| We did our Black Water
Rafting trip today. What an awesome, unforgettable experience!
It's hard to put into words, but
basically....we climbed through the guts of the cave and floated through
the waters and rapids inside to view the famous glowworms. It was
incredible. The ceiling of the caves look like twinkling
stars. We used the lights on our helmets for the times we had to
walk but floated in total darkness. I must say that it was definitely
an experience that tested our limits. I'm not one for slimy things
or small places - or even total darkness in strange places (yikes!), but
we did it! (And to my surprise, nothing was slimy!) The guides were
great. Many of us were nervous first-timers but they helped us
through. The whole trip took 3 hours from start to finish and our
legs were like jelly afterwards. Soup and bagels were served to get
our temperatures back up. Even in wetsuits and gear, it was still a
bit cold. |
|
|
Because of the glowworms - and the nature of
the trip, we couldn't take pictures while we were in transit. The only
shot is a picture of us before we got started. I had to post it, just
to prove that we actually did it! (Sharon and I are in the back row,
last two on the right.)
|
| We caught
the bus to Rotorua directly after the trip. Another good driver gave
us some information while we rode. He stopped first at "The Shearing
Shed". This is an Angora Rabbit shearing facility. At first, it
was hard to watch, but the owner gave some history that made it more
tolerable. She has over 300 rabbits there. They all live freely and are
shorn 4 times a year. After they pass, they are buried. They
are never slaughtered and live out their natural lives. This type of
rabbit actually needs to be shorn quarterly, so they do not die from
overheating. Of course, this has nothing to do with the rabbits
themselves - but rather the stupid human practice of breeding animals which has
developed them to this point....but that's a chapter on it's own:) |
 |
[LEFT] Rabbit
shearing. The driver informed us that the rabbits are so happy
to be free of their hair that afterwards, they mate.
[RIGHT] Renee and
rabbit - and friend who would not leave. |
 |
|
