|
|
|
|
On The Buses
After the official opening and
group photographs at the Hamilton Garden Pavilion we each (about 140
of us) boarded one of the three buses that were to transport
us to the Waitomo Caves.
Sharron ZL3AE - After the Welcome,
morning tea and official
photo,
I
made a few radio contacts
and then went to the first bus to take me to the Waitomo Caves. I climbed
aboard and sat down at the back. Felt I should not sit by myself so asked
a womun
sitting by herself if I could sit beside her. Wow! What a neat surprise!
It wus Flu KU7F, whom I
have spoken to lots on
the YL1SSB Net on Saturdays.
I did
not know she was coming
to Hamilton, so was amazed and overjoyed to meet her by
that single decision
to go
sit with
someone. We had lots of time together
and shared a wacky sense of humour, drank endless coffee, and told lots
of stories. To lots of good
times and marvellous
memories
Flo!
The
Waitomo Caves -
the 'Wait-A-Mo'
Caves
When we arrived at the
Waitomo Caves we found that previous torrential rain had
caused the water to rise to just below the board walks and we were unable
to go all the way down the caves to the lower exit. (The caves were closed
to the public the following day.
) Other groups were ahead of us and we were waiting in queues three abreast
in intermittent light rain in an open area between the main foyer and
the cave entrance. The delay caused a YL DXer to remark that perhaps the
name Wait-a-mo might be more appropriate.
The
Cathedral
We were divided into
groups and a guide took us through the caves where we viewed
stalactites and stalagmites. Lights shone down deep holes to highlight
certain areas and they also provided lighting to enable us to negotiate
steep steps.
Ruth LA6ZH - As my eyesight was hampered by cataracts I was slightly apprehensive about stumbling in the dark Waitomo Glow Worm Caves but lo and behold - during the whole walk I was firmly guided by the hand of `Mrs Catalina' so I could enjoy the fabulous adventure.
Dot VK2DB - There were bridges over huge deep holes and long flights of stairs down sheer walls.
Our guide asked if someone would sing to demonstrate the wonderful acoustic qualities of the `Cathedral' - a large vaulted area of the caves - the Korean YLs obliged with an amazingly beautiful song that was greatly appreciated by all who heard it,
The Glow-wormsWhen we reached the bottom we were taken for a short ride in the boat to see the glow-worms. Dot VK2DB -There were ropes strung around the water caves and the boatman stood, pulled us along and guided the boat by the use of these ropes, a very silent way to go. When we rounded the corner and looked up it was like looking at the sky of a dark cloudless night with no pollution. There was no sense of distance and the whole cave roof was pin-pricked with lights. (We were very fortunate that the high water level, as a result of all the rain, had brought us very close to the glow-worms on the `ceiling'.)
ZLlJAQ - I couldn't help noticing with what awe they (the glow-worms) were viewed and especially the amazement of Olga DJ0MCL who was in my group.
Raija SM0HNV- The best
sight was Waitomo Caves. Looking at
that `sky during silent
boat trip was an unique experience.
|
|
|
|