No, this was no ordinary tunnel. The tunnel was obiviously manmade, but by whom? My first assumption was that they were made by the U.S. government for hiding arms during the World War II, The sign to the right gives evidence of that. These signs were found all around the tunnel.(and no, we did not trespass to get to it) But this tunnel had some sort of use, and I was determined to find out.

I knew it from the very beginning. This tunnel really was something. The first time I saw it from the south jetty of Coos Bay in Oregon, I knew I had to find out what it really was. From afar, it looked like an ordinary overhang, but I would soon find out that this cave was far from ordinary.

There's our friend from Canada, Dan. He was one of the first along with us to set eyes upon the tunnel. This long shaft (about 500-1000 ft) has old timbers lined on the floors from the times

'm reminded of the salty brine of the ocean's waters affecting the cave floor. Covered with salt crystals of all different shapes and sizes.

We'll never really know what this tunnel was built for, possibly It could be an arms storage area, a lookout for the bay, an old spanish installation to keep a lookout, it could be anything. That's what is so good about a mystery. It lingers in ones mind until it is solved. And as long as it is'nt solved, it remains in the memory forever...............

So, as we continue to explore caves, I will always have a picture of this tunnel in my mind. It will remain there forever, or at least until it is solved.

The Waitomo Glowworm Cave was first explored in 1887 by local Maori Chief, Tane Tinorau accompanied by an English Surveyor, Fred Mace (pictured bottom right). Local Maori people who owned and populated the area know of its existence, but chose not to disclose the fact. When information came to light, Fred Mace persuaded Tane to accompany him and together they entered the cave where the stream goes underground. Visitors now exit the Cave at this point.

Maori Chief, Tane Tinorau and English Surveyor, Fred Mace

Maori Chief, Tane Tinorau and English Surveyor, Fred Mace

As their eyes adjusted to the darkness they found their way lit by a myriad of lights reflecting off the water, looking up they discovered that the ceilings were dotted with thousands of lights. Closer examination revealed insects glittering and glimmering on the walls.

The Glowworm Discovery

As they entered the caves via the Waitomo stream, their first discovery was the Glowworm Grotto with its myriad of tiny bright lights dotting the cave ceiling.

Debris and logs littered the waterway but by poling themselves toward the embankment they were able to leave their raft and explore the lower level of the cave. Limestone formations of all shapes and sizes surrounded them. Jubilant at their discovery they returned many times for further exploration. On an independent trip, Tane discovered the upper level of the cave and an easier access. Only after further exploration and many subsequent visits did they discover an entry point on land, the same entry point used today by thousands of visitors annually.

The authorities were advised and the cave was mapped and surveyed. Visitor numbers soared and Tane and his wife Huti escorted groups through the cave for a small fee. Unfortunately vandalism escalated and administration of the cave was taken over by the government.

Group photo taken at the official opening of the Aranui Cave The official opening of the Aranui Cave 14 February 1911.

The Caves Today - 100 Years Later In 1989, almost 100 years later, the land and the cave were returned to the descendants of the original owners who now receive a percentage of the cave's revenue and participate in the management and development of the cave. Many staff employed at the caves are direct descendants of Tane Tinorau and his wife Huti.

Spelunking

This one's not for people who are afraid of dark or tight spaces. Spelunking is a fancy term for exploring caves. And summer is a dandy time to do it. If you're a tad claustrophobic, DO NOT DO THIS

"Cave is a good word.... The memory of a cave I used to know was always in my mind, with its lofty passages, its silence and solitude, its shrouding gloom, its sepulchral echoes, its fleeting lights, and more than all, its sudden revelations...."

--Mark Twain, Innocents Abroad