On my days off, I like to go exploring, be it of the natural or urban variety; Waugal Cave is somewhere between the two. It was once a place of cultural significance to the indigenous Noongar tribe of Perth, but now it is trashed. It was used by Europeans for lime burning, the toxic process of making quicklime/calcium oxide. These days, the homeless have been using it as a shelter, and kids have used it as a canvas for graffiti. There has been no effort made to protect or preserve this site, so my attempt with these photos is to at least capture the cave in a moment in time for the world to see. Take only photos and leave only footprints. Maybe I can generate some interest in getting the council to take better care of this place.
What became apparent as I explored this cave, was that I was not alone. No, I didn’t encounter any other humans, nor vengeful spirits, but there were bees and birds creating their homes in and around this cave. All life forms seemed to be in agreement, this cave is an excellent location to plant their roots. But once the bees and birds depart there will be naught but a nest or a hive that remains, and these will soon be dissolved back into nature. Where as humans plant their roots through plastic and paint and other toxic chemicals that will continue to exist far beyond their usefulness, if they were ever useful to begin with. The remains of animal habitation can be beautiful in their own way, but the signs of human habitation are ugly, toxic, unnatural. And yet it is our nature to create these things.
What a strange animal human is.
Travian Designs 