Visit to an ailing college friend, Amrit, is the primary reason for you to visit USA this time. Though in not of pink of health, Amrit surprises you for being there at the Washington (Dulles) Airport. Subsequently 30 minutes’ later you are at Amrit’s residence in Sterling, Virginia. Virginia – officially known as Common Wealth of Virginia.
Pradeep resident of New Jersey and Kohli from Mumbai, India too join in immediately. Subsequent couple of days you spend reminiscing exciting times of College era.
On day three, Pradeep recommends visiting the famous ‘Luray Caverns’. Luray Caverns are touted to be a place gifted with incredible manifestation of Nature. Presumably a internationally acclaimed destination in Eastern part of America.
What followed is a 21/2 hour, 85 mile drive with Pradeep and Kohli towards Shenandoah Valley .
As Pradeep parks his Mercedes, you find yourself literally shivering in the cold outside. Therefore gulping-in a hot cup of Coffee from the ‘Stalactite café around was an ideal idea.
Luray Caverns
Afterward purchasing USD25 tickets per person you three move in. With appropriate camera gears, you walk down the 164-foot long corridor leading to the main gate of Caverns.
Discovered in 1878, these supposed 40,00,000 Centuries old caverns are in-fact still in the process of evolving.
You are overwhelmed the moment you step inside where exciting encounter with Nature’s amazing creation awaits. Your eyes sparkle watching glittering ‘speleothems’ (Columns, Stalactites,Stalagmites) that have acquired stunning hues and incredible patterns.
(Stalactites are a tapering structure hanging downwards like a icicle from the roof of a cave. Stalactites are formed from calcium salts deposited by dripping water. Similarly Stalagmites too are formed from calcium salts deposited by dripping water. The difference is that they rise upwards from the Cave’s surface)
Within the impressive high ceiling cathedral size rooms you see intricately placed lights glowing both Stalactites and Stalagmites. These jaw dropping visuals are difficult to explain or justify in words.
If you opt for a guided tour, the guide will take you in groups around. Walking through well-lit 2.4 km long pathway inside, the guide educates on important aspect concerning this natural phenomenon.
Needless to say that the excitement of assimilating the grandeur of the cascading draperies is exceptionally overpowering. You therefore decide to let go pay attention to the guide and instead allow the shutterbug in you take over. Concentrate, comprehend and capture images of these simmering swags becomes now your priority.
Dream Lake
The wonderful ‘Dream Lake’ with its crystal clear water now attracts your attention. The water here is shallow, not more than a feet and a half deep, but absolutely calm and clear. The mirror reflections of stalactites little above its surface is truly jaw dropping. An illusion is created as if identical shaped stalagmites are rising above from the floor.
After capturing some amazing images, you now proceed along the paved walkway. Some profusely decorated sub-terrainian miracles meanwhile scream for your admiration. You stop, appreciate, click and proceed.
Totem Poles
At some places clusters of colorful Stalactites and Stalagmites look to have uncanny resemblance to ‘Totem Poles’ . You are baffled to watch their shapes/patterns seeming to defy gravity.
Saracen’s Tent
Then you come across a fabled segment of these caverns called ‘The Saracen’s tent’.
At Saracen’s tent the exceptionally stunning ceiling to floor formation of draperies capture your imagination. Standing before them in awe, you wonder of the incredible intellect the nature possesses to sculpt such elaborate and intricate art pieces. Here you probable will witness one of the most perfectly formed draperies in the World.
The Great Stalacpipe Organ
You are then in a large space that has an electrically actuated ‘Lithophone’ known as ‘The Great Stalacpipe Organ”. Designed in 1956, this organ is operated by a custom console. With the help of solenoid-actuated rubber mallets it produces stunning tones of the tapping of ancient stalactites. Interestingly some love-birds find this place interesting and solemn to exchange their wedding vows.
Wishing Well
Then there is this splendid area where some beautiful draperies of stalactites are built over a small cobalt color pond named ‘Wishing Welll’. This approx. 6 feet deep natural pool has people come-in to get their wishes fulfilled. Believers drop in coins in it, pray and wait for their prayers to be answered. Annually as the water of this pool is drained the coins are collected and donated to worthy organisations. Sounds Great !!
Scanning through various formations you never realize when you have reached the end of this phenomenon. You find yourself back at the gate from where you had begun the journey in.
As you bid adieu to these caverns, you have no doubt that you are returning with some the life-long memories of nature miracles.
Car and Carriage Museum
Once out, you now plan to visit the Car and Carriage Museum located next door. Here some real antiques on wheels are kept for display. A delightful place for any Car lover to be in.
On entering you see around 140 of well-polished vintage cars and coaches dating back from 1725 lined up for exhibition. Surprisingly all of them are in working condition. A few mannequins positioned alongside, in costumes dating back several centuries, add to the attraction.
A 1892 Mercedes Benz, one of the oldest Car in US is there in its original splendor. Then there is a 1925 Rolls Royce owned by the famous silent Movie star Rudolph Valentino. In addition there is a 1908 Baker Electric, 1903 Winton and a 1913, Stanley Steamer and many others.
Once done, you get back to your car to return back the same route and be with Amrit once again. In conclusion let me say, a fruitful day with time well spent.
Anonymous
God bless you today for your friendship
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Welcome, anytime
Anonymous
Detailed Information Very Plesantly Written
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Thankyou
Anonymous
Caves of volcanic eruption after cool down makes beauty. Imagine the eruption time. Great discovery .
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Thankyou
Anonymous
Caves of volcanic eruption after cool down makes beauty. Imagine the eruption time. Great discovery .
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Beyond the discovery
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Thankyou
Bhavna dharod
Your writing is beautiful. I look forward to reading your articles!! You actually take the person with you in your travel. Awesome piece of photography too . Never knew such beautiful caves ever existed thx for your vlog !!
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Thank-you dear for your appreciation.
Anonymous
Great! Felt like was travelling with You!
Getting to know about places, may never get the opportunity to visit. Thank You Brother..
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Thank you for your encouragement
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