Caves

Last week, we took the boys to some nearby caves, here in Virginia.  A bit of a drive, so we didn't tell them where we were going, instead we said "we are going to see a guy about a thing".  This worked for a while until L asked "what thing?"  Chief replied "oh....a house thing."  Then I realize that it may not remain a secret for very long, because L can read, and we were often passing advertisements for the caves.  Meanwhile H is complaining about going to see the "guy" and asks if when we get there if he can stay in the car.  Trying not to laugh I  said "sure, once we get there if you decide you want to stay in the car I will stay with you."  Finally we arrive at the caves and they were thrilled.  L had no idea, he had seen the signs but figured the "guy" lived near the caves, but H, of course, said he knew all along and that he had tricked us by pretending he didn't want to go.  HA!

The Luray caverns were discovered in 1878, by a group of men curious of the cool air issuing from a small hole in the ground, in the middle of August.  The largest series of caverns in the east, the immense number of stalactites and stalagmites still empress cave experts today.  The guide had a clever way to tell the difference between stalactites and stalagmites.  Stalactites hold "tight" to the ceiling, and stalagmites "might" reach there one day.  This is not the way I tell the difference, but I won't insult you with my junior-high humor.

We had a great time, it was nice to escape the VA heat if only for an hour.



This formation is 120 feet around.



 The largest body of water in the cave.  The water is only a foot deep but is so still that it reflects perfectly the ceiling above.

This the largest musical instrument in the world, covering 3 acres. 

Here is a vidoe I found of the organ being played.  Rubber tiped mallets gently tap the stalactites to make this music: