Trip Report: Luray Caverns, VA

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bullojm1
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Trip Report: Luray Caverns, VA

Post by bullojm1 »

The weather forecasted for today was great - high 40's...not too shabby for mid-February. I think last year this time it was in the single digits. Our destination today was Luray, VA (KLUA). Within about a mile of the airport is Luray Caverns, the largest cavern in the east coast.



The flight path down was quite simple - past Fredrick, then to Winchester, VA, Front Royal, and finally to Luray. About 40 minutes in the air total.
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This is Lake Linganore, just east of Frederick, MD.
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We haven't had much snow this year, and the little bit we have had for the most part has melted away.
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At 3,600', there was a nice headwind.
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About 40 minutes after takeoff, we were safely on the ground in Luray. The airport manager, Doug, picked us up promptly and took us over to the caverns.
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The caverns are quite spectacular. Stalagmites and stalactites galore!
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This was cool - there is a pong in the caves, which offered a perfect reflection of the stalactites.
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Mike Bullock
http://www.rvplane.com
RV-7 | Superior IO-360 | Whirlwind 200RV
Garmin GTN650 | GRT Dual Sport SX EFIS
Status: FLYING!

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bullojm1
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Post by bullojm1 »

This rock formation was so thin light could easily pass through it. The tour guide nicknamed this formation "Virginia Bacon". Mmmmm...bacon.
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Each rock formation has a certain frequency associated with it. Back in the 50's, someone wired up an organ to the rocks and it plays "the cave".
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More interestingly names rock formations - this was called an egg or an oyster on the halfshell.
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Good news is the cafe onsite has beer! Bad news is I am flying! So I purchased the next best thing. It was actually quite good.
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Luray is in the valley of the Shenandoah region of Virginia. It's was extremely picturesque.
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Boom! Back in the air and I have a sweet tailwind!
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Booking across the ground at 170 kts.
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I suppose this is considered a selfie.
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It was nice and warm at altitude also - 41 degrees.
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Mike Bullock
http://www.rvplane.com
RV-7 | Superior IO-360 | Whirlwind 200RV
Garmin GTN650 | GRT Dual Sport SX EFIS
Status: FLYING!

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bullojm1
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Posts: 1374
Joined: Sat Mar 25, 2006 6:37 pm
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Post by bullojm1 »

The day was just perfect to be flying. The skies were beautiful.
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Crossing the Potomac river heading north.
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We flew pack Ski Whitetail. The lines looked long today.
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The front side of Ski Liberty.
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And the backside of Ski Liberty. This is the usual slope I visit - only about 45 minutes from where I live. Not all that great, but better than nothing!
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Mike Bullock
http://www.rvplane.com
RV-7 | Superior IO-360 | Whirlwind 200RV
Garmin GTN650 | GRT Dual Sport SX EFIS
Status: FLYING!

Vlad
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Joined: Fri Jan 21, 2011 4:08 pm
Location: NJ

Post by Vlad »

For three years I couldn't get to the caverns. Landed at KLUA couple times but never been to the caves. It's about time thanks for motivation Mike!
RV-9A N666BK flying 4,500+ hours since 2011

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