“Under a swath of Kentucky hills and hollow is a limestone labyrinth that became the heartland of Mammoth Cave National Park. The park cave, of which only 12 miles is open for tours, encompasses more than 330 miles of a 5 level cave system. It is still as “grand, gloomy and peculiar” as it was when Steven Bishop, a young slave described it and mapped many of Mammoth’s passages. Bishop gained his freedom in 1856 but sadly died in 1857 and his grave, like his life is part of Mammoth. It lies in the Old Guide’s Cemetery near the entrance. “--NPS

The human experience of Mammoth Cave reflects one of humanity’s most potent emotions: wonder. The dark depths of a pit or passage trigger inborn questions – where does that go? How far? Is anything in there?

The Cave Cowl and Mitts are my salute to Steven Bishop and those early cave explorers. The cowl and mitts are knit in an easy stitch which is fun to knit and visually gratifying! Suitable for advanced beginners and interesting enough for more advanced knitters.