Adventuring in Luray Caverns and Shenandoah NP

Before setting out to explore Shenandoah NP today, Ron had a special surprise for us.  We packed our picnic food, loaded up Maggie and Remi, and were off on our adventure.  Our first stop (and Ron’s surprise) were the Luray Caverns, the largest caverns in the eastern United States. WOW, they were amazing. I felt like I was walking through one of my dad’s science lessons. I was so fortunate to have my dad as my grade 7 homeroom teacher and grade 8 science teacher. To this day he is my favourite teacher.  

Luray Caverns were created as rainwater seeped through decaying vegetation in the soil, picking up dissolved carbonic acid on the way. The water then percolated through the limestone, dissolving and eroding layers away. As it traveled into deeper levels, it created huge caverns. 

Exploring the caverns, we walked around amazing stalactites (grow down from the cave ceiling) and stalagmites (grow up from the cave floor). The process that formed these is fascinating to me. The organic material picked up by the seeping rainwater released carbon dioxide gas. This created carbonic acid, a weak acid that passed through cracks in the limestone, dissolving the mineral calcite along the way. As the calcite-carrying rainwater was exposed to the air inside the cave, the carbon dioxide gas was released, and calcite precipitated on the cave walls, ceilings and floors. Over time, the calcite deposited by countless drips created the stalactites and stalagmites. Ok I got a bit nerdy there but I had a lot of fun seeing this cool process in person.  

In one part of the caverns, we discovered the Great Stalacpipe Organ, which is an electrically actuated lithopone. Hold on because the description gets a bit technical. This organ is operated by a custom console that produces the tapping of ancient stalactites of varying sizes with solenoid-actuated rubber mallets in order to produce tones (phew!). It was so incredible to hear that we forgot to record it. You’ll have to visit this spectacular site to experience it yourself!  

After Luray Caverns, we continued our adventure into Shenandoah NP. Our first stop was a quiet picnic area along the Skyline Drive because our little hobbits needed 3^rd breakfast. I swear they must be growing because I have never seen them need so much food all day long. We secured Maggie and Remi to a different picnic table for obvious reasons and enjoyed a nice lunch. Ron and I looked at the map and we got a game plan for the rest of the day.  It was at this time that we realized Wyatt still had his pajama top on. Well it just adds flare to our family photos I suppose and another funny memory.

We continued along the Skyline Drive, which follows the ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We stopped several times to take pictures. It was so pretty and we loved seeing the vast and beautiful Shenandoah Valley on full display from various outlooks. In fall foliage it would be even more spectacular but we are a few weeks early (darn).  Sprawling between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, this valley is famous for its beauty and Civil War History.

After a quick visit to the gift shop for a magnet and pins, we visited Dark Hollow Falls. This hike gave us everything we were hoping for from this park. The stream, the small and large waterfalls, and the beautiful Virginia forests were picturesque. Wyatt lasted a lot longer on this ~2 mile hike. He only complained for the last half mile that he was going to die because he was thirsty. How could we forget a small water bottle after our previous experience? 

We let him sip water from a fresh tiny waterfall dripping off the rocks. That helped sustain him until we got back to the truck. Note to self: always pack some water no matter how long our hike is! Wyatt’s thirst aside, we had a fun day in Shenandoah NP. We even saw some deer along our drive. 

We returned to our campsite with time for dinner, a walk to the dog park, and playtime at the playground. Ron and I sat on the comfortable yard swing between the dog park and the playground and relaxed. Maggie worries when she’s not by our side now. She spent her free time leaping like a frog trying to jump the fence. Remi spent his free time trying to engage in play with his hyper focused sister. The kids had a blast and it was nice to let them run and play before bed.  

Ron and I spent about an hour tonight reorganizing the back of his truck and the RV storage compartment. We are constantly tweaking our packing job and putting things away that we really don’t use.  We have now decided the pups can be kenneled together since it has been working well. Dismantling one of the large kennels freed up one whole side of Ron’s truck. The pups are cozy and take comfort in each other’s company. Plus we have easier access to their food and the kid’s bikes. Dad, you’d be so proud of how I used the organizational skills I inherited from you to fix up our RV storage compartment!  Ron is much happier with the organization and how and easy to get what we need. 

The kids were so worn out it only took them a minute to fall asleep. Then, Ron and I enjoyed a campfire with Maggie and Remi. We have created spoiled pups. They just look at us until we pull out our super comfy chairs so they can snuggle with us. Don’t worry Mike we are trying not to spoil them too much. Still, Ron and I agree you were right that Maggie is a bit of a princess. 

Tomorrow we are off to Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains.  

Goodnight from Virginia!