Shields at the ready

Out early today (not early enough for a sunrise - not yet prepared for the cold at that time of day), to try to catch some shots of deer , groundhogs or other wildlife. Found a small group of deer grazing on the golf course, and unlike those I tried to creep up on yesterday, these didn't seem bothered as I slowly approached. Then one of the females actually came really close to inspect me - probably in the hope of food, although feeding the wild animals is strictly forbidden. Got some lovely shots of her craning her neck in curiosity, and one of her grazing right in front of me, but.. only one blip a day, and hopefully I'll be able to catch up with her again before we leave.

Back to see if Hon Husband out of bed yet and to get some breakfast, then we got off to a fairly slow and leisurely start, having decided not to go to the Luray Caverns, apparently the most visited in the US, but to the Grand Caverns, rather nearer. Found them in a beautiful setting, in a State Park, so had our picnic near the river before heading for the cavern entrance. Got there just in time for a tour, with a small group.

The caverns were discovered by a hunter in 1804 and opened to the public in 1806, making them the oldest Show Caverns in the US, according to our guide. Certainly, they were visited by soldiers from both sides during the Civil War, sometimes simultaneously - a few moments of peace and harmony in a bitter and bloody conflict.

The circuit we took was about 1 1/2 miles, but a far more extensive series of caverns was discovered relatively recently. Unfortunately, due to a number of Tight Spots, the difficult access and the risk of damage, they are unlikely ever to be opened to the public.

There were no brochures or leaflets about the place, so we were trying to commit to memory as we drove away all the different formations we had seen - the bacon, the shields, the columns, stalactites and stalagmites, the drapery and curtains...and....and...

Back home, delighting in the fall colours along the way.