Parallel parking a 25-ft RV is not the easiest task. But I’ve done it in Plymouth and Salem Massachusetts, Jim Thorpe, PA, Emerald Isle, NC and most recently, Luray, Va. We had stopped at a restaurant and kind of scoped out the small town. Waiters and Waitresses are usually good for local information. We asked our purple-haired, mostly-inked, waitress with rivets in her nose and eyebrows how far away were the famous Luray Caverns. She pointed out the window and said “just down the street a bit.” I asked if it was within walking distance, and she said that it sure was. Well, not taking her word for it, we finished eating and drove down the street, seemingly over a mile. Uh-huh. Reconnaissance is a good thing.
There was a nice big parking lot at the caverns. The powers that be built the place out for tourism. You can not only see the caverns, famous as the largest series of caverns in Eastern America, but also an antique car museum and a Shenandoah Heritage Village and Museum. Feeling like full-fledged tourists, we bought the tickets for the whole deal. It was a long walk to the caverns and we were passed by an entire elementary school field trip of excited kids—not so much to see the caverns, but to be free from the classroom and able to talk nonstop to one another at will. The docent told us the kids usually move through the caverns quickly, so we shouldn’t be pressed. What she didn’t know was that there was another large group of them coming in on our tail.
The caverns were magnificent. They were discovered in August 1878 when Andrew Campbell, William Campbell, and Benton Stebbins felt a rush of cold air coming out of a sinkhole while they were walking in a field. Along with Andrew’s 13-year old nephew Quint, they started digging around in search of a cave. Four hours later, Andrew and Quint, candles in hand, were let down by a rope into the most stunning hole in the ground they had ever seen—Luray Caverns. Some rooms are 10 stories high. There were stone formations that look like expensive drapes, others like uncut Roman columns, a body of water just a few inches deep forms an amazing reflection pool where the stalactites are reflected from the ceiling to appear like stalagmites far, far below.
A cathedral room features the Great Stalacpipe Organ, the world’s largest musical instrument making beautiful music gently tapping the stalactites throughout the caverns. It was funny watching the kids. Their chaperones and parents were intently trying to read them the history of each stop along the way. The kids seemed more interested in taking selfies. So it was probably more educational for parents than the kids. Service Dog Charlie enjoyed the attention of all those wild childs! All in all, I was reminded of the words of Romans 1:20, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.” No excuse. There are so many wondrous things in creation! I’m sure even the kids will remember their cave experience.
