The abseil was 27m into the cave (Martin, terrified, went first) and watching the shafts of sunlight on the cave walls and ferns distracted from the yawning hole below. It reminded us both of Lud's Church as we settled into a long, open roofed chamber.
The next few hours were spent walking through the river-filled cave, usually only ankle-deep or so, but in parts up to hip depth, sitting on rubber tubes and floating downstream, looking up at the cave roof, climbing through some passages, some smaller than others, and most awesome, walking in complete 'darkness' with the cave lit only by the blue rear ends of numerous glow-worms. This was particularly good where the light was reflected in the water, and after a loud bang, which causes the glow-worms to glow more brightly. The theory is that the vibration from the sound tricks them into thinking that more insects are available to eat and they glow brighter to attract them.
Finally, after exploring the cave in both directions from the entry point, we climbed out into the bright sunshine. Once back at base, hot soup went down very well (it was now nearly 2pm).
We have just returned from an excellent little walk to Aranui Cave entrance, with parrots and kingfishers seen on the return.
Tomorrow, we plan to start the Tongariro Northern Circuit, so may not post again for a few days.
2 comments:
Sounds like you're having a great time -- I'm enjoying keeping up with your progress.
Glad to hear you're planning to do the full Northern Circuit rather than just the 1-day crossing. If you've got the energy, it's worth the slog up Ngauruhoe (aka "Mount Doom" if you're in more of a Middle Earth frame of mind) -- very impressive crater at the top, and a great scree run back down -- last erupted '74-'75. Even if you don't go up Ngauruhoe, the route through the lava flows round the back and then along the edge of the Rangipo desert is fantastic.
Have fun!
Paul - see our latest blog - we were so fortunate with the weather and had a superb day!
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