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Back to Basics: Skyline Drive (2015)

I recently had the opportunity to explore the beauty and wonder that is that of Skyline Drive, Virginia (and also Luray Caverns).


This is a trip I had been wanting to do for two years, ever since first reading about it in Popular Photography magazine. There was an article that rated Skyline Drive one of the top places to photography and I knew right then I just had to go (especially since it was only a two hour drive away).


Before my trip I did careful research to be sure I'd be arriving when the weather was fine, and the foilage was nice and colorful.


I woke up Sunday morning, packed my gear, and made my way to the Drive.


When I got there I was greeted at an admissions gate where I paid my $20 admission fee, then began my journey. I had a tight itinerary to make sure I got the photos that I wanted, so I rushed right to Luray Caverns (which is just 20 minutes off the drive).


The caverns were awesome, and our tour guide was knowledgeable. My favorite part was the reflecting pools. The water was so clear you could have sworn it was just the floor.


(Pro tip: A stalactite is an icicle-shaped formation that hangs from the ceiling of a cave, and a stalagmite is one that grows from the floor)

"The water was so clear you could have sworn it was just the floor."

Another really cool thing was the natural organ. It's the largest natural instrument in the world!

The caverns were fun, but I was more than excited to continue my trip and see the rest of Skyline Drive!