63 and free

On this day, Thursday January 19th, 2023, we reversed direction, driving back to Charleston from Punakaiki. This was so we could ‘enjoy’ a ride on a mining train up through a rain forest, then hike UP and UP and UP the side of a mountain whilst carrying a large rubber doughnut and wearing a thick layer of insulation. It was oh so much fun.

NOT.

The kicker is that we PAID to do this! Tourists really are the dumbest people on the planet.

Anywho, that got us to the entrance to yet another cave. We spent the next 2 1/2 hours underground, where the temperatures were more suited for our attire. However, carrying and pushing that inner tube the whole way proved to be a challenge, especially when the ceiling was often only about 4-5′ high and one is not allowed to touch the walls for support. My back is still paying the price. 😬

It was kinda worth it though…

Then it was onto the rafting bit. Once again, it favoured little people. I had to walk most of it, as there wasn’t enough water for my size or the tiny inner tube they gave me. Grrrr.