More Traveling with Grandkids: 130 Steps Into a Cave
Fear, Courage, and 130 Steps Underground
“Mimi, I don’t want to go down there,” four-year-old Benson said.
In that make-or-break moment, my oldest grandson Kaysan quickly took Benson’s hand. “It’ll be okay,” he said. “I’ll help you.”
For a split-second, I felt both proud and disappointed. Proud of Kaysan’s instant, loving response. Disappointed because I wanted to be the one who soothed Benson’s fears. As a long-distance grandparent, I long to “be there” for my grandkids—for the teachable moments, for times they’re scared, for reading stories aloud.
But First—The George Müller Museum
Visiting our daughter, son-in-law, and grandkids for an entire month in England was a dream come true. Not only did we stay just a half-block from their house, but we were immediately immersed in their family life, from home school to work events to sightseeing.
The day of the cave visit, our excursion began with the George Müller Museum in Bristol, England. After listening to Müller’s biography on audiobook, Kaysan was impressed by Mr. Müller's dedication to helping orphaned children in 19th century England. George never asked for funds, only prayed for God’s provision. Over a span of more than 60 years, he simply took the next step, then another, and kept moving forward until he ended up caring for more than 10,000 children.
At Kaysan’s recommendation, Roger and I made a point of listening to the audiobook, too. So when we arrived in Bristol, we were delighted to find the George Müller Museum is actually in one of his original orphan houses. The Museum includes many hands-on exhibits that enthralled us as much as the kids.
The Clifton Suspension Bridge Observatory
After the Museum, we headed for the Clifton Suspension Bridge, one of the most famous bridges in England. This beautiful Victorian bridge sits 300 feet above the Avon Gorge. For the best view, you have to climb the hill to the Clifton Observatory. It’s worth the hike, though, because the Observatory boasts a museum, a rooftop terrace, and the Giant’s Cave.
A cave! What could be better for grandkids with their Mimi? We’d visited Cathedral Caverns together in Alabama and all of us loved it. This English cave sounded even better: 130 steps down to a lookout under the clifftop overlooking the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Avon River.
Traveling with grandkids often means working to keep up with them. So while Roger rested in the car, Bilal and Jennifer walked the bridge, and I hiked up the hill with the grandkids.
I Should Have Asked More Questions
At the ticket counter for the Giant’s Cave, a stack of hard hats was the first hint I might’ve taken on more than I could handle. Me, alone with three kids? Still, it was only my head that was high enough to bump the rock ceiling, so I quickly bought tickets and we moved into the narrow tunnel to the stairs.
And that’s where Benson took one look down the steep, narrow, dark, wet stairs and asked to turn around.
I Couldn’t Blame Him
I have to confess: the sight of those spiraling stairs made me wonder how hard it would be to get a refund. Would this excursion with Mimi turn out to be more memorable for awesomeness or terror?
Kaysan and Kashmir were unfazed, however, so with me in the lead and Kaysan holding Benson’s hand, we started down. It’s such a tight squeeze that guides aren’t an option. At peak times I can only imagine how treacherous the stairs are with people passing both ways.
Soon enough, the stairs gave way to a fairly level stone path. But my relief was short-lived, as more tight stairs appeared ahead. 130 steps down isn’t all that many, but I was already thinking of the climb back up. For me, not for the kids.
What a View!
At last, we stepped out onto a tiny steel grating. The hype was right—we feasted our eyes on the bridge and river far below. Magnificent!
I’m so glad this grandma and grandchild worked through our fear. I guess that’s what courage looks like. Sometimes you take the next step—or take the lead—like George Müller without knowing the outcome. Sometimes you hold someone else’s hand or put on a hard hat. And you refuse to turn back until you’ve seen the view you came for.
When we rejoined the kids’ parents, I was especially proud to hear Benson’s report: “At first I was scared, then I was brave.”
Ever had to face your fears and ended up being glad you did (or not)? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear your story.
If you enjoyed this story of courage, you might want to check out these posts:
Comments