Monday 18th February
Was up really early this morning as was going caving or to be precise black water rafting. This involved abseiling down into the caves, taking a zip wire before jumping onto a rubber ring into the freezing water and I mean freezing. The water was really deep as jumping off the rocks into the ring I went completely under. We then floated in complete darkness through the glowworm caves which were magical. After stopping for a pit stop of a cup of tea and a flapjack we continued scrambling through the caves stopping every now and then to look at the rock formations and the odd eel. After over four hours underground we had to climb out of the caves through a couple of waterfalls. The experience was amazing and something that I would definitely do again.
After a quick bagel and hot soup to warm us up we were back on the bus and on our way to Taupo. Taupo is known as being the adventure capital of the North and is also the cheapest place in New Zealand to skydive. I really wanted to have a go and although was scared and tired from the caving thought I would be disappointed if I turned it down. I was only going to sign up for 12,000ft but after being told that when you are that high you really don't know the difference and 15,000ft is the highest you can jump, I thought what the hell and signed up for the whole thing (including a DVD, photos and a t-shirt). Nine of us were squashed into this tiny plane and as we took off I started to get a bit apprehensive and kept asking my instructor if we were properly strapped in. The good thing about skydiving is when it comes to your turn to jump your instructor literally takes hold of you and pushes you out the plane.
The one minute freefall feels like forever and during this time the camera woman is trying to make you do different actions and expressions. I however was so concerned with holding on that I didn't release my hands at first and had to be tapped again to remember what I was meant to do. When the parachute finally comes out and you slow down you can take in the scenery. It was a beautiful day too so could see for miles across the lake. Which is in fact the largest lake in Australasia and big enough for the island of Sinagpore to fit within it apparently.
Was up really early this morning as was going caving or to be precise black water rafting. This involved abseiling down into the caves, taking a zip wire before jumping onto a rubber ring into the freezing water and I mean freezing. The water was really deep as jumping off the rocks into the ring I went completely under. We then floated in complete darkness through the glowworm caves which were magical. After stopping for a pit stop of a cup of tea and a flapjack we continued scrambling through the caves stopping every now and then to look at the rock formations and the odd eel. After over four hours underground we had to climb out of the caves through a couple of waterfalls. The experience was amazing and something that I would definitely do again.
After a quick bagel and hot soup to warm us up we were back on the bus and on our way to Taupo. Taupo is known as being the adventure capital of the North and is also the cheapest place in New Zealand to skydive. I really wanted to have a go and although was scared and tired from the caving thought I would be disappointed if I turned it down. I was only going to sign up for 12,000ft but after being told that when you are that high you really don't know the difference and 15,000ft is the highest you can jump, I thought what the hell and signed up for the whole thing (including a DVD, photos and a t-shirt). Nine of us were squashed into this tiny plane and as we took off I started to get a bit apprehensive and kept asking my instructor if we were properly strapped in. The good thing about skydiving is when it comes to your turn to jump your instructor literally takes hold of you and pushes you out the plane.
The one minute freefall feels like forever and during this time the camera woman is trying to make you do different actions and expressions. I however was so concerned with holding on that I didn't release my hands at first and had to be tapped again to remember what I was meant to do. When the parachute finally comes out and you slow down you can take in the scenery. It was a beautiful day too so could see for miles across the lake. Which is in fact the largest lake in Australasia and big enough for the island of Sinagpore to fit within it apparently.
1 comment:
What happened to the wimp? You've certainly raised the bar for Jenny and Suzi. What d'say guys? So glad you're having fun. Andre says that reading your postings is taking away the winter blues! Take care.. Love, Judy
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