住著螢火蟲的鐘乳石洞 Glow-worms in Stalactite Cave

Visiting stalactite cave with glow-worms is a popular activity in Tasmania.  We went to Mole Creek area which about an hour drive from the visitor centre of Cradle Mountain.
參觀有螢火蟲的鐘乳石洞是塔斯曼尼亞州一個受歡迎的活動。 所以我們從搖籃山的遊客中心開車約一個小時去了Mole Creek 區。
(http://molecreek.info/natures-wonders/mole-creek-caves/)
(http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/index.aspx?base=3530)

We chose to visit the lower chamber, Marakoopa Cave, which was easier and suitable for all ages. The fee is AUD19 per person.
我們選擇了參觀下游的Marakoopa洞，這段較容易行，男女老幼都適合。 費用為每人19澳元。
(http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/index.aspx?base=4648)

There were about 30 participants in our 2pm group.  The guide led us into the cave.  When we all have entered the first section, he informed us and he switched off the light to let us see the dazzling glow-worms on the cave ceiling which were just about us.  Unlike those that we have seen in New Zealand, we did not need to keep absolute silent but could still speak in the cave.  Our noise would not scare the glow-worms away.  However, we still need to refrain from using flash-light.  Hence, we have not taken any photos of the glow-worms.  People need to go in person to experience watching the "glow-worms sky".

我們參加下午2點的團，約有30人。導賞員帶領我們進入洞穴。 當我們都進入第一部分時，他通知我們並關掉了燈光，讓我們看到洞穴頂上閃閃發光的螢火蟲。 不像之前新西蘭看螢火蟲那樣，我們不需保持肅靜，仍然可以在洞裡說話。 我們的聲音不會嚇倒螢火蟲。 但是，我們仍然需要避免使用閃光燈。 因此，我們沒有拍攝任何螢光蟲的照片。 人們需要親身來到這裡來體驗看看「螢光蟲的天空」了。

The stalagmite looking like a pearl in shell.
石筍好像在貝殼裡的珍珠

The guide then led us to different parts of the cave, explaining the formation, telling us how the cave were discovered.  He was humorous, telling stories in vivid and interesting ways.  Many of the stalactites and stalagmites formed in different shapes and some of them resembled some objects. Flashlights and camera were allowed in these parts of the cave and hence, photos could be taken.

然後導賞員帶領我們到洞穴的不同部分，講解洞穴的形成，告訴我們洞穴是如何被發現。 他幽默風趣，以生動有趣的方式講故事。 許多鐘乳石和石筍形成不同的形狀，其中一更形似某些物件。 在這些部分都可用相機及閃光燈，因此可以拍照。

Some water stayed on stalactite for
long time before dropping down
有些鐘乳石的水珠很久才滴下來

He showed us the stalagmite at which the stalactite above it was dripping at about 3mins xx seconds. This was found the fastest one in the cave.
他向我們展示了，在洞穴中滴水最快的一組鐘乳石和石筍，每3分幾鐘便會滴下一滴水。

When we returned to the first section of the cave, the guide switched off the light again for us to watch the glow-worms a second time.  As our eyes had already adapted to the dim light environment in the cave, we could see more of the glow-worms this time.
當我們回到洞穴的第一部分時，導賞員再次關燈，讓我們再次觀看螢火蟲。 由於我們的眼睛已經適應了洞穴中昏暗的光線環境，我們這次可以看到更多的螢火蟲。

With this more wonderful view of the dazzling "glow-worms sky", our cave tour came to an end.  The whole tour took about an hour.
隨著看到這個更燦爛的“螢火蟲天空”，我們的洞穴之旅便要結束。 整個遊覽大約需要一個小時。