A few years ago, we traveled to West Virginia and had the opportunity to visit the Luray Caverns in Virginia. It was a drive to get there from where we were staying, but definitely worth the visit. I had been there when I was little - but have no recollection of it, as one's memories become lost and somehow detached upon getting older. Well, that's what happened to mine, anyway.
In order to get to the cavern, you have to descend this huge staircase down. It was tough because our youngest was in a stroller, and we had to carry the stroller and her down. And, then back up at the end. This was before we had gotten her wheelchair - else we could have used the wheelchair lift. Anyway, maneuvering the cavern with a child in a stroller was no problem. We had been to other caverns where this was not the case. But, Luray is definitely stroller and wheelchair friendly.
I remember how cool it was and muffled it seemed down there. It was amazing to think of this huge cavern down below the surface of the Earth. You can see some photos at the Luray Cavern website.
The stalactites and stalagmites are made from calcite. They are huge and hang from the ceilings above and grow from the floors below. They make you feel so small. If you need help remembering the difference between the two, then remember this, the stalactite has a T where the stalagmite has an M. And, a T would hang from the ceiling, whereas an M would be planted on the ground and go up.
Also at the Luray Cavern website is info on the cavern formation and how it is part of the Appalachian mountains. It all started 600 million years ago with the continental drift of the Americas from Europe and Africa. Then for 400 million years, there was an ancient sea which occupied the area which is now the Appalachian mountains. Take a look at the National Park Service website which shows the Appalachian Trail. It is a hiking trail which goes from Maine to Georgia. How neat is that !
