Cape n Cave day today…..whew!

Today was a BIG day.

  Our first spot was Cape Leeuwin where the most south western point is, in Australia.  It’s just outside Augusta on the point.  It’s also where the Southern Ocean meets the Indian Ocean.

There are approximately 175 steps UP to the top of the lighthouse. Built in 1895, it is the tallest lighthouse in Australia.  And once we had a good look around, we then headed out to Jewel Cave.

 

 

 

 

But first we stopped at the waterwheel that’s been corroded by the elements, but it’s STILL working!

 

We headed into Jewel Cave which is very comparable to the Carlsbad Caverns in Texas.  We walked down 225 (approx) steps into the cavern.  Stalactites and stalagmites greeted us at every corner.

As you can see here, a taproot from a Karri tree wound it’s way down in to the cave.  Karri trees here can grow up to 90 metres tall.  this taproot is roughly the size of my fist.  There was another taproot down here that was double that thickness.

 

 

 

This picture almost looks like there’s water on the floor of the cave, but it’s an illusion.  There WAS once water here, but it’s all gone now.  Once we made it back up the steps, we raced off to the Lakes Cave before they closed.

THIS cave had 330 steps(approx)down.  It was at this point that I realized that my legs were weakening and that the extra weight  that I was carrying, was not my friend.

 

The Lakes Cave is called that for obvious reasons.  The beauty of this cave is unsurpassed as the reflection of light draws your eyes to some of the most fantastic scenes I’ve yet to witness.

 

These pillars of stalactites and stalagmites are actually SUSPENDED above the water by 12 inches or there-abouts.  The water table has dropped over the years creating these suspended pillars.

 

A colour show from the back of the cave was a lovely touch as the lights came on and off at various spots highlighting different sections of the cave.

 

After stopping five times, and after much ribbing, poking, and prodding by certain people,  I made it up the stairs!!   No more stairs until tomorrow. 

We finalized our day by working out plans for our next day.  We missed Mammoth Cave, so that’s our first port-o-call and then we head north up the coast to Cape Naturaliste.  Until then, I’m off to bed to rest my legs, my back, my hips, my shoulders,……..