Handy, Cutie, Sparky and CC arrive, followed by Chops and Wonder Woman. Piling into two cars, we head north toward Suicide Cliff. We stop at the triangle on Chalan Kalabera, park our cars, chat up with a couple of joggers, when Giggles joins us, all excited about the new and fresh snacks she has brought. We welcome her back! :-)
Today's hike is a destination tour to a giant underground cave on the northeastern end of the island. The trail to the cave is less than a mile, and flat.
First, we have to climb, or squeeze through, a gate. This is supposed to be a private property, but there is no one there. Giggles demonstrates her limberness. Most of us climb over the gate.
Sparky and CC are the last two to "trespass"as Bruiser, Jane, Chops, Wonder Woman, Handy, Cutie, Giggles, and Spicegirl are "caught" behind the gate.
The trail, obviously a drive-able road a while back, is now overgrown with tall grass and occasional thorny mimosa to scratch the unawares. The morning temperature is perfect as we enjoy the easy walk through the grass. Soon we locate the ribbons we have placed on a previous visit.
Following the ribbons a short distance, turn slightly north, we come upon the entrance to the cave. Everyone is surprised by the sheer size of the cave entrance. After a momentary pause, we begin to approach the descend. Chops, Cutie, and Handy decide to forego the adventure and will wait outside.
Wonder Woman perches on the boulder and assesses the situation.
Bruiser and Giggles on their way down. WW has brought a lantern to light the way. Everyone brings a flashlight, and spicegirl brings her new bike light that is super powerfully bright. With the cave darkens to blackness, a good light is essential.
Jane, Spicegirl, WW, and Giggles, very carefully make their way down the right side of the cave where big rocks are more stable. The slope is mostly loose red dirt and rocks that is very difficult to have a firm grip. Sparky is down below guiding the ladies to the next level of the cave. (Note the round spots on the photo, they are probably specks of dust that get kicked up onto the lens)
Sparky is showing Spicegirl the view from a crevice, while Bruiser and Jane try to shine some light on what is below. The white rock surface cascades down like a waterfall, and the pillar shimmers in the light.
Wonder Woman's lantern breaks the darkness. Jane is getting her camera ready, and Bruiser is starting his climb down to the bottom chamber. The pillar is a large stalagmite right on the edge of the cliff.
Wonder Woman, ever the cautious one, is contemplating whether to make the descend into the large chamber at the bottom. From this point, the chamber is completely dark and unfathomable.
Meanwhile, Bruiser is partway down.
CC stops to take a photo of Spicegirl on the way down. Sparky is right behind.
Bruiser and Jane reach the bottom and begin to look around for things of interest. War relics are everywhere, but we are careful not to disturb them. The bottom chamber is huge, with many large crevices and small caves.
Ambient light shines on one side of the cavern, showing another opening on the south side. The opening is small and the slope is very steep. No one attempts climbing that. Large stalagmites jut out from the ground.
As we explore around to the right, a huge pile of rocks appear to open to a passage way. Bruiser and Jane double check the camera for the exploration.
Bruiser climbs up the left through these "boiling" rocks
Jane, Spicegirl, and WW decide to go to the right over some very slick and wet boulders. Water is dripping from the roof of the cave.
A hole in the rock holds water from the dripping. Judging from the size of the hole, the dripping has been going on through many years.
Carefully going down the rocky trail, WW and Jane make their way through another chamber toward a flat area of red dirt and a very excited Sparky.
Sparky wants to show us a "Venus de Milo" torso sitting in the middle of this passage way. It appears that a mustached face with popping eyes is staring at the statue!
Many canteens and gas masks all over this area.
Inside this cave, numerous gas masks are strewn everywhere.
From here, a steep slope leads back to the entrance. This is the loop that takes the slope back to east wall of the entrance. This also the more difficult climb up the loose dirt and rocks.
Part way up the slope, Bruiser finds this complete bomb wedged between the rocks.
Just above, these bombs are placed in a hole.
Jane takes time to take a photo as CC takes one of Jane on the final ascend. Due to the danger of loose rocks, we climb up one at a time to avoid hitting anyone below. It is a tough climb, but we make it to the top and rejoin everyone, happy to be back in the light and fresh air. While down below, Spicegirl smell cigar and CC smells gardenia!
A feast at last. We become lost in the woods after coming out of the cave. No one can remember from which direction we have come. The group splits and goes off to find the trail. Sparky wins. We find a spot by the trail and enjoy the many snacks and Giggles' new found goodies and longan fruit.
A very happy group, having explored this unique cave, and getting lost in the woods. Should we blame Handy, who wears a "LOST" T-shirt? All who explore the cave declare it a "best" cave. Definitely a five-sneaker adventure.
No comments:
Post a Comment