Sunday, August 1, 2010

Luray Caverns

A few weeks ago, we posted a blog about our adventures with Nate and Shell while they were here for a visit.  One of the sites we visited was Luray Caverns, in Luray VA.  We had been wanting to go there for quite some time and so were very happy that Nate and Shell wanted to go, too.  

Luray Caverns was discovered about 130 years ago, and since has grown to become quite an attraction nestled in the Shenandoah Valley.  To tell you the truth, we haven't been in very many caves or caverns.  In fact, the only ones either of us have ever been in are the Jewel Caves near Mount Rushmore, so we don't really have much perspective on caves or caverns.  But, to say we were amazed by Luray Caverns would be an understatement.  It really was an incredible place to experience.  

We have a few photos to show below, but these really won't do it justice.  But enjoy anyway.


Luray Caverns is a registered natural landmark with the US Dept of the Interior (l).  Nate, Shell and Barb pose outside before we enter the caverns.



The beautiful veil stalactite (l), and a full column (r) that must have been over 20 feet tall.




Dream Lake was amazing.  A shallow pool of water below reflects the stalactified ceiling - it looks as if they are growing up from the floor, if you didn't realize that it was a reflection.






A little perspective on the scale.  Barb and Dan (top l) next to one of the column structures, Nate and Shell (top r) walk through one of the halls.  The structure in the bottom photo was probably 30 feet high.





On left, we view a drapery structure, on the right is the Frozen Fountain.






More cool shots.




The organ chamber.  Somebody invented and installed an organ that is attached to stalactites all around the chamber.  When you play a note on the keyboard, it sends a signal to a little hammer that strikes one of them, playing the note.  The guide said that it took months to test about 3,000 of them to find the stalactites that would produce the right notes for the organ.




This one is called "Pluto's Ghost".

The walking trail we followed was about a mile long, and from one chamber to the next we were wowwed by what we saw.  God's creation is an amazing thing to behold and discover!  Of course, we couldn't do justice to it with our novice photo skills.  If you want to see better pics or learn more go to http://www.luraycaverns.com/  or come see them for yourselves!

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