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@ Bill Monroe
2023-04-26 16:24:18
We had always been curious about the Glowworm Caves in New Zealand, and how they were full of magic and mystery. So we decided to go and have a look for ourselves. We packed some candles and matches, and some bread and cheese, and set off for the Waitomo village, where we hoped to find a guide who knew the secrets of the cave.
We were lucky enough to meet a friendly chap, who claimed he was a descendant of the Maori chief who first discovered the cave. He led us down some stairs and into a dark tunnel, where we got on a small boat. He told us to hush and keep our eyes on the ceiling. As we floated along the stream, we saw thousands of tiny blue-green lights sparkling like jewels in the black velvet. They were the glowworms, he said, a rare species of insect that glows in the dark.
We were spellbound by the sight, and felt like we were in a fairy tale. The guide explained that the glowworms use their light to lure their prey, and that they spin sticky threads to trap them. He also pointed out some of the cave formations, such as icicles and pillars, that had been shaped over millions of years by dripping water. We learned a lot about the cave and its creatures, and enjoyed the enchanting atmosphere of the glowworm grotto.
But then something happened that interrupted our serenity with a jolt. The boat suddenly hit a rock and started to sink. We panicked and screamed for help. The guide told us to calm down and grab the life jackets. He said that he had a radio and could call for help. He also said that there was another exit from the cave nearby, and that we could walk there if we had to. He said that everything would be fine, and that we should not worry.
We tried to believe him, but we were scared. We did not want to drown in the dark cave, or get lost in the maze of tunnels. We did not want to be eaten by the glowworms, or whatever else lurked in the shadows. We wanted to get out of there as soon as possible.Luckily, help arrived quickly. Another boat came to rescue us, and took us to safety. We were relieved and grateful. We thanked the guide for his bravery and his jokes. He apologized for the accident and said that it was very rare. He said that he hoped we enjoyed our tour anyway, and that we would come back again someday.
We smiled and nodded, but we knew we would never come back. We had seen enough of the glowworm caves for one lifetime. We learned a lot about the cave and its creatures, but we also learned something else: sometimes magic can be dangerous.
