In our first episode we travel back to 1928, where Superintendent Colonel Thomas Boles meets with a special guest, one who is known for her daring feats above ground, rather than below.

Maiden Voyage

[Radio scanning stations, crackles into doowop rendition of the hymn “Rock of Ages,” and continues to play in the background.]

INTRO: Hello, everyone! Welcome to this episode of Rock of Ages. Rock of Ages will take on a different form as we all adapt to the challenges of this year. This project has been made possible by the diligent work, research, time, and vocal talents of the interpretive staff at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Today, we travel to 1928, where superintendent Colonel Thomas Boles meets with a special guest, one who is known for her daring feats above ground, rather than below. Sit back, relax, and listen to our history.

[Music fades to silence]

NARRATOR: Miss Amelia Earhart, the only woman air passenger to make the Atlantic hop, never makes any flying dates, which has served her well on this avian journey through the Southwest. Her attempts to leave Pecos, Texas to land in El Paso have been foiled by bouts of engine trouble. Ralph Sparks, a member of the El Paso Aero Club, retrieved her after the second forced landing and invited her to stay has a guest with him and his wife until her plane can be repaired. On this lovely afternoon of September 9, 1928, Mr. and Mrs. Sparks decide to introduce this vibrant aviatress to a world completely alien to her, but no less enthralling than taking wing. Used to soaring thousands of miles high in the glorious blue yonder, Amelia is unprepared for the captivating wonderland hundreds of feet beneath her feet as Superintendent Thomas Boles escorts her through his favorite showground of Carlsbad Cavern, the Lower Cave.

[Two sets of footsteps echo on a dirt trail, leather boots squeak. Footsteps come to a stop, voices echo in cavern chamber.]

BOLES: My dear Miss Earhart, although you have had the great honor of experiencing our traditional Rock of Ages Ceremony mere moments ago, I wish to officially welcome you to the Lower Cavern—and the Carlsbad Cave National Monument itself!

EARHART: Yes, it has all been quite magnificent—thank you once again for the warm welcome!

BOLES: [Formally, taking on a ringleader persona] Now, ma’am, I want to showcase these magnificent architects of nature. Glistening stalactites and towering stalagmites surround us—from the tallest columns to the miniscule, marvelous cave pearls hiding at your feet. This underground cathedral is grander than anything made by the hands of man! Have you—

EARHART: [Interrupting] And how! What a wonderful sight to behold!

BOLES: Yes! Just 5 years ago, our dear president found it necessary to reserve this natural wonder as a national monument. He agreed that there are formations in such unusual number and beauty of form to make this cavern superior to other caves! I do hope to have Congress approve this as a national park someday soon. Hopefully, our esteemed legislative colleagues agree that this cave is as unique as President Coolidge says it is! Why, I know—

EARHART: [Interrupting] Why, I met the man just this year. Quite the honor I daresay! He is a quiet man, though. . . .

BOLES: What a spectacular coincidence! You may have visited purely by accident, Miss Ear—

EARHART: [Interrupting] Please, call me Amelia!

BOLES: Of course. [Chuckles] Amelia. Your visit may have been a perfect storm of coincidence—just think! By coming here, you have brought together a cavern our president smartly preserved and a woman he met after a significant historic flight! Such a remarkable and extraordinary event indeed!

EARHART: [Modestly] Please. Colonel, it was just a quick jump over the pond.

BOLES: 21 hours is no easy feat, ma’am!

EARHART: True! But to be honest . . . I felt much like a . . . sack of potatoes. I dream of the day I am more than simply a passenger.

BOLES: Now, don’t be quick to discount your achievement. Just one year ago some “potatoes,” as you call them, died in the attempt!

EARHART: [Sighs] Yes, yes, I know. But to be in control of my own destiny, my own plane, [small laugh] make the journey as a fly boy myself. . . . I know I could make the journey on my own one day.

BOLES: I don’t doubt it, Ms. Ear—[laughs] Amelia. Why, I could see a fine pilot such as yourself earning recognition worldwide—maybe even medals!

EARHART: [Laughs] Sure, that’ll be the day—a lady receiving prestigious awards. . . .

BOLES: Don’t be so quick to shoot it down! After all, I tell my daughter every day anything is possible.

EARHART: And you both should know I am quite aware of the hazards. I want to do it because I want to do it. Tell your daughter that women must try to do things as men have tried. When they fail, their failure must be but a challenge to others.

BOLES: Well said! Especially after that momentous decision 8 years ago. You proved yourself up to that challenge mere months ago!

EARHART: True! Now that we have the vote, what can’t we do?! It is the ’20s, after all!

[Both laugh]

EARHART: Well, Colonel Boles, I must say, this cave is just the bee’s knees. I wonder if you might grand me a small favor?

BOLES: [Slightly hesitant] Of course! How could I deny a simple request from someone so beloved?

EARHART: Well, as you know, I am a tad adventurous. . . .

BOLES: [Chuckles] You slay me! I do believe you are greatly underselling yourself there. “A tad” is a bit of an understatement, if I do say so myself!

EARHART: [Cautiously] Meaning no disrespect to you, sir . . . after all, I am quite overwhelmed by the wonders Hades’ realm contains. . . .

BOLES: [Enthusiastically] Isn’t it the most splendid place you’ve ever seen?!

EARHART: . . . but . . .

BOLES: Ma’am! You insult me!

EARHART: [Quickly] Not to say it’s not swell! But my only wish is to see a place no man—or woman—has seen before. . . . How marvelous an experience would that be?

BOLES: I should have expected as much! [Clears throat, continues in ringleader-type patter] Miss Amelia Earhart, on behalf of the Carlsbad Cave National Monument, I hereby give this lantern to your possession. Proceed into the darkness until no footsteps or disturbance of the soft cavern floor can be seen. Then you shall know—no eyes have gazed upon that room but yours!

EARHART: Thank you! [Small laugh] I assure you, Colonel, I am not one to shy away from danger!

BOLES: I trust you will take the utmost care in protecting the new underground realm you discover. And please, Miss Earhart, despite your declaration—don’t take any wooden nickels!

EARHART: [Small laugh] Of course! I will proceed with the utmost care and caution!

[Footsteps echo on dirt trail, fade into distance. Water drips. Footsteps turn into a ticking clock marking the passage of time. Colonel Boles’s thoughts become so loud they echo deeply through time and space as if he is speaking out loud. Water and clock continue in the background.]

BOLES: . . . My, it has been some time now. I wonder how our dear pilot is faring. I . . . do hope she can find her way back here. However would I explain the disappearance of such a well-known plot? Could she . . . sh-she won’t lose her way, right? [Quickly] I worry for nothing. I know she will find her course. Is that . . . do I hear footsteps? [Pauses, water drips] No . . . just water. [Clock ticking] My, my, it has been almost a half hour! I wonder if she’ll speak kindly of her visit. This could turn into fantastic publicity for the park, if she reflects well on her time here. . . . But . . . if it turns out poorly . . . [Sighs deeply, quick footsteps echo on dirt trail, become louder as Amelia gets closer]

BOLES: [Quietly in relief, to himself, normal cave echo returns] Ah, thank goodness! [Spoken to Earhart] Our intrepid explorer returns!

EARHART: [Breathless and excited] Oh, Colonel Boles, I have never been so fascinated in my entire life!

BOLES: [jokingly] I dare say, Miss Earhart, you are covered in dirt! Do you plan on taking half the cavern with you when you leave? As pleased as I am to have you here, taking anything from this monument would be a crime!

EARHART: [Laughs heartedly, brushes dirt off her clothes] I sincerely apologize, my dear Colonel. [Brushes and pats dirt off her clothes.] What a splendid adventure that was! Though my heart will always fly high in the sky, I would love to return and spend more time exploring the hidden realms of your beloved cavern.

BOLES: I would be delighted to have you return! Why, we could use a brave adventurer like you on our exploration party this winter!

EARHART: [gasps] Whistle me Dixie, that would be the cat’s meow! After all, adventure is worthwhile in itself!

BOLES: Oh, Miss Earhart, I formally invite you back to join our exploration party to run out several of the tunnels and pits previously unknown and unexplored by mankind.

EARHART: [Teasing] Unexplored to man-kind, but woman-kind shall discover them quite readily!

BOLES: [Good naturedly] Quite right, my dear Amelia!

EARHART: What a delight this day has been! Colonel Boles, you can tell everyone that even people who cross the Atlantic in an airplane can get a thrill in visiting the Carlsbad Cave!

BOLES: I will, indeed!

EARHART: If only I had the opportunity to stay longer—alas, I must head off to El Paso tomorrow! I have been delayed long enough. Although, this has been quite the distraction from my journey, I must say!

BOLES: Miss Earhart, one final question before we head out. . . .

EARHART: Yes?

BOLES: [Half-jokingly] Might you wish to join our crew here at the Carlsbad Cavern? We could use someone with your enthusiasm in our guide force!

EARHART: [Enthusiastically] Of course! Point me in the direction of the paperwork—where do I sign?

BOLES: [Chuckles] If only my rangers were half the woman you are. Tell me, what is your secret?!

EARHART: Honestly, [pauses thoughtfully] Colonel . . . I don’t want to miss a moment. And why do I do it? For the fun of it all. Why else would anyone do anything?

BOLES: [Thoughtfully] Well said, ma’am. Well said, indeed. Let’s get that paperwork started.

[Two sets of footsteps echo on dirt trail, fade into distance.]

NARRATOR: Sometimes a wing and a prayer leads to the most delightful and unexpected experiences and opportunities, as Amelia Earhart can attest. Even people who cross the Atlantic in a solo airplane can get a thrill in visiting Carlsbad Cavern! She signed papers that day to become an explorer of the cavern. Amelia had every intent of returning to Carlsbad Caverns National Park to make good on her promise to run out a few pits and tunnels in the cavern, even as soon as the following December or January. Although the allure of charting virgin passages deep in the belly of the earth was undeniable, in her heart flying high against the sun was her true calling. She went on to make headlines for her daring avian adventures, including being the first woman to earn the Congressional honor of the Distinguished Flying Cross. Nearly 10 years after her fascinating experience in Carlsbad Cavern, Amelia Earhart embarked on her boldest escapade: to be the first woman to fly around the world. Where Amelia is today, we may never know, but her daring spirit lives on in the heart of every visitor who delights in the wonders of Carlsbad Cavern.

[Doowop rendition of the hymn “Rock of Ages” begins and continues to play in the background.]

OUTRO: Well folks, we sure hope you enjoyed this episode of Rock of Ages. This episode featured the voices of rangers James Gunn as Colonel Thomas Boles, Kelli Housley as Amelia Earhart, and Aubrey Brown as the Narrator. This episode was researched and written by Kelli Housley. Recording production was done by James Gunn and Anthony Mazzucco, music and audio engineering by Gabe Montemayor, with Abby Burlingame and Aubrey Brown at the creative helm. Join us soon for our next episode. Thanks for listening . . . see ya soon . . . and happy trails.

[Music comes to an end.]