The Waters of Life

This afternoon we went to the Riuwaka Resurgence.  It is a short walk to a cave and a deep, clear pool where the north branch of the Riuwaka River emerges from the depths of Takaha Hill.  The water has run within  limestone cracks and passages from the top of the hill.  It is very cool but people were jumping in and swimming.  This blip is of the Crystal Pool near the start of the walk.  I was concentrating on the rushing water and didn't notice the young woman to the right who is in a yoga pose. I like to think she read the sign about the importance of the river to local Maori for cleansing and healing.  (see extra) 
For Maori every river has it's own Mauri or life force.  Rivers are the veins of Papatuanuku, Earth Mother, and the water in them is her life blood.  Rivers nourish all living beings and link us with ancestors.  It is by our rivers that we know who we are.