with each descent, each rope hold, swing and sli-
de. The different levels and manoeuvers were unex-
pected and our hands reached out to support each
other as we climbed into the unknown. This, to me,
defined the meaning of risk activity teamwork. I felt
gratitude for every moment I was unsure of moving
forward with the reassurance provided by the guide
and other climbers.
We finally reached the furthest spot and highlight
spectacle of the journey. An underground lake. Our
tour guide shone his torch upon the water’s surfa-
ce, lighting up the grandeur of the chamber, with a
backdrop of what resembled a cathedral, with organ
pipe silhouettes. It was breathtaking, and such a
memorable moment. Like witnessing the gold at the
end of a mine. What followed was a knee jerking
walk around the slightest edges of the lake, nearly
40 yards long and estimated to hold 45’000 gallons
of crystal clear water, it was another great achieve-
ment in strength, determination and trust.
Throughout this tour, I would often have moments
to stop and recognize my surroundings. Being in a
cave is a beautiful feeling. They are the atmosphere
is naturally regulated, warm when it’s cold out and
cool when it’s warm. You don’t realise how scary and
powerful a feeling it is having a whole mountain on
top of you, until you are in the dark or when you be-
gin experiencing the silence. All the familiar noises
of the upper world are gone, the wind, the rustle of
branches or leaves, the chirping of birds, the sound
of automobiles and doors slamming. There is nothing
but the faint tinkle of droplets of water, each drop
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like a distant musical chime, and each one pursued
by tiny echoes. Then, after such a note sounds there
would be a long and empty quiet (in between our
laughter) in which you can hear your own breathing
and the steady beating of your heart. You find your-
self straining your eyes to see something, in the sli-
ghtest sign of light, discovering patterns, shapes and
even characters in the shadows. It is unlike any other
experience I have felt.
We retraced our steps back to the entrance, this
time with more confidence in knowing how to climb
through the cave and what was to come. The guides
knowledge of the history of the caves was thorough
and enough to drop jaws now and then. He really kept
us in good spirits through some fears. The whole tour
lasts approximately 3 hours. At the end I not only felt a
sense of achievement, but really invigorated. From the
beginning I noticed a communal excited expression of
concern about how things were going to unfold, but
I feel the human condition to be stronger than our
awareness. Once that metal door opened up to the
then darkened evening sky there was a resounding
sigh of joy. The stars shone brightly and the cool air
was welcomed, after our lengthy work out. The cave
taught me two things, that light in darkness is sacred,
and there is deep beauty to be found in silence. For
those that feel unsure or have hesitations in witnes-
sing the magic of Lower St Michael’s Cave’s, in the
least expected places, there exists the most beautiful
treasure. A phrase by Josh Campbell comes to mind:
“The very cave you are afraid to enter, turns out to be
the source of what you are looking for”.
OTWO 09 / APRIL 2020
OTWO 09 / APRIL 2020
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