Day One Pictures - Luray Caverns
Luray, Virginia
Marking the entrance from the road is the Singing Tower.
After coming back up from underground, we went into the Antique Automobile Exhibit and saw...
The 1925 Rolls Royce known as "The Grey Ghost"
The 1927 Mercedes
The 1928 Packard
On the way back out to Route 81 from Luray, we stopped at a monument we noted on the way in.
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[Some of the cave portions may not appear in the exact order in which you see them as you take the tour, but you'll have to visit the caverns yourself to find out the correct order...and to get a better look at some of the things that didn't photograph well...*evil grin*]
Before reaching the caverns, we passed an interesting store/petting zoo.
(We went back to take the following pics after seeing the caverns.)
The sign is very eye-catching.
And if you don't see the snake, Rex sees you!
The bells inside are used to play music, and concerts are given during the summer.
This marker, part of the wall at the entrance, shows two things:
1 - The discovery date for the caverns you're about to see
2 - I'm fascinated by marble things and the engravings they hold
The actual location where the original founders entered the caverns.
Everything you ever wanted to know about the laws regarding the area you're about to visit.
"Pluto's Ghost" (from video) - the beacon they used to find their way in the early days.
Originally thought to be a real ghost due to the coloring.
One part of "Dream Lake".
Though only 6 inches deep, the reflected stalactites make it look much deeper.
A second shot of Dream Lake, just to prove a point.
This shot from the video camera caught a drop shattering the illusion of depth...
When the stalactites and stalagmites join, they make columns.
These come in all shapes and sizes, most quite impressive.
A natural bridge over the heads of the kiddos.
A formation the guide called "fish tails".
See if you can tell why.
Another formation, which Mad and I call "Jaws".
Almost makes you hear the music from that dumb shark movie.
Another batty, but interesting formation.
We kept expecting the attack squad to break free....
In case you thought this was all on one level, this is one of the deep parts.
We went down about 180 feet beneath the surface, if we remember correctly.
The kids decided this looked like it was waiting for a gnome to step inside.
We call it the Gnome Trap formation.
Although it doesn't photograph well, this is a waterfall-looking formation.
The lighting really helps set the mood...
Just so you know - Mad was 5'11" in this picture.
The column he's facing is MUCH taller!!
(A good 3 times taller than what the camera could capture.)
The plaque for the Stalacpipe Organ created by Leland W. Sprinkle, Sr.
It plays music through wires that are connected to the nearby stalactites.
The stalactites used are of perfect pitch and act like the organ's pipes.
It's truly wild to be INSIDE the instrument as it's played!
The keyboard, which remained unmanned during the demonstration.
There have been performers at the keys in the past, though....
*evil laugh as the lights shut down because we tarried too long*
I was going to interrupt a game of chess in progress.
Having a truly blonde brain, I couldn't decide which piece to move.
HURRAY! BREAKFAST!!
This was the only part of the tour in which you were allowed to touch the rocks.
Because seepage is part of how the caverns are formed, the rocks are "alive".
You can "kill growth" by touching the rocks.
This spot is "dead" - but looks almost good enough to eat....
The 1904 Oldsmobile
The 1908 Sears Autobuggy
The 1910 Model T
The 1913 Stanley Steamer, which sported gas lights and a steam engine
The 1914 Locomobile, which sold for $5100 and was able to do 70 mph
The 1915 Chevy (stats illegible due to poor focus - sorry)
The 1915 Dodge, which sold for $785
The 1915 Ford Model T, which sold for $490
The 1925 Model A
The 1925 Paddy Wagon aka "The Black Maria" (ever seen "The Keystone Cops"?)
It belonged to Rudolph Valentino - and the detailing is exquisite
The 1927 Bugatti Race Car - 45 hp & 75 mph!
(It wouldn't survive today's roads....)
NICE!
NICER!!
The 1935 Hispano Suiza, which sold for $20,000
The 1941 Lincoln, with 120 hp
The tower-like structure has one word: Massanotton.
Embedded in the monument is a brass plate with a dedication on it.
"To the Founders of the Massanotton Settlement"
A marble square in one side contains a second dedication.
And on the other side is a third dedication.
Only the back is piled rock with no special plaque.
But it is this saying embedded in one step that says the most.
What is this world coming to when we need this engraved in marble?
to go on to the Day 2 pictures