After cruising through the stunningly beautiful karst formations that surround the dam, we were ready for the next part of the day’s adventure… a visit to some caves.
We were to get to the caves by riding on, or really gliding, across the still waters of the dam on a bamboo, ‘raft-like’, boat. Safety vests were to be worn on these craft!
These strange craft had there own small bay on the dam complete with floating chalets that can be hired for the night…. though that wasn’t our plan.
We waited at the landing stage for our turn… but there were not too many other tourists there that day which made it a pleasant place to be.
Ready, set,go! One of the other groups we shared the dam with.
It was all a bit of fun!
When we arrived at the caves and disembarked our bamboo rafts, we had to make a steep climb up to the mouth of the cave. In this photo, I’m looking back to that entrance and the rickety bamboo handrail that gave a little confidence although not much support!
Most caves are rather wet places to explore with water dripping through the ceiling of the cave. Wonderful stalactites like this one are produced by the precipitation of minerals as the drips of water dissolve the limestone. Most stalactites are icicle shaped formations that hang from the ceiling and have have pointed tips. This one is a group of such forms.
Mineral formations in caves are, in the main, either stalactites and stalagmites. This is an example of a stalagmite, an upward-growing mound of mineral deposits that have precipitated from water dripping onto the floor of a cave. Although many stalagmites have rounded or flattened tips, this one has formed as a pillar on the cave floor.
Weird shapes and patterns were everywhere.
More stalactites hanging free from the ceiling as well as attached to the wall of the cave.
Iron oxides, dissolved with the limestone, left these stains as the moisture evaporated.
Filigree edges to some of the stalactites attached to the side walls of the cave. Further iside this cave, a column from above has joined up with the stalagmite that formed below it.
A fairy-land of crystals.
After exploring in the dimness of the caves, we came out into the bright light of day again to make our way down the steep slope back towards the water of the dam.
By the time we boarded our long tail boats for the ride back across the dam, it was 17.15 and we were looking forward to a cool drink and dinner after a good day out.
We’d obviously been very lucky with the weather. By 17.45 when we returned to our vehicle, dark clouds were forming and the water took on an ominous look.
The girls opted for some pretty amazing looking cocktails while we waited for dinner at a restaurant near to Morning Mist Resort. We guys settled for a cold beer.
The stir-fried noodles were good too.
We capped the night off at another small bar where a fire-dancer performed.
And the girls made the most of some more fantastical cocktails!
It was nearly 23.00 by the time we got back to our rooms. I un-stuffed the doona and used the covering as a sheet. This time, I slept like a log. More adventures anon.
Video on Vimeo: Khao Sok National Park, Lake Cheow Larn and Cave
David
All photographs copyright © DY of jtdytravels
If you enjoy these armchair travels, please pass our site onto others
more of our travel stories and photos can be found on
More of our travel photos are on
www.flickr.com/photos/jtdytravels
.
Thanks for the journey. The sites were stunning, and, as always, we enjoyed the adventure. Love, Mitzi and Stan
Sent from my iPad Mitzi
>