Attractions – On the Loose Live

The Waitomo Cave Experience—Wet & Wild Subterranean Adventure, North Island, NZ

March 29, 2026March 29, 2026livevigorously

Disclaimer: none of the photos were taken by me, as we had to leave our cameras behind. In hindsight, that was for the best—having both hands free was essential given the slippery, wet, uneven, rocky terrain, and the crawling, wading, and swimming sections.

First Some Cave Context

Years ago, while traveling in Thailand, I explored a couple of miles of the Chiang Dao Cave—fascinating and not especially sketchy (unless you count the thousands of bats and the one tight crawl space).

Chiang Dao Cave Adventure

Then, a year later, along with the rest of the world, I followed the nine-day saga of the boys’ soccer team trapped in a similar cave after monsoon rains flooded it. I remember thinking, “Yeah… I probably won’t be going into a cave again anytime soon.”

Well, nearly ten years later, here I am at the Waitomo Cave Experience. My travel partner chose this one, and I wasn’t about to be a spoil sport. So, I wrestled myself into a thick, heavy wetsuit, squeezed on the white rubber “go-go” boots, and trudged off in slow motion with the rest of our oversized sloth of a group, crossing the oddly undulating pasture—hinting at the contours of the cave below—toward the woods.

At the edge of the woods, we climbed down a steel ladder, descending into the pitch-black, damp abyss of the Okohua Cave, and the adventure began… We switched on our headlamps—bright third eyes piercing the darkness and, just as often, blinding one another.

After casually warning us to stay put if anything happened to him, our guide led us into the narrow, watery “slot canyons” of the 30-million-year-old limestone grotto.

“Watch your head!” “Watch your footing!” And “Hands off!” the dripping stalactites and other stalagmite formations. It was slow going.

We stopped several times to turn off our headlamps and gaze up at the dark “sky” bespeckled with tiny lights from thousands of bioluminescent Arachnocampa luminosa (glow worm) larvae. (“Better worms than bats, I say.”) It was a lovely sight indeed.

Later, we’d enter a canyon with deep water where inner tubes were waiting for us for a cruise down glow worm alley. It was magical and mesmerizing. The once chatty group fell silent in awe.

Photo Credits: The Waitomo Cave Experience website.

If you’re slightly claustrophobic like me, adding water to the equation amplifies it…as do the low ceilings and narrow tunnels. Of course, learning that you’ll be underground for over 3 hours and knowing that you can’t simply, easily, and quickly exit also contributes to that constricting feeling…Not to mention the heavy wetsuit weighing you down…

As a yogi, I practiced my relaxation breathing and tried to stay in the moment. There were a couple of opportunities to bypass the tighter, belly crawling, face-first-into-the murky water routes, but, well, where’s the fun in that?

It was an amazing adventure for sure, but I probably won’t be going into another cave anytime soon…(Yeah, I know…)

Happy Adventuring!

Discover Provo River Falls, a Scenic Must Stop Along Mirror Lake Highway (150), Kamas, UT

August 5, 2024livevigorously

Just when I thought the scenery along Mirror Lake Highway couldn’t get better, I saw the sign for Provo River Falls and turned off (<15 minutes east of Kamas). This enchanting roadside waterfall has three tiers (upper, mid, and lower), lovely terraces, and multiple cascades. It’s a must-stop if you’re driving Highway 150. There’s a short paved path alongside the 3 waterfalls. The water temperature ranges from 35 to 55 degrees so the mist from the waterfall is wonderfully refreshing, especially on a hot day.

Enjoy!

Above Zion Via Ferrata—Local Adventure With Splendid Views!

July 25, 2023February 25, 2024livevigorously

Via ferrata translates to “iron way”. A via ferrata is a route along a mountain or cliff face consisting of steel safety cables alongside thin steel rungs that you climb like a ladder. Simpler than rock climbing and canyoneering, it makes it possible for people to traverse cliffs and mountains that would otherwise be inaccessible. You wear a harness with 2 clips that you hook and unhook to the cable (one at a time) as you go.

Via ferratas can be traced back to the mid-19th century (presumably when they used iron to construct them instead of steel). During the First World War, the Italian Army used them to get troops through otherwise untraversable portions of the Alps. Via ferratas have since become popular as a safer, simpler option to rock climbing that still affords adventure seekers a thrill and adrenaline rush. (Especially if you’re scared of heights like me.)

My boyfriend, Bernie, invited me to join him on this local via ferrata adventure. I hesitated for a second as videos of the dizzying and daunting via ferratas of Europe played in my head. But the appeal of Zion backcountry’s rarely seen, dramatic vistas “pushed me over the edge,” so to speak. Not to mention, I enjoy trying new things, getting out of my comfort zone, and challenging myself in new ways.

As it turns out, the Above Zion via Ferrata is quite tame. They’ve designed the course to be accessible for anyone “ages 8 to 80”. They equip you with the harnesses, clips, and helmets and a guide.Theoretically, if you can climb a ladder, you can handle it as long as your fear of heights doesn’t paralyze you. Views into this remote back canyon on the outskirts of Zion are splendid. The course is short, with 2 “exciting” sections and more trail walking than via Ferrata for a total of 2 miles roundtrip. A group ahead kept us waiting for them to finish at various junctures. The total moving time my Garmin recorded was 1 hour and 10 minutes. They describe it as a 4-hour adventure. (More like 2 hours at best, unless there are people in your group who really take it slow or freeze.) Sure, you can spend more time enjoying the views at the major lookout spots (as long as a group isn’t coming up behind you). There was a lovely waterfall in the distance, but we never got close enough for a good picture. I was hoping we’d go under it.

I’m sure good guides are hard to find, but… Ours was 20 minutes late and had a propensity to talk about himself. He missed one of the via ferrata sections and didn’t take us back to do it. At the end, he “slow walked” us on the trail and then forgot the combination to the gate while we waited in the side-by-side to get back to the starting point. (Actually, I got out and hiked up and was nearly there by the time they came by.) While he was nice enough to take pictures of us on his phone, he forget to send them.

Yep, that all happened. To be fair, it was the guide’s second day. Guess they are still working out the “kinks”. Cost was $130 per person to join a group. (We got lucky with a private experience.) Not the smoothest run operation, but it made for a fun morning, and a good introduction to via ferrata.

Kolob Canyon road views on the way are always nice too.

Happy Trails!

Discovering Discovery Cove, Orlando, FL

May 11, 2023May 12, 2023livevigorously

While I’m not one for “attractions” per se, how could I say “No” when my boyfriend, Bernie, invited me to join him for a day at Discovery Cove? It’s been voted the Best Marine Mammal Park, the Best Theme Park in Orlando, and the Most Romantic Thing to Do in Orlando. It’s all that and more. The experience exceeded my expectations across the board.

We entered the park through the grand entry pavilion with its high beams, straw-thatched ceiling, and magnificent floating dolphin sculpture.

The moment we stepped out to begin our all-inclusive experience, we were transported into a lush tropical wonderland with magnificent colorful flora, waterfalls, streams, and lagoons. Apologies, I didn’t take many pictures of the grounds because I was in experience mode (versus documentation mode).

The Grand Reef

At the Grand Reef, we immersed ourselves in a colorful kaleidoscope of ~6,000 tropical fish, ~50 stingrays (barbs removed), 3 giant rays, and reef sharks (those behind glass). While I’m a PADI-certified diver, this is the most sea life I’ve ever seen up close and personal. If you prefer not to swim or snorkel, the water is clear enough to see while wading.

Explorer’s Aviary and the Freshwater Oasis

Next, we strolled Explorer’s Aviary, where exotic birds flit and call through the lush canopy of trees and plants. For a closer look or photo op, you can lure them closer (even onto your arms) with tiny bowls of their favorite treats.

If you’re up for a cruise on a noodle floatie or a swim, there’s a “Freshwater Oasis” lazy river that winds you through a tropical forest with waterfalls and features playful otters and marmosets.

Dolphin Encounter

Saving the best for last, Bernie splurged on our add-on “Swim with a Dolphin” experience, which is more of a “pose with a dolphin” experience. Sure, I’ve seen dolphins up close while surfing, but touching, hugging, and looking one in the eyes is something else entirely. And there is a short “ride” with the dolphin, about 10 feet. Dolphins can swim 25 mph and leap 20 feet, but they go slowly and stay horizontal with guests onboard. Yes, these are captive mammals, but most are rescues, and it is an educational experience. We learned that the dolphins are “invited” to participate in the interactions and can and do refuse at their whim. Each dolphin has its own signature sound, like an audio fingerprint, which they use to greet each other and the guests. We also learned that dolphins breathe only through their blow holes. They have 2 stomachs split into 3-chambered like cows and deer, which is needed for digestion because they swallow their food (fish) whole They get their hydration (water) from the fish they eat, and they consume as much as 30 pounds of sushi per day. Their skin is soft and sensitive like ours. Reduced fish populations due to global warming pose a risk to dolphins.

Satisfy your appetite and quench your thirst

How were the food and beverages, you ask? (A tasty and varied breakfast and lunch buffet to satisfy any appetite). The coconut-encrusted salmon was a lunch highlight. Plenty of casual options include burgers, pizza, pretzels, desserts, and hot chocolate chip cookies—oh, my! (I know.) Perhaps fast the day before (and after), lol. And if you like to quench your thirst with “adult beverages,” the upgraded drink package ($40) includes cocktails and is worth it! The colorfully tattooed, friendly bartender added 2 super generous splashes of Grand Marnier to my margarita—decadent and delicious— the best I’ve ever had.

Those who know me know I’m not a theme park or “attraction” person. I’ve never understood those adult Disney World/Land fanatics whose idea of a “best day ever” is a crowded theme park with endless lines and nonstop noise. I detest loud crowds— fortunately, there were none here. It seems they limit the number of guests per day to optimize the experience for everyone.

For couples and families, Discovery Cove is an excellent way to escape it all and spend the day in an engaging tropical paradise. Sure, it’s a simulated experience, but it is executed exceptionally well. When in Orlando, I’d say it’s a must-do. And a must-do again for me. I can’t wait to take my niece and share it with the rest of the family. Guess that makes me a Discovery Cove fanatic.