The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1882-07-29

That the excursion to Luray Caverns ON
Wednesday was grand success, is the gener-
al opinion, we believe, of all who participated:
The party numbered about $50 persons, and
were transported in two trains as far as ha,
gerstown. From Hagerstown to Luray and
return the two sections were consolidated INTO
one train. and the run was made with but few
interruptions.
The dav was as pleasant as could be deslr-
ed. AT times the san was obscured by clouds,
and a gentle breeze relieved the oppressiyeness
of the heat. The company was pleasant and
congenial one, consisting generally OF small
parties of from two to ten, who were enabled
to sit together by the reserved seat plan.
There was no occurrence during the day OF
any annoying or disagreeable kind.
The excursion was an hour late in reaching
Luray and about three hours late IN returning
to Westminster, but this could not be avoided
and there was no complaint from any. The
conductor of the Shenandoah Valley railroad
train very kindly waited at Lpray, and gave
the excursionists more than the four hours
th.v were promised TO view the caverns.
The section Of the Shenandoah Valley through
which the road to Luray passes Is not a iair
sample OF that famous Valley as an ag1cultur-
al region. though portions of Jefferson, Clarke
and Warren counties are really hne- The
corn rorss.as very backward. owing to an un-
favorable season. and the fact served to bring
disappointment to many. The scenery how
ever, was grand. and expressions OF admiral
ton from the excursionistS were continual.
From Westminster to Luray there was an ev-
er changing panorama, each beautiful and
grand. Ii was on the return trip, however.
that the views were the most enchanting.
just after leaving Luray few clouds were TO
be seen to the east and the west Just above the
mountain tops. There, could be seen m the
distance heavy shower, to be followed by a
rainbow. Here, other clouds with SILVER iin-
ings. Below was a landscape of SURPRISING
beauty, threaded by the Shenandoah river,
with its now rapid, now placid and clear waters.
along which for number of miles the train
ran. AT sunset was the climax, and the en-
thusiasts over Italian sunsets would have been
charmed beyond their descriptive powers. In
the west, above the North Mountains, IN q
clear sky. hoated small clouds of purple, gold
and silver, which finally changed TO Q pure
golden hue To the east over the Blue Ridge,
we're clouds with silver Innings, and the slow
I ly rising silvery moon added much 20 the
scene. To the east, also, were beautiful etean
groves. some fine farm houses. surrounded by
outrageous trees. rolling country, ana All
/ that goes to make up pretty landscape.
The tour Of the Caverns WAS enjoyable, the
wOndrouS and magnificent formations inter
( esting the excursionists at every turn. The
Z Caverns. we believe. exceeded the anticipa-
I tons OF al.
Upon the whole We may safely say st was
the most enjoyable and pleasant excarslon thai
has ever been run from this section 70 any
point MANY expressed desire TO 90 alais
some naming October as the time. when the
7 forests will be brilliant with autumnai hnts.