We often travel north when we have time off. This time we drove south to find a beautiful oasis of dark sky in southern Arizona. For Christmas, our favorite uncle gifted us with tickets to tour Kartchner Caverns, just south of Benson Arizona. This state park offers hiking trails, campsites, cabins, and dark skies perfect for viewing the Milky Way and planets. 

My sister and I rented out all 4 cabins for our family. They are cute, two room buildings with a queen bed, two bunk beds, a fridge, microwave and large covered patio. They also have a picnic table and fire ring. For those worried about digging a hole in the woods, the state park offers a clean bathroom with toilets and showers that are maintained daily. If there's a bathroom, I consider it a luxury!   

I am one of the few women I know who enjoy camping, and enjoy camping in a tent, sleeping on the ground. That line in Cowboy Take Me Away, "I want to sleep on the hard ground, in the comfort of your arms, on a pillow of blue bonnets, and a blanket made of stars..." has spoken to me since I first heard that song. However, the beds were so comfortable! I was pleased to have two full nights of rest on a real bed, and a door to separate us and the kids! I still love my tent and the wilderness experience, but this was a nice change. 

We took the Big Room tour and the tours were limited to 10 people and you had to wear a mask. It was a relaxing tour into the cave and I loved seeing M in awe of her surroundings and how she marveled at the natural formations and story of how the cave was discovered and protected. CJ was too young, so my uncle graciously took him back to the cabins and spent time watching him until my parents and sister were done with their tours. 

The evenings were spent laughing and enjoying the cool breeze. My sister and I got two hikes in and even saw herds of deer scurrying up the steep mountainside. I cannot wait to come back here and explore more. I highly encourage anyone taking a trip to Tucson to consider checking out Kartchner Caverns State Park. It's truly a natural wonder and something I am so proud to see protected and cared for so that future generations may enjoy it. 

My favorite people in the whole world. We were celebrating being vaccinated and being able to enjoy the world again!