LURAY CAVERNS-USA
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These caverns are very beautiful. There are lots of stalagmites (on the ground) and stalactites (hanging from the ceiling). A stalactite forms by water dripping from the roof of the cave. Each drop leaves behind some minerals. These minerals build up and very, very slowly the stalactite forms. When the drop hits the ground it leaves behind some more minerals and then you get the stalagmite. When a stalagmite and a stalactite eventually meet they make a column. It can take hundreds of thousands of years for a cave to form. Most caves like this are made of limestone. Limestone is a soft rock that is easily dissolved by water. When an underground stream comes to some limestone it will start to dissolve the rock and carry it away. A hole is left behind. If a hole comes near the surface, the ground may collapse down into what is called a 'sinkhole'.
The people at Luray Caverns are very nice. When we tried to buy Bud a ticket, they said Bud could visit the caverns for free.
