The Black Labryinth

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We were both very excited about The Black Labyrinth experience at Waitomo caves, especially as it had rained all night (again!) so the river level was really high. Black water rafting basically involves climbing through a cave system with an inner tube, and when you reach the water, you jump into the rubber ring and get carried along the cave river. It was quite a chilly day but we felt nice and toasty in our thick wetsuits and fetching white gum boots. Firstly we picked a ring to fit our bum size (no comments please!) and then did a practice run on the river outside the cave entrance. We were first and had to jump backwards off the jetty and cruise down the river, where you would hop at some steps. It was really to familiarise yourself with the jumping technique, but this huge bloke (he dwarfed Jase) (yeah thanks!j)got more than he bargained for and nearly disappeared down the fast flowing river, with this skinny little guide trying to steer him back to the steps. This should be fun then! Especially as our neighbours from the campsite, who hadn't come back from the pub til 5am, where on the tour and still half sozzled.

Descending into the depths
We drove to the beginning of the cave system and clutching our rings, descended in the mouth of the cave. Any claustrophobics out there? This is not recommended. It was pitch black and you just had a small miner's light on your helmet to illuminate the caverns. We picked our way carefully across the rocky floor of the caves, which were gushing with a fast flowing stream of rainwater. Rach began to wonder what she'd let herself in for as the river got higher and the ceiling lower, and almost fully immersed we had to duck down under some sections with only a few inches to spare, water up to chin level.

Rafting
We had naively thought it was going to be like Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Lazy River, but in the dark. Oh no, our first raft was far more exhilirating! No time to relax here. One at a time, we jumped back off a mini waterfall and went hurtling down the fast flowing river, narrowly missing the hazardous protrusions of the cave walls. Rach managed to completely capsize at the end, totally submerged under the freezing black torrent, but Andy caught her in time. The next few waterfalls and river rafts were just as much fun, but we managed to stay on top of the water this time. At the end of the biggest waterfall, we had to make an "eel" which involved chaining ourselves together by gripping the gum boots of the person behind you. I think some of the girls were a bit scared, because you could feel them literally shaking out of fear or cold as they held onto your boots for dear life.

Worms & Eels
The next section was totally awesome (dude!), we just lay back in eel formation, with our headlamps off, floating through the darkness, staring up at the cave ceiling in wonder as it was encrusted with beautiful blue glow worms. After another fun-filled raft through the next section of the cave, we finished off floating lazy river style looking up at the worms, munching pink marshmallow fishy bars - surreal! Jase and I were shouting "again! again!" but our hungover, Scouse girly neighbour wanted her cash back as she said in her own words that she "was shitting herself!" through it all. Fortunately the big guy and his equally voluptous partner made it through the caves without getting stuck, so everyone made it out alive.

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Photos

We all made it!
Big smiles all round!

Photo pose to begin with!
Not sure what the gladiator stuff is for!

Jump!!!
Jase waiting in background!!

Look up!!
Light above from a hole 70m above us!

Comments

[ELLIE]

my holiday
hey guys, just been to america it was wicked!!!!!! on a tuesday i went to magic kingdom for mickeys not so scary halloween party!! it was so fun cause we got loads of sweets at the trick or treat stations cause they gave u a huge hand full!!!! on the first sunday i also went to animal kingdom with mum and dad. i bailed out on expedition everest but mum and dad went on it! apart from that we did ALOTof shopping. too much for my liking. we also played mini golf twice, one with our friends and a game on our own. there were both in disney. i loved it when we went for a character breakfast at the grand floridian and met all the characters. Just been to rache's mum and dad's bonfire night, but i couldnt see u any were!!!! Any way looking forward to seeing u at christmas, hope ur having a great time, lots of love elliexxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[The Gumns]

Hello :D
Looks like you are having a great time. All had a good time at bonfire party, although we missed you both. Cannot believe the clothes would not fit jason, but you did look pretty rachel. No need to look for bridesmaid dresses now, that will do nicely. Chris is in Malaysia at the moment for a meetijng, the world is going mad. Steph and matt are fine, she will have her driving test in january, how scarey. See you soon xx

[Debra]

Love a duck!
Blimey. Sounds scary, especially the bit in the pitch black tight spaces, water up to your chin and cold as well. It also sounds like fun though.