The Lost World – Waitomo Caves – Feb. 14, 2007

Happy Valentine’s Day! For our first Valentine’s day as a married couple we woke up in the tail of the airplane (in a much deserved “real” bed). We drove out to see a Natural Bridge and Marakopa Falls–both stunning.

At 2:30 we left on our trip to the Lost World Caves, where we abseiled 100 meters (not feet–meters!) into a cave. It was a little nervewracking but extremely fun. Jess was scared at first but conquered her fears quickly as we began our descent. We had a small group; 4 of us, led by our guide Iain, and a British couple, Ian and Allison.

We saw the river that flowed through the cavern, with a huge eel named Eugene camping out in it. We scrambled over rocks and climbed narrow paths along cave walls. We sat in a cozy alcove, turned off our headlamps, and observed the glowworms on the roof of the cave.

Next we scrambled over more rocks and began an 82-foot ascent on a ladder to the top.

We made our way to the top and hiked back to the shed where we began our trip. What a day! That night we stayed in the cockpit of the airplane at Woodlyn Park.

~ by jboehman on February 14, 2007.