Thursday, January 10, 2008

The Lost World!

Repelling or abseiling at Waitomo Caves in New Zealand. 340 foot repel into an underground maze of caves and taverns called the "Lost World". Also known for its' breathtaking venues which were used in the film, Lord of the Rings, the land of the Elves.
The experience was heart stopping at the top launching platform especially looking over the edge into the dark abyss. A slow beautiful descent into a mystical land of flora and streams illuminated by streaks of light through the small entrance. The landing was gentle but the spelunking return to the surface meant climbing and crawling our way through long dark underground river caverns with glow worms creating a brilliant sparkling ceilings that looked like stars in a dark sky. The final ladder climb to the surface contained 100 steps of concentration and desperate courage. What a fantastic birthday present!


Hanging from 340 ft. The top launching platform.


First 100 feet down. You can see the river at the bottom and all the vegetation on the walls.


Half way down, getting darker and colder.


Close to the bottom.


Inside the Cave!


Inside the Cave with the opening in the background.


One hundred feet to the surface!