Started the day with the ostrich egg omelet, more yellow than a chicken egg omelet, but otherwise, no real difference. Then off to Waitomo Adventures for the Tumu Tumu Toobing Adventure, described as a walking, wading, swimming and tubing adventure. It was that and more, like slithering and squeezing as well. There is a table in the office with a tunnel in it so people who are "large" can do a test run to see if they will fit in the tight places.
We drove about twenty minutes to the changing shed. The surrounding hills are studded with sink holes that could collapse into the cave at any time. We changed into wet suits and gum boots and set off to hike to the cave entrance. The first thing to so was to squeeze and slither through a very narrow space to get into the cave. We did all of the above, culminated by floating on our backs in inner tubes in almost complete darkness except for the glowworms on the ceiling. So amazing!
Glowworms are larva that are suspended from the ceiling of the cave in a little mucous sling and then make these sticky strings that hang down to capture any insects that may come by so they can eat them. They have no way to rid their bodies of the waste products; these mix with some chemical and then fluoresce in the dark, attracting the insects. After some months, they spin a cocoon and then emerge as an adult gnat that loses its digestive system and develops a reproductive system. These gnats spend the next three days procreating and then die!
After the tubing, I got to be the leader to lead us over sharp edged rocks and into deep pools until we arrived at the Hard Rock Cafe where we were served a hot lemon drink and Chocolate Fish candy bars. Then on the end of the trip and out of the cave, ready to hike back and climb up a steep set of stairs cut into the hillside, while wearing our "wet" wet suits and gum boots. That about did me in! We were able to shower before changing back into our clothes and driving back. As no cameras were allowed, we then were able to purchase the pictures the guides took while we were in the cave. Definitely the high point of the trip so far!
From there I went to Billy Black's Kiwi Culture show for an hour. It was a bit hokey, but I learned about sheep shearing and some other farm things and saw various animals parade about on stage -sheep, a steer, dogs, a donkey, etc.
Finished up the day with the Ruakiri Cave Walk, much more sedate than the morning adventure on constructed walkways with artificial lights. Nothing really new, but I did have the opportunity to take some pictures and see a different cave.
Then into the car for the drive to Rotorua. Stopped in Te Kuiti for gas, the sheep shearing capital of the world with the world's largest sheep shearer. The drive was pretty and uneventful. Arrived in Rotorua around 8 PM.
This is the place where I found a free place to stay through the Hospitality Club, figuring if it didn't work out I could check into a motel. As it turns out this is a Maori couple with an 18 year old boy, Layton, son of some friends living with them. Layton was making dinner and I was invited to join them and graciously accepted. We had eggs and sausages for dinner. Layton is quite bright and very interesting. Kiri, the woman with whom I had corresponded is a teacher, currently not working. She taught home economics, hospitality and cooking, to the Maori. Martin, her second husband, and she are developing a finance consulting business. Kiri was conversant, but Martin had nothing to say at dinner at all, strange.
I have room to sleep in, share the bath. Toilet is some distance away near the laundry room. One very nice thing is that I was offered the use of the washing machine. They have these radiant heaters powered by the local steam which I was able to hang my clothes on for drying. So there in the main hall of the house are all my clothes (except I chose to hang the underwear on the heater in the bedroom). We'll see if it is dry in the A.M.
