Tunnel Rats

[atb35]

Wow, what a day. Got finished with the tunnel rats tour through MCCS. For $18 (pretty sure it was 18, maybe 20), it was well worth it. The first cave was cool, used as a bunker during the war, 2nd cave was a command headquarters bunker or something, third one was just a huge hole in the ground with alot of caved in areas. The guide made the trip well worth it, he was extremely knowlegable and answered all questions asked. This tour is NOT for anyone that isnt in at least decent shape...depending on the caves you go in, it can get pretty strenuous.

Glad I went, even though I think I broke my thumb in the last cave. It is the size of an apple right now and growing:) Amazing how much we use our dominant thumb...didnt realize it until the last several hours.

[ststephen65]

caving is great! its one of the things that i do miss about the states. i was pretty invloved in the caving community in northern VA and southern west va. there is nothing i like better then roping up and dropping 90 ft down into a dark hole!!

[P_chan]

You would be suprised how many caves you will find on this island if you just travel off the beaten path every now and then!

[ststephen65]

yeah i know, im just weary on going into caves here.

[P_chan]

Yeah me too. I don't really like the idea of putting my hand on a huge centipede and getting poisoned!

[gliza]

i have an older okinawan buddy, sashida-san, who knows oki inside and out. he took me to a bunch of caves. one of which was absolutely awesome.

it has a HUGE opening and hike down into it. after walking a good ways, you get to a point where, if you want to proceed, you have to swim. the water is cold and you can't touch the bottom for about 25 yards but once you get to the other side, as soon as you get out of the water you are at a comfortable temperature again. shortly thereafter, the cave opens up into a huge domed room.

i've gone through the cave twice-the second time venturing further in. the cave just kept going and going and going. the only reason we turned around is because we were scarred of our flashlights running out of batteries. if you run out of light down there, you're dead-no question. it was very tiring though because you were constantly climbing up, then down, then up, then down, etc. also, there are many spots that can be dangerous. you need ample lighting and you need to watch your step because there are a lot of pits, cliffs, and loose rocks.

it's difficult to gage how far we hiked but in my estimation, it was nearly a mile. it took about 45 minutes each way. the really weird thing is, aside from the huge centipedes and bats, they have crickets and crawfish deep inside the cave. we even saw a huge crab in one cave...it's kinda crazy how life can still survive down there.

oh yeah-if anyone wants to directions to caves, i'll be happy to provide my assistance.

peace!