Since eastern Texas we had traveled along coastal areas. It was time for mountains. Since Ralph and I met, other than eight years, we have lived in the mountains or within sight of them. We love the ocean but also need clear mountain air.
In western Virginia, Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park provides fresh air, a mountain road and an endless view.
In 1929 there were more than 21 million automobiles in the United States. After meeting many geological and financial challenges Skyline Drive was completed in 1935. It was designed for leisurely drives and picnics in the cool mountain air.
That goal has been maintained. The speed limit is 35 mph and there are 75 viewpoints along the 105 mile Scenic Byway.
The Drive runs along the top of the Blue Ridge Mountains. At the north entrance, spring was well underway with wildflowers and trees bursting with buds and blossoms.
To the east and west the mountains gently undulate into the distance.
In the near distance three centuries of tilling and grazing have removed the original hardwood forest. Good soils have eroded away, but what remains is among the most intensely used earth in the United States.
As we reached higher elevations the view was starker.
However, dandelions seem to ignore the weather once they get started.
When we came out from lunch at Mile 42 the fog had caught up with us. Just after we started back a deer casually sauntered across the road, looking neither left or right.
Skyline Drive was refreshing and a dramatic change of scenery.
We stayed at a park in Front Royal and as usual checked out the local visitor information centre. There is always more to see than we expect but this time we hit the jackpot in nearby Luray.
In 1878 Luray Caverns were called the “discovery of the century”.
National Geographic called the Caverns a “fairyland in stone”.
The highlight of the Caverns is the world’s largest musical instrument, the Great Stalacpipe Organ.
It was designed and implemented by Leland W. Sprinkle in 1956. A custom console controls the tapping of solenoid-actuated rubber mallets on ancient stalactites. The varying sizes produce musical tones.
From the discovery of the Caverns, the favorable attributes of the formations for creating musical tones were well known. The music is eerily beautiful in the otherwise silent cavern.
Look carefully at the following photos of Mirror Lake. Where does the water begin?
The variety of colours of the stalactites (tight to the roof) and stalagmites (might grow up to the roof) is endless.
Yes, the following formation is so sheer that light shines though the
Bacon Formation.
We have now visited Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico and Luray Caverns in Virginia. They are both overwhelmingly immense and dramatic, however, the presentation to the public is very different.
Luray Caverns are privately owned and have adjacent tourist attractions included with admission. Access to the Caverns is by guided tour only. The caverns are too large for a voice to be heard easily by the entire tour group. The tour information is not comprehensive and points are often repeated. The total venue feels commercial.
Carlsbad Caverns are in a National Park and treated with respect for a wonder of nature. Tours are self guided with lots of signage to explain the formations. This allows each visitor to absorb one of God’s marvelous creations at his or her own pace.
Very very cool.
ReplyDeleteWe also have visited Luray Caverns and many other Caverns across the country. Each cave is unique. We love them all. Luray is very much a tourist famous "show cave" There are several other less well known caves along that route. Shanks for sharing your experience there.
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