After an hour’s drive, we reach our first stop. The caves were discovered in 1906 by a hunter chasing a deer which suddenly disappeared. The hunter built the natural caverns out to permit tourist visits.
Descending 55 steps into the first cavern, we learn from our guide about the development of the delicate structures hanging above and alongside us.
Furthur along we descend several more sets of steps and admire the beauty and colors of the formations. At the bottom, the small underground stream which created all that we see burbles merrily along.
The temperature is a constant 11 degrees Celsius, year round. We were warned beforehand to bring jackets.
Returning to the surface, we board the bus for the 30 minute ride to a lookout over the 250 meter deep Leven canyon.
A set of stairs (317, to be precise) descends from the lookout part way into the canyon. A longer path through the deeply forested biotope leads us back to the parking lot. We are in another rain forest. I do love tree ferns.
Back in the bus, we return to the ship. We cast off before dinner.
Tomorrow: Melbourne
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