I haven’t been to Ruby Falls in many years and was surprised to see all the changes since the last time I had been there. The path through the cave to the falls had been widened and paved. It was no where near as rugged a journey from the elevator to the falls as it was when I was an adolescent.
In addition, there was lighting along the path hidden behind faux rocks that blended seamlessly into the walls of the cave. Each formation was highlighted with colored lighting and a sign indicating the name of the formation. None of this was available the last time I had been there. There had been some lights along the way, out of necessity for obvious reasons, but it was no where near so well lite and we were told the names of the formations as we passed them.
Ah well, it’s all good. But I have to say there was one thing that disappointed me greatly. We came to the bend in the path that is now called ‘Weight Watchers Curve’. I looked, and then looked again. ‘Weight Watchers Curve’? They had managed to put a second path in the cave around that curve so that visitors passing in either direction did not have to pass belly to belly on that curve (The Tennessee Belly Rub is what they call it there).
Hmmmm …. it seemed familiar, but not quite familiar. Then I remember. It used to be ‘Fat Man’s Squeeze’ and there wasn’t a second path. As I recall, it certainly was a Fat Man’s Squeeze between limestone formations. Now it’s a path that’s slightly less wide than the rest of the path and is called ‘Weight Watcher’s Curve’.
Now don’t you think that ‘Fat Man’s Squeeze’ has much more character to it than ‘Weight Watcher’s Curve’? Why would they change the name after all these years? It takes the flavor out of it.
It’s sad to me that Ruby Falls has gone all politically correct!
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April 26th, 2007 at 12:13 pm
Vacation in China…
Just the place for the wife to take me the next time we travel. Remember I’m a masochist, I love being punished.
BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese tourism authorities are seeking investment to build a novel concept attraction — the world’s first “wome…
April 26th, 2007 at 7:54 pm
Carl Bernstein’s Bio on Hillary Rodham Clinton…
Exposing Hillary Rodham Clinton for who she is must be near the top or sharing center stage
……
April 26th, 2007 at 8:10 pm
Guns In Your Place Of Worship?.. Heavens No!…
In todays ever evolving society, one where violence is becoming commonplace, decisions of ‘to protect or not to protect’ are made every day.
Well, what about carrying in your place of worship? Listen, every self-respecting criminal would consider …
May 2nd, 2007 at 11:20 am
I believe that you have gotten a bit confused. The area you mentioned “Fat Man’s Squeeze” still exists, only it exists at Rock City Gardens, an attraction only 5 miles from Ruby Falls.
The area in the Ruby Falls cave that you are referring to is known as “Weight Watcher’s Lane” and has been named that as long as anyone on staff can remember (over 30 plus years).
Both attractions are fabulous scenic attractions and have been hosting visitors for well over 75 years, and in fact last year merged marketing departments.
Through their history both have marketed largely on highways by way of Barn and Billboard. Although they are remarkably different they are easily confused due to their close relation and proximity.