittering Back Then.  --RoadDog

Along 66, Jan. 2020: Route 66 E-Group and Tucumcari

JANUARY 13--  The Route 66 e-group advocates moving to Me We platform.

I won't be going to it, though.  I am also not on Facebook.  I spend way TOO much time on these doggone blogs.

JANUARY 16--  Tucumcari, New Mexico, reconsiders, advances landmark sign ordinance for neon signs.

There is a fear that if they don't private collectors will snatch them up and they'll be gone.

Let's face it, neon is what gives so much of the Mother Road its charm.

--RoadDog

Here Are the Illinois Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inaugural Class Inductees

The votes are in and the members of the first class are announced:

Performers:

Chicago
Cheap Trick
Ides of March
Muddy Waters
Buddy Guy
Buckinghams
REO Speedwagon

************************

NON-PERFORMERS:

Radio:  WLS

Chess Records

Clubs:  Thirsty Whale

DJs:  Larry Lujack   (Uncle Lar)

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:   Dick Biondi

Congratulations Guys.  --RoadDog

The Giant Goodyear World War I Truck Comes to DeKalb County, Il.

From the Nov. 4, 2019, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1919, 100 Years Ago.

"The giant Goodyear Tire Co.  commercial truck, which in the company of several other trucks of like construction made a transcontinental trip last year,  arrived in the city this morning  and was on exhibition in front of the P.S. Corey & Son tire store.

"The truck is a monster in size and was viewed by many people as it stood on Lincoln Highway.    The machine has an enviable war record, having several times been placed at the disposal of the Red Cross and other war work organizations during emergencies."

--RoadDog

Here's How I Would Have Voted for Illinois' Inaugural Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class

I would have voted this way, but you had to be a member and I am not yet one.  But this is how I would have voted.

For performers I would have voted all Chicago 60s bands:

Buckinghams
New Colony Six
Ides of March

But, in order to spread it around, my voting would more likely have been:

New Colony Six
Chicago
Muddy Waters

*******************

For Radio Station:

WLS of course

******************

For Non-Performer:

Chess Records

******************

For Clubs:

Thirsty Whale

******************

For Disc Jockeys:

Larry Lujack

******************

For a complete list of candidates for the inaugural class see the posts from Thursday, Feb. 13 and Friday, Feb.  14.

You Can't Have Too Many Museums.  --RoadDog

Along 66, Jan. 2020: Springfield, Missouri's History Museum on the Square Is USA Today's 2019 Best New Attraction

JANUARY 12--  The History Museum on the Square in Springfield, Missouri, has been awarded the best New Attraction in the USA Today annual 10 Best listings.

This new museum has six galleries featuring Springfield founders, Route 66 the Civil War as well as regional and area Indian cultures.

Other attractions being listed in the USA 10 best New Attractions:

#2. The American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog in New York.

#3.  The Hunger Games":  The Exhibition in Las Vegas.

#4.  Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota.

#5.  J. Rieger & Co. in St. Louis.

#6.  Sound Waves at Gaylord Opryland in Nashville.

#7.  Tidal Cove Waterpark at Aventura, Florida.

#8.  Otherworld in Columbus, Ohio.

#9.  ArtsWorcester in Worcester, Massachusetts.

#10.  Chuck Williams Culinary Arts Museum in Napa, California.

Always great to have another museum.

The More Museums, The Better.  --RoadDog

Along 66, Jan. 2020: Meeting About the Future of the Gasconade River Bridge in Missouri

JANUARY 10--  Gasconade River Bridge Guardians meet with Missouri's lieutenant governor, Mike Kehoe.

The President of the Route 66 Association of Missouri (and also a Gasconade River Bridge Guardian), Roamin' Rich Dinkela, met with the lieutenant governor, but no definitive answer was determined.  But, Roamin' Rich did say he was not told no as to its future.

The MoDOT has a "Drop Dead Date" for the bridge set at April 20.  This means that if no owner is found with a plausible plan for the future of the bridge, it will be torn down.

The bridge is nearly 90 years old and was closed to traffic in December 2014 because of massive deterioration.  There is now a new bridge several yards away from the original that just opened last year.

I am hoping the old bridge will be allowed to remain in place, but carry no traffic.  Let it be turned into a picnic area or something along those lines.

--RoadDog

Voting for Illinois Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-- Part 3: Radio Stations, Clubs and Disc Jockeys

Also there is voting for Radio Stations, Non-performer, Clubs and Disc Jockeys.

Vote for one in each category.

RADIO STATIONS

WLS
WXRT

*********************

NON-PERFORMERS

Chess Records
Vee-Jay Records

**********************

CLUBS

Thirsty Whale
Haymakers

**********************

DISC JOCKEYS

Larry Lujack
Steve Dahl

You Can Never Have Too Many Museums and Halls of Fame.  --RoadMusic

Illinois Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inaugural Class Voting-- Part 2

Some more performers:

Smashing Pumpkins
Buddy Guy
Muddy Waters

Willie Dixon
Chuck Berry
Rufus with Chaka Kahn

Dan Fogelberg
Eddie Vetter
John Prine

Lionel Ritchie
New Colony Six
Paul Butterfield Blues Band

Ides of March
Survivor

--RoadDog

Here's Your Chance to Vote for the Inaugural Illinois Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class-- Part 1

As you may know, the new Illinois Rock and Roll Museum will be opening in Joliet, Illinois, right on good old Route 66.

Now, here's your chance to vote, BUT, you have to be a charter member and voting ends tomorrow, so it's probably a lost cause.  But, anyway, I figured I'd show you who is in the running.

Here are the performers, and you get to vote for three.  Eligibility:  Must have ties to Illinois but not limited to born in Illinois, started career in Illinois, based in Illinois, recorded in Illinois.

Chicago
Styx
REO Speedwagon

Cheap Trick
Earth, Wind & Fire
Buckinghams

There Are More in the Next Post.  --RoadDog

Along 66, Jan. 2020: Rockwood Motor Court Reopens in Springfield, Missouri

JANUARY 3--  Rockwood Motor Court in Springfield, Missouri, reopened its overnight business.

Phyllis Ferguson now owns it and the place is not completely open yet.

It is at 2200 W. College Street (Route 66)

She plans to have all nine cottages open eventually, each with a different theme.

The place dates to 1929.

BigFoot Subs is also on the property.

Liz and I ate there before it was BigFoot and asked to see one of the cottages awhile ago and the cottage was in horrible shape inside.  So, I'm glad to see that they have been restored.  The rooms are all clad in that neat Ozark limestone sometimes called giraffe stone, which makes it even better.

--RoadDog

Ten Things Not to Miss On Route 66

From the February 4, 2020 AutoTrader by Lesley Wimbush.

Great pictures accompany as well as text.

1.  The Berghoff--  Chicago, Illinois   Great kick-off you sojourn place.  Established in 1898.  I still haven't forgiven them from the great shutdown, sell-off they did a while back.

2,  Galena, Kansas

3.  East Meets West--  Tulsa, Oklahoma   Interesting sculpture of a horse and wagon encountering an early car.

4.  Cadillac Ranch--  Amarillo, Texas

5.  Glen Rio Ghost Town--  Texas/New Mexico

**************************************

PART 2:  ALBUQUERQUE TO SANTA MONICA  By Jeff Wilson

6.  Gallup, New Mexico   Native America  and the El Rancho Hotel

7.  Holbrook and Winslow, Arizona  Only 30 minutes apart.  Holbrook has a Wigwam Motel.  Winslow, of course, has "Standing On the Corner."

8.  Grand Canyon--  Not technically on Route 66, but what the hey.

9.  Oatman, Arizona--  The drive, those burros.

10.  Roy's Motel--  Amboy, California.

END OF THE ROAD:  Santa Monica Pier.

--RoadDog

Along 66, January 2020: About the "Singing Road"

These stories are taken from the Route 66 news blog site.  The site contains all you want to know about our Route 66 and on a daily basis.  I just pick out the ones of most interest to me, and tell just some of the story, so the site has a lot more about each story and pictures as well.

Check it out.

JANUARY 2--  The Singing Road of Route 66 in Tijeras, New Mexico is riding of into the sunset, meaning, it is fading since it is not getting regular upkeep.

This length of the Mother Road contains specially tuned rumble strips that, when you drive over them at 45 mph, you hear "America the Beautiful."

The county, however is considering taking over the maintenance.  It debuted n 2014.

Hopefully it will still be there when Liz and I get back out that far in the near future.  I went to You Tube and saw a video on it and you could definitely hear "America the beautiful."

Also, it is too bad there also isn't a strip that plays "Get Your Kicks" on you know what.

A Unique Section of Road, Indeed.  --RoadSong

Chicago Wolves vs. Milwaukee Admirals-- Part 5: Kid Hockey, Tee Shirts, Zambonis and a Blowout

Friday, January 31

Between periods, they had a youth hockey game for about eight minutes and those little guys were really moving up and down the ice (and falling down a lot).  They'd fall and pop right back up, as did the AHL players.  Not so with me anymore.  I go down and it isn't, "Help I've Fallen and Can't Get Up" but approaching that.  And on ice, not likely at all.

In the second between periods game, one team's goalie was really good at stopping shots.  With how badly the Wolves goalie was going we decided that they should offer the little guy a one-day contract.

Plus, between periods and during time outs, girls would go out on the ice and throw and toss tee shirts to the kids, which would cause a stampede in our area.

The Zamboni's came out between periods and would smooth out the ice.  One time they had a special Zamboni where people were sitting on top and waving to the crowd,which probably filled about one third of the arena.

First and second periods the Wolves were outscored 2-1 in each.  The second one, the Wolves goalie was in the net by us and he sure looked big enough that he shouldn't be letting all those pucks go by him, but he sure did.  Where's that kid goalie when you need him.

We left with the Wolves down 6-3 and one out for the count as a result of a fight.  We later heard that the final score was 7-3 so we didn't miss anything.

--RoadPuck

Chicago Wolves vs. Milwaukee Admirals-- Part 4: A Time for Fighting

Friday, January 31, 2020.

I have to say that I have never seen as many fights in a hockey game as I saw tonight.  It seemed that one broke out every few minutes.  And, these weren't just shoving matches.  I thought I was watching that mixed fighting stuff.  And, the crowd sure got into it, especially the young kids.

These guys would start to duke it out and then one would throw his helmet onto the ice, followed immediately by his sparring partner.  Then, they would go for blood.  There must have been eight boxing matches tonight.  And, they were connecting on each others' faces.

Fighting at NHL games is way down compared to this.  AHL is wide open.  I looked up AHL fighting and found there are several sites devoted to it.

So, in the American Hockey League, this must be the thing.

The penalty for fighting in the AHL is five minutes, but almost every time both players get a "time out."

May the Best Fighter Prevail.  --RoadFight

Chicago Wolves vs. Milwaukee Admirals AHL Game-- Part 3: That's Wayne Messmer Singing

One thing I can say and that there sure were a lot of kids there, especially youth hockey players.  There are a lot of activities set up in the halls for them.  You had to keep a weather eye out for wayward hockey sticks.

While the teams weer practicing before the game  there were lots of kids up by the glass and putting their hands on the glass and forming a target.  Every so often, a player would toss a puck over the glass which would set off a stampede.  Enjoyed watching the Zambonis doing their thing on the ice.

The game was slated to start at 7, but didn't until about 7:15.  The Wolves sure have an interesting and impressive intro to the game, complete with flames and fireworks.  My buddies had been there before and told me to get ready for the "Heat."  And we sure got it when those flames went off.

Well-known Chicago talent and singer Wayne Messmer, sang the National Anthem.  he was the original Chicago Blackhawks singer before Jim Cornelisun.  When he hits those last notes, WOW!!!

Watching the NHL on TV, you don't really get the feeling of how fast the action goes and the quick switching of the lines.  But, I sure got it tonight.

One guy sitting in the front row by the glass, got a good lesson in why you don't want to put an expensive beer up on the ledge by the glass because there was a collision there at that spot and down goes his expensive beer onto the floor.  I noticed that he had other beers later, but none of them were placed back in that spot.

--RoadIce

Chicago Wolves vs. Milwaukee Admirals-- Part 2: Souvenirs and Eatin'

I went to the game with George, Rocky and Mark, who drove.  We even had a pass for parking (which would have cost $20).  Hey, nothing's cheap about Rosemont or the Allstate Arena.  Rosemont is by O'Hare Airport.

Gates open at 6 pm for the 7 pm game, and not a second before that.  We got there at 5:54 and had to wait inside until 6.

Great seats.  We were six rows back near the Admiral player box, so great view of the rink and game.  With time to kill, I went looking at what was available.  Souvenirs were expensive, ranging from $30 for a tee shirt to $180 for a Wolves jersey (well sweater).  Since neither team is affiliated with the Blackhawks, I took a pass.  Now had there been IceHog ones I might have been tempted.

Beer was $8.50 for 16 ounces.  I really like my beer, but NOT at those prices.  There were some interesting items to eat for $8 to $12.  I found a hot dog for $3.50 (but they had the fixins: mustard, relish, chopped onions) and a small bag of popcorn for $3.  That was not much of a hot dog and a hard bun that even the fixins' couldn't help.  The popcorn was more like cardboard.

--RoadWolf

A Trip Out to Minor League Hockey: Chicago Wolves vs. Milwaukee Admirals-- Part 1: Sorting Them Out

This past Friday, January 31, a bunch of us guys from Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg, Illinois, took a trip down to Rosemont, Illinois, to All State Arena to see the game between the Milwaukee Admirals and Chicago Wolves of the AHL, American Hockey League, which serves as the minor league teams of the NHL, National Hockey League.

The Admirals are the affiliate of the Nashville Predators in the NHL and the Wolves are with the Vegas Golden Knights.  I read this past week that the Knights are looking to get an AHL team closer to home.

Right now, the Admirals are in first place in the Central Division of the Western Conference and the Wolves are in third.  Our own Chicago NHL team, the Blackhawks, has their AHL team in nearby Rockford named the IceHogs and they are in fifth.

I'd never been to a minor league hockey game and just one NHL game in my life.

And, even better, the tickets were compliments of Anheuser-Busch.  I was a bit shocked at the price we would have had to pay which was $39.  Wow, $39 for a minor league game.  Definitely more than I pay for a Clinton Lumber Kings game of the baseball Class A Midwest League which is $8 for a box seat right by the dugout.

A Hockey We Go.  --RoadPuck

Did Mark Twain Sign His Name in Mark Twain Cave?-- Part 2

As Linda Coleberd waved the group's lone flashlight around an otherwise dark area of the cave, Lovell says she happened to catch the beam of light as it shined on a signature"  "Clemens," written in pencil.

It wasn't until weeks later that a high-resolution photo of the signature revealed "Sam" etched at the same place, indicating that the signature was that of the famed author and not a relative.

The signature was discovered in July, but details weren't announced until recently, only after several Twain experts were able to study the signature to determine it was almost certainly real.

The cave itself became a tourist destination after the 1876 publication of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," as people flocked to the place that inspired some of the book's key adventures.

It wasn't until 1979, after the cave was named a National Historic Landmark that writing on the walls was prohibited.

Well, Is It Real?  --RoadTwain

Did Mark Twain Sign His Name in the Mark Twain Cave?

From the October 13, 2019, Chicago Tribune "Clemens' signature found in Mark Twain cave" by Jim Slater, AP.

Well, since Mark twain wasn't his real name, he would have signed it with his real name, Samuel Clemens.    It had been rumored for many years that he had left his mark somewhere in the cave, but until now, it had not been found.  Now, maybe, it has.  Maybe it hasn't.

A pair of Mark Twain enthusiasts have searched for more than two decades and now say they have found what appears to be Samuel Clemens' signature from his youth scrawled on the wall of the Missouri cave he made famous in "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer."

In the mid-1800s, long before he took on the pen name of Mark Twain, Clemens and his young pals romped around the cave located near the Mississippi River on the outskirts of Hannibal.

As a group of Twain scholars toured what is now known as the Mark twain Cave this summer with cave owner Linda Coleberd, self-proclaimed "Twainiac" Cindy Lovell and two others broke off in the search of this long-elusive signature which was long believed to be among the thousands of names signed on the cave's limestone walls.

--Roaddog