Foillsichte: 08.02.2017
Bravely, we entered the Abbey Caves.
After breakfast, we went to the mentioned caves, together with Natalie and Max. These are free caves that can be entered at your own risk, not far from our campsite. There were warning and information signs everywhere. Everything at your own risk, the caves have not been tested for safety. Great, that is encouraging. Anyway, let's go. On the way, there was another sign indicating to bring proper climbing equipment and a helmet. Of course, we didn't have any. But we continued. Then the first of the three caves in front of us. One look was enough: we will never get in there.
On to the next cave. The Middle Cave. The entrance was easier there. So we went in. It was all dark and completely flooded. Good thing we had waterproof shoes and enough light with us.. Not. Regular footwear and one and a half headlamps. But it was enough. More or less. The shoes were completely soaked and we couldn't see much. Good thing we all have flashlights on our smartphones these days.
And it was worth it. There was so much interesting stuff to see. When you turned off the light, you could even see larvae that were glowing to attract food, according to a local. Simply amazing.
After the cave, we continued to the Ivy Cave, which was pretty much the best one. Wide passages, many obstacles, and eels in the deeper water. At some point, we couldn't go any further without swimming through the water-filled passage. That was too much for us. So we turned around and went back.
On to the first cave, the Organ Cave. When we arrived there, the entrance was no longer impassable, as we had gained some climbing experience.
But once we were inside, it quickly became clear that the entrance was the only highlight here. The cave was small and not as spectacular as the other two. So we went out again and went back to the car.
Our paths briefly separated there. Natalie and Max still needed things from the warehouse, and Svenja and I had to take care of other things. We met again at the campsite and then went out together. To eat pizza. Max got a spot at university, so he is leaving earlier and he invited us. Thanks to his mother's financial support and congratulations to you, Max, may it be the right thing for you.
The pizza was simply divine. Finally, no noodles. Now we are all lying in our car and listening to the rain on our roofs. Truly Hamburg-style weather. Let's see if it will get better tomorrow...