best day ever!

today was seriously one of the best days i have ever had!  vicky, leah and i drove to waitomo to go to the caves, we went with the legendary black water rafting company on the five hour black abyss tour.  it started out with an abseil into the cave (which was the part i was looking forward to most, it was so much fun), a flying fox in the dark, tubing, and then walked in the stream through the cave.  to get out, we did this crazy climb up three waterfalls.  it was cold, i could hardly feel my feet and hands by the end, and i HATED having to climb into wet gear.  but it was so awesome and totally worth the money.  i am definitely planning on going again, in case anyone is planning on coming to visit me here!  (hint hint!) 

one of the more hilarious aspects of the day was that one of our guides (dan) looked suspiciously like derek.  i mentioned this to leah, but she said she would have to rely on my judgement on that one.  so you'll have to take my word on it, i guess!

the top left photo was from my camera, the others were taken in the cave by our guide dan.  and in case you aren't sure, yes, that is mud on our faces on those bottom two.  it was one of the fantastic activities we got to do: conceptual mud art on someone else. 

and after the long and fun day we had today, tomorrow morning we head in the opposite direction to gisborne!

edit: i feel that i should add that the day could have been improved by a lack of eels.  i wish that nobody had told me about them, and i really wish that leah hadn't asked if we had felt any...  *shudder*  i am still feeling the heeby jeebies just thinking about it!