We’re a long way down in the Waitomo Caves.Really I’d like to sound official, truly scholarly when I describe these magnificent caves. But I’d be faking it. I was too busy trying to keep my eyes in their sockets as I took in all the amazing sights to retain whatever our hard-working guide endeavored to teach us.
A mineral formation can be as delicate as a veil.Here we were in New Zeand, and everywhere we visited was utterly beautiful and entirely distinctive from the prior site. Auckland wasn’t at all like Rotorua, which resembled neither the Redwoods nor Huka Falls, and Craters of the Moon (nor places we’d visit later like Taupo and Pirongia and Hamilton Gardens) were like any of them. (Later in Australia’s Gold Coast, we visited familyand birds of Australia Part 1 of 2 plus Part 2 of 2, then we marveled at the Spectacular Views in and Around Gold Coast, enjoyed a delicious meal on the beach, saw some wild things and cute things at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, had fun with Rita Rigby, met the beasts of Brisbane and the beauty there, and enjoyed Sydney this much and that much, as well as the purring there!
And — New Zealand’s Waitomo Glowworms Caves were all their own too. We walked down, down, down, and then down, down, down some more while trying not to get bugs in our hair or smack our heads on nature’s sculptures along the way made of limestone and fossils.
This photo might look like nothing — but those pinpricks of light from glowworms! They exist in New Zealand! What you can’t see because without electric light its so dang dark down there, is that the GLOWWORMS give off spiderweb-like strings to ensnare their dinners.
The white dots in the immense darkness are glowworms.Looking for an adventurous new job? They’re always looking for explorers to map out new tunnels. These are just mannequins, but they give an idea of what’s required…
The explorers who map out the caves are quite heroic.Have you visited a limestone cave?
That is so awesome, especially the glowworms photo. It looks like a starry night. I’ve been to “Las Cuevas de Camuy” limestone cave in Puerto Rico. It was a great experience. Unfortunately, they have remained closed after the devastating hurricane Maria that hit the island in September of 2017.
LikeLiked by 2 people
How sad about Puerto Rico. As for glowworm caves — you put it exactly right – like an incredibly dark yet starry night!
LikeLike
Your New Zealand adventure is so incredible – If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were visiting a new country every day instead of seeing so many sites in one country. But I guess this could be true of nearly every country in the world.
The Glowworm Caves are truly spectacular. I’m so glad i get to see them this way because I’m claustrophobic and would have a hard time entering the actual caves. Was it cool or damp in the caves?
LikeLiked by 2 people
I tried not to think about feeling closed in. I hate underground parking! I think it helped that it was cool and a bit damp, also that it was so amazing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve visited a few caves and I noticed they each have their own beauty/feel to them. Thanks for the share. Love it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow! What an experience.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I love those caves and the artistic formations! And glow worms … good they didn’t catch you! I have only seen creatures like that in France, but not in caves, and they had a blueish light.
I was in caves in France, the German and Austrian Alpes, and in Slovenia.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Wow, Birgit – that’s a lot of caves! How fun. The bluish light in such darkness must have been wonderful to see.
LikeLike
Haha, yes, a lot of caves … I have been on this planet for a lot of years!
They call them “luciole” or “ver lusiant” in French, which reminds me … I was wrong, they glow greenish and not bluish, it was a long, long time ago I saw them last. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Whatever their color, am still impressed that you’ve put your years to good use 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! Amazing… I have been in some caves in my country, but not so interesting. Thank you 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Glad you enjoyed, Narine 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
New Zealand? That’s even further away than the Land of OZ. 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome pictures! Yes, we’ve visited caves in Thailand and in Oregon. Fantastic! Really enjoying your stories. 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
You’re fortunate to see such interesting and diverse countries
LikeLiked by 1 person
As are you! Yes, the ability to travel is a blessing—especially when we bring goodwill. Be safe!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cool! I’ve visited quite a few caves, all around the U.S., some with the curtain formations you photographed, but I’ve never seen cave glowworms, that’s amazing, There’s fireflies or “lightning bugs” in NY, and I’ve heard people call the females in the grass, glowworms, but I’d never heard of the cave ones before. It immediately brought to mind: my grandfather used to drive around playing CD’s by the Mills Brothers (an oldtime vocal quartet) and one of their best songs was “Glow Worm”
LikeLiked by 3 people
What a beautiful memory to share, Robert ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Spectacular
LikeLiked by 3 people