Location: N 38° 39.846 W 078° 29.028
Traveling 530 miles we arrived at Shenandoah National Park located in Virginia. There we met up with other team members Zam and Redtail and proceeded to setup base camp. In between the inclement weather we were able explore the park, get in some hiking, wildlife viewing and nature talks hosted by the park rangers.
Located just outside the park Tankgirl and I headed to Luray VA and our final destination, Luray Caverns. The caverns were discovered in modern times in 1878, then called Luray Cave. People before us may have also known of the caverns as artifacts and a 500+/- year old skeleton have been found inside.
This limestone system is filled with several impressive formations including stalagmites, stalactites, drapers, straws, flowstone and columns to name a few. Some of the more popular features are the Great Stalacpipe Organ, Giant’s Hall and Pluto’s Ghost.
The Great Stalacpipe Organ is a system of strikers mounted on various sized stalactites and connected to an organ. When struck each stalactite produces its own unique musical note and can be played like a normal organ. Giant’s Hall is a massive chamber containing drapers and columns measuring some 60 feet in height. Pluto’s Ghost is a large, stark white column located in the dark Pluto Chasm.
Luray Caverns is a spectacular site to explore. It is open and accessible to all and can draw large numbers of visitors at times. Luray Caverns is open all year round and is definitely worth a visit if you are in the neighborhood.
Click any picture to see the whole photo set. Or click here to see a slide show.
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