by Loti | Mar 19, 2013 | Bermuda, Landscapes
Bermuda. Is it called caving, spelunking or potholing? Depends where you live. In the US and Canada, caving is known as spelunking (which is really one of the coolest words ever) and in the UK and Ireland, it is known as potholing (not such a cool word). Caving involves exploring caves (brilliant) which are some of the most fragile and rarest environments on Earth. Recreational caving differs from other sports in that it is intentionally not publicized to ensure individuals don’t abuse caves due to ignorance or disregard. Many species found in caves exist only in that single cave. In Bermuda, over 25 cave species are critically endangered meaning they have a 50% chance of extinction if nothing is done. Wow, I had no idea. So what can we do to protect our caves? Learn about our environment. Knowledge is power. Even on the cave tour I joined, people had thrown coins into the pools to make a wish. Unbeknownst to me, the copper in pennies deteriorates rapidly causing toxic copper ions that pollute the water. Had I known, I would have said something to the tour guide. Now that would have made for an interesting dialogue!...
by Loti | Mar 15, 2013 | Bermuda, Landscapes
Bermuda. The only fresh water source in Bermuda is rainfall. There are no streams or lakes. So how is rain water collected? From the roofs. Which is why all the roofs on Bermuda buildings are white. Bermuda law requires every household collect 80% of the rain that falls on the roof. The white paint on the roof tiles is a nontoxic material applied every 2-3 years which keeps the rain water as clean as possible as it is channeled off the roof into cisterns. Very civilized. And what a great idea! Why doesn’t everyone collect rainwater. Well, in the US, it is illegal in 9 states. What? Illegal? But in some states it is a law you must collect rain. You have to be kidding. So if you live in Utah, Oregon or Washington you have no right to the precipitation (rain or snow) that falls on your property. It is publicly owned. Yet if you live in Texas, you are incentivized to buy rain water collection equipment and in Arizona, most new buildings are required to install rain catchment systems. Very confusing and absolutely crazy....
by Loti | Mar 13, 2013 | Bermuda, Landscapes
Bermuda. Having never heard of a karst until visiting Thailand, I was excited to learn there are karsts in Bermuda. Not only karsts, but caves. Filled with stalagmites and stalactites. On a quick business trip to Bermuda last week, standing in the Customs line, I watched a video on the caves and cave animals living in Bermuda. Caves in Bermuda? I have been to Bermuda 12-15 times and never heard of caves. It just goes to show what happens when we look around us to experience life. A karst is formed when water sinks into limestone forming peaks, caves and sinkholes. And Bermuda has one of the largest concentrations of caves in the world with over 150 caves. Really! This is Crystal Cave with an underground walkway through the cave. Our guide told us stalactites always go down (an elderly lady told him the tights are always down. I don’t know if she meant hers but it has helped me remember it). The stalagmites grow up and a column is where they meet in the middle. How very cool....
