They are huge sinkholes that form when the ceiling of limestone caves collapse, exposing underground water. They are like the inverse of Karst topography, which is also on the list. This is one we visited near Chichen Itza in the Yucatan Peninsula:
They can be hundreds of feet deep and they tell you to wear a life vest because they will make no attempt to rescue you. Don't you want to swim in one, too?
That was the fear that kept me out of it when we were there. Probably not, but hollywood has taught me that there's probably a mega-octopus down there.
I have lived to tell, but barely! I swam in a couple while on my honeymoon (MANY years ago!) Nothing tried to eat me, but seriously, while I was swimming I suddenly saw bubbles rising to the surface from down below, and I mean lots of bubbles! Then out of the murkiness, I see the form of a person rising to the surface. It was the freakiest thing EVER! Turns out it was a scuba diver who was returning from exploring many of the underground caves. He redeemed himself by being English and having one of those great accents that make women go weak in the knees. Otherwise, I'm sure it would have ended much more horribly.
Just reading this is scaring the crap out of me.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, do any people-eating fish-things live in those?
ReplyDeleteThere are some of those in Texas and it's on my list to swim in one. I have a friend that goes all the time.
ReplyDeleteThat was the fear that kept me out of it when we were there. Probably not, but hollywood has taught me that there's probably a mega-octopus down there.
ReplyDeleteAnd nothing tries to eat her? :)
ReplyDeleteI have lived to tell, but barely! I swam in a couple while on my honeymoon (MANY years ago!) Nothing tried to eat me, but seriously, while I was swimming I suddenly saw bubbles rising to the surface from down below, and I mean lots of bubbles! Then out of the murkiness, I see the form of a person rising to the surface. It was the freakiest thing EVER! Turns out it was a scuba diver who was returning from exploring many of the underground caves. He redeemed himself by being English and having one of those great accents that make women go weak in the knees. Otherwise, I'm sure it would have ended much more horribly.
ReplyDelete