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Howe Caverns: A Photo Tour

By , About.com Guide

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Cruising the Cave's Lake
Boat Ride Howe Caverns

As part of the Howe Caverns tour, visitors travel by boat along the Lake of Venus.

© 2005 Kim Knox Beckius
All tours of Howe Caverns include a short boat ride on the underground Lake of Venus. It's a one-of-a-kind adventure, particulary when you reach the end of the one-eighth-mile lake and your guide turns off the lights.

Total darkness... where you can't see your hand in front of your face... is a unique and slightly disturbing experience.

When loaded with a tour group of about 20 people, the boats, which had to be assembled inside the cave, weigh more than two-and-a-half tons. Guides propel and steer the boats by using their hands along the cave ceiling and walls.

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