Sertile's Final Report (maybe...)
Well, I've been there, done that. Finally. Sorry to keep everyone in suspense for so long. To be honest, I have a sinking feeling that I might be the only one left who actually cares... Regardless, I have journeyed to the Blowing Cave of Cushman, Arkansas in search of a lost civilization. Did I find it, one might ask? No. I did manage to find my way to Cushman and into the Blowing Cave, but I have failed to return with concrete evidence of anything out of the ordinary. The cave itself was spectacular, however.
I can say more about the cave itself at a later date if anyone would like to hear my story, but I'm getting ready to leave for the next 6 weeks and I need to keep this short. Condensed version, the cave exists, and everything is where it's supposed to be. The story claims an area of "breakdown" exists between the entrance and an "underground lake." Other details are mentioned, and sure enough, the cave is exactly as described.
Now, there are supposed to be lower-levels to this cave with thermal bores running underneath, which naturally lead to an underground city. The entrance is a crack in the main chamber, or "breakdown" area. My problem was the breakdown includes hundreds of boulders, some as big as cars. The entire area is incredibly complex, and it's entirely possible that such a crack would have gone unnoticed. On the other hand, there was ample evidence that the Blowing Cave is an oft-explored cavern, and it stands to reason that SOMEONE (most likely some local teenagers) would have rediscovered this mystery crevice.
My final report is this: A lot of the initial story I was looking into DID check out, and so far I've been unable to confirm or debunk the existance of any secret chambers beneath the cave or the presence of dwellers within those chambers. I'd like to go back someday, but that probably won't happen for another year at least. All I can do now is try and use what indirect research methods I have at my disposal.
Everybody let me know what they think, and if anyone has any questions or comments I'll try and respond before I have to go.