BARBADOS ~ Harrison Cave - St. Thomas ~

... And the Caribbean surprises keep coming... another happy mailbox day... view of one of the island’s greatest wonders and most famous attractions... situated at the heart of the island... known as one of the "seven wonders of Barbados"... the caves are stunning and showcases nature at its best... a process that has taken thousands of years to create... with streams, pools and tonnes of stalagmites and stalactites... Big Thanks Glenn!!(✿ ♥‿♥)

Photo: Willie Alleyne Harrison’s Cave is named after Thomas Harrison who owned much of the land in that area during the 1700s. Throughout the 18th and 19thC, there were several expeditions inside the structure but none got very deep into its depths. The majority of the landmark remained unexplored until 1970. It was rediscovered and mapped in 1974 by Ole Sorensen, an engineer and cave adventurer from Denmark. Two young men of Barbados also accompanied and assisted him.

This underground stream cave system is at least 2.3km long. The stalagmites in Harrison’s Cave are growing by less than the thickness of paper each year, but this is considered fast in geological terms. There is a 40-foot waterfall and many deep pools of crystal-clear water and the Great Hall is 15m tall. Harrison’s Cave opened to the public as a tourist attraction in 1981.

Stamps:

Airmail 30
(Issued 30-07-2008)

2&3The 21st Anniversary of the Birth of Princess of Wales
(Issued 01-07-1982)