Lake Jewel

We stopped at Lake Jewel before heading down to Augusta because we needed toilet break.  Once I got inside I talked Geoff into buying us tickets to view all three major caves in the area (there are lots more), it was cheaper for three. He was resistant but I prevailed. I'd wanted to get into a cave for years. (Probably the dragon in me).
Mmm there were a lot of stairs to traverse to get in and out of the cave. Only about 230  or so, all straight up and down. But I loved the cave. It was simply spectacular, I am so hooked.  Some people say once you've seen one you've seen them all and in some cases this may be true.  But no formation is the same, the atmosphere and the variation in the formations make each one unique.  A true fantasy land.  Fit for a fairy hideout or a dragon lair.
Originally the caves were hard to find as they were surrounded by the large forests in the area.

Remember to click on the photo to get a clearer, larger view, particulalry with the darker cave photos.

 These are larger than life models of some of the life that can be found in the waters of some caves.  If you click to enlarge the information board below you can find out more.

The colours within the formations are caused by the tannin from the trees staining the water that seeps through into the cave. This was taken with a flash and the one below was taken with the minimal lighting available in the cave.              Remember stalactites run down from the ceiling (t for top) and stalagmites rise up from the floor.

Going down.

Daunting with only minimal lighting to see by.

Tree roots tied together. This is close to the vent hole that led to the cave being discovered. Caves breathe and when they exhale a draft is sent up through these vents and openings.

A spear shaped formation.

The hand of fate. Or thumbs up!

More stairs!

Cathedral type formations.

A flow stone.  A calcified waterfall.

 Snow like formations.

Old lime based sanddune from which the caves where formed. Vegetation and weathering help to harden the dunes over time and when some of the larger rooted trees die and rot  small cavities can form developing into larger ones over time if conditions are right.

With flash and above without flash.

And the stairs continue. Remember we have to come back up yet!

Pendulum stalactite.

Ancient Thylocine (Tasmanian tiger) skeleton found within the cave system. Many animals fall and get trapped and become part of the cave structure over time.

 One area had lights set up to throw different colours into the crystals. the contrasts are effective.

Flow stone formation with tannin stain creating the colour variations.

Baby stalagmites are reforming after this piece broke away from somewhere.

 Beautiful fine straw stalactites. Fragile and sparkling - so easily broken.

Jaws of the dragon!

Scarf shaped stalactites amidst the fine crystal lace work formations.

Icecream anyone?

Icecream land!

Waterfall frozen in time.

The guide warns tourists not to touch the formations as the acids and oils in our skin can leave dirty marks and stop them from growing. Also many being extremely fragile if broken they are gone forever.

However they have one placed on a stand for tourists to touch.  This one was cool and smooth and when the lights were turned off you can see it momentarily retains some of the light within its crystals.

Heading out past the Thumb! And yes we survived!