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Waitomo Caves - The Black Labyrinth!!
Written on: Monday January 21st, 2008
A journal entry from: Round the World in 172 days . . .
On the 21st we got another bus down to Waitomo Caves from Hamilton. We stayed at a place called Rap, Raft and Rock Backpackers which was on a farm - again it was kind of like being in a someone's house and our room overlooked a field with lots of Calfs - it's weird as every place we've stayed has been completely different - we've had right on the beach, city, park land / gardens, jungle and now farm - it keeps it interesting!!
When we arrived we had a couple of hours to chill out, so we read and wrote our diaries then at 2.45 got picked up to venture into the caves (The Black Labyrinth). We had to get into wetsuits, boots and helmets with torches on the front and then grab a black inner tube and head on down into the caves with our two guides (Snappy and Brydie). This experience was cross between rafting and caving / pot holing. It was great checking out the Stalagnites and Stalagtites (not sure of the spelling?), plus when we turned out our lights and looked above there were thousands of glow worms, glowing flourescent green - it looked awesome! However, once in the caves we discovered that the green is actually the glow of shit inside of the maggots on the ceiling of the caves! Lovely, really glad to be down there at this point!! In all seriousness, it still looked amazing. We floated through the water and at some points had to jump backwards from waterfalls inside the caves. This was a bit scary, but you had no choice but to get on and do it so no time to think about it really. It was a bit of a shame as there's not been much rain so the water was more shallow than normal and it wasn't as fast flowing as we had been looking forward to. Nevermind, an excuse to come back sometime maybe?? After finishing the tubing we had hot showers, then soup and bagels and then Snappy gave James and I a lift back to our hostel where we pretty much passed out for the evening - I'm sure we slept for almost 12 hours! Much needed and should put us in good stead for the days of activities to come at our next destinations . . . Rotorua today (22nd) for two nights, then Lake Taupo for two nights . . . .
From Jodie on Jan 22nd, 2008
I think me and Jody did that - sounds exactly like it but may not be! You are on the trip of a lifetime!!! I'm so jealous and it is bringing back good memories. We also went to Rotorua and to Lake Taupo - you have treats ahead lucky things! Love you xxx
From Gill Mum and Bryan on Jan 22nd, 2008
Well what can we say this is like you Round The World Tour Guide by Kaori and James King. I feel like I am with you all the way it all sounds so amazing like the undergroung green shit spotting im The Glow worm Caves. Have picked up your purse Kaori and we will send on to Lous in Aussie. Can't wait for next episode of travels around the world and James stop talking you'll wear your voice out also guess what James Adam has told Bryan that he has 2 houses already booked for you to build when you get home so rest while you can for it will be full on again when you get back. I am going to ask your Mumand Dad if they would like to come round for a meal this wkend. Love you both and take care of each other xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
From Nanna on Jan 22nd, 2008
Sounds like a fairyland type of place with all the Glow Worms, (not so sure about the maggots though!) You are certainly filling in your time with so many activities, no wonder you flaked out for 12 hours! Have checked spelling..Stalactite & Stalagmite, just for future use you understand! Love XX
From Yvonne and Leah on Jan 22nd, 2008
Hiya! are you starting to wake up and wonder where on earth you are? That'll be the lager then!! good job you dont have time to think about jumping backwards into waterfalls, I'd be the one to freeze and turn everyone back!! Loads of love. XXX
From Emma Jackson on Jan 23rd, 2008
Missing you and I am jealous as hell!!!! Seen any spiders yet??
From Dad/Tony on Jan 23rd, 2008
Hi to you both.I am enjoying your travel adventure updates.Glad they found your cards and driving license Kaori.The police went out of there way to follow up the lead and search the grounds didnt they ?(not),mind you the staff at Harpenden Hall arent much better.Why they didnt inform me(a mile away)instead of phoning Norfolk(a hundred mile away).Thats Harpenden for you !.Anyway you got it back.Thats what counts.Keep having fun.Love you lots. Pops xxx