Caves, waterfalls and mountains of Sochi
Atsinskaya
cave
It is famous for its underground lakes and prehistoric site of Mousterian
time (100 thousand years). Here bones of cave bear and huge bison were found.
The southern exit of the cave is situated on the height more than 100 m above
the river. Ruins of the former watchtower tower also here above the very
precipice.
In the valley of the Matsesta river in the very head there is a whole cascade
of wonderful waterfalls. There are 20 waterfalls, large and small, which were
called Matsestinskie waterfalls, here. In the same area, on the right confluent
of the Matsesta river, - Dikarje (Zmeika) – there is another cascade – so called
Zmeilovsky waterfalls. Here there are many dishes and bathes so in hot afternoon
there are places where you can freshen up and make up a picnic.
Khostinskaya
caves
They are, situated in the upper river the Khosta, in 300 m above the river,
the second one – in 1 km lower than the first one. Tracks of sites, fireplaces,
breeding-grounds, dust-holes were found in the caves. Scientists determined that
many generations had lived in the caves. And one may say for certain to which
epoch this or that tribe belong.
Vorontsovskie
caves
Vorontsovskie caves are a whole karst system. Quite a large tribe, up to
several tens persons, dwelled in the small Vorontsova cave. The large Vorontsova
cave in the upper river the Kudepta is a whole many-tier site of ancient
settlement. Here each stratum belongs to its own epoch. Its length makes up
about 12 km. Before entering the cave, we listen to detailed instruction on
technique of travel in the caves, then turn on torches and dive into the right
entry. A long tunnel stretches first. The way is dotted with fragments of rocks
but the tunnel is rather wide and high. Very soon we will get into the first
grotto – huge, with intricate decorations of limey spicule. Large and small
corridors stretch to the different directions. Each corridor leads to new
grottoes of the most fantastic types and forms.
For example, in one of the nearest grottoes limestones in bell form hang down
from high ceilings. This grotto is called “bell”. The other grotto resembles an
original concert hall with large “architectural luxuries”. Here there is also a
high “stage”, which is edged above with refined rocky folds with resemblance of
hanging down clusters and tubular spicules, hanging down from the right side to
the very floor; here there is also an original “chandelier” under the carved
stone ceiling. Constant temperature in the cave is +11C.
Kudepsta
river
Not far from settlement Kudepsta, near a small grove of cork oak, quite rare
in our area, in the tract Dubravnoe, other surprise waits for you. A wonderful
artifact, an envoy of ancient epochs, so called “Cherkessky stone”.
Specialists think that in remote times it was an altar. The stone is of
triangle form, of quite imposing sizes, about 5 m. Two hollows in form of
arm-chairs on it are enigmatic. What is a destination of this stone? Who used to
sit here? What sacrifices were offered here in? Scientists have still no answers
on these questions. At the “Cherkessky stone” there is another stone lump of the
similar size with the similar “arm-chairs”. And not far from the both lumps
there is a foundation of a medieval building. These stones can be contemporaries
of ancient tribes, dwelling in these places.
Mountain Bolshoi Akhun
The mountain Bolshoi Akhun is very notable for the fact that it is the
highest here (663 m above sea level) and at the same time the nearest to the
shore. It seems as if it stands guard over the city-resort. A magnificent view
of the sea and mountain picks of the Principle Caucasian ridge opens from the
top of the mountain at the fine weather.
Now we will go by a path of ancient Greek myths. The first rock of Orliniy
rocks - a steep, all of white strong stone rock – opens on the opposite bank of
the Agura river. Prometheus was chained here by legend. The ancient legend
narrates that when Prometheus gifted fire to people, Zeus ordered to chain him
to the rock. But it was only a visible cause. There was also a hidden cause.
Prometheus was called Foreseeing. Zeus wanted to know his future very much and
Prometheus refused to say it to him. Prometheus was chained to the rock by his
friend Hephaestus. People were prohibited to help Prometheus on penalty of the
death. Despite this there were a girl Agura in one of settlements, delicate and
defenseless, who helped Prometheus.
Agura used to come to him every day and irrigate his wounds, give spring
water to him. But one day a messenger of gods Hermes flied to Prometheus with
news from Zeus to free Prometheus in exchange for a secret.
Prometheus betray the secret and Hermes flied away with nothing. One day
Agura saw a huge eagle, she began to throw stones in it. Because of this the
eagle took her and carried her away to its master. The master ordered to kill
her for insubordination. Now in the place, where Agura’s blood spilt, a river,
called after her name, murmurs. From time to time the rock drops stones
therefore even in winter the river doesn’t freeze. Several years later Heracles,
passing by the place, freed Prometheus. We advise you to visit Agurskoe gorge
and you will touch the world of ancient myths.
Waterfall is “Laskoviy”
(“Tender”)
The first waterfall is “Laskoviy” (“Tender”). The high rocks are covered with
emerald mosses, in framing of which there is a small turquoise lake.
Waterfall “Laura’s
tears”
Picturesque flower glades, alternating with plantings of Turkish Pine, and
the brook with pure water wait for us there. Going on a little farther, we get
out to the crotch. The left path leads up to the mountains but we should round
the mountain, after which we descend to the waterfall. It is always cool and
cozy here in summer heat. You can sit down on a stone at the waterfall, admire
the sparkling wonder and listen to a story connected with the name of the
waterfall.
The story happened about 200 years ago. A Russian ship was wrecked at the
local shores. Only a woman with a little girl survived. But later the woman died
because of wounds. The girl grew in a Adygei aul. It grew up into a beauty. One
day, walking in the forest she met a youth. He was a herder by name Murat.
This waterfall was an eye-witness of their meeting and oath in everlasting
love. After getting their parents’ consent to marriage, lovers had to go begging
to Murat’s master. He was an old and artful prince. He gave his consent to
marriage but asked to wait a little with it. Three days before the fixed date
Murat’s brother, who served at the prince as a beater when hunting, came to the
youth. Chachan informed Murat that by chance he overhear the conversation of the
prince who ordered him. The prince wanted to marry young Laura himself.
Then Murat and his brother decided to prepare an escape. But for this purpose
Murat had to leave the aul. The brothers let Lura know beforehand about all.
There were many gossips in the settlement. They say, Murat joined a gang of
robbers and, may be, became its leader himself. The prince waited a little and
then came to the girl to seek in marriage. Laura asked little time to think
about such flattering proposal. She was waiting for his lover’s return. The
prince didn’t wait till end of the date and came to the girl in the guise of a
commoner. He wanted to abduct her very much but Laura outwit him and run away to
the waterfall.
At the same time Murat and Chachan returned. They hurried very much and
almost knocked down an old woman in the forest on their way. The old woman was a
sorceress, she could foretell the future. Murat decided to have a rest a little
at the old woman and to know his future. The sorceress told him that he should
hurry to the waterfall otherwise a disaster would happen to his dear. When Murat
came to the place he saw an eagle, sitting near the waterfall, and understood
all. Laura preferred the death to disgrace. Murat killed the eagle and plunged
into the waterfall too. Sorrowful Chachan approached to the water and saw a
wonder. Rocks near the waterfall spilt tears too and two wreathes of wonderful
unknown flowers on the surface in the small lake.
A rainbow sparkled above the waterfall. People looked for the lovers’ bodies
but couldn’t found. They say gods took them in their abode in order nobody to
separate them never.
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