Natural Spas

Geography

The reason the Pakkan use the mountain caves as their homes in the winter is due in main part to the thermal vents which open into the cave systems. These act as a natural heating system which makes up for the lack of wood to be found on the tundra. They also heat pools of water which can be found further underground, making the perfect natural hot baths. The Pakkan have carved out and modified the caves where these pools are found, to create both private and public bathing areas.

There are three main caves that the Pakkan use, but many more can be found within the mountains' cave system. The larger of the caverns has a very high ceiling and two large pools in the centre. The other two caves split off from the main area via two short tunnels which have been carved out and made large enough for the Pakkan to pass through with ease. These two smaller caves have been worked to contain many smaller pools for individual bathing and have lower ceilings

The water bubbles up from underground hot springs and collects in natural basins in the cave floor. It has cooled slightly by the time it reaches the pools so as not to be scalding. Water also seeps in from above creating stalactites and stalagmites which decorate the caves like living sculptures.

by Man Chung on Unsplash

by JIANING YAN on Unsplash

Fauna & Flora

The caverns are dimly lit by phosphorescent fungus which grows on the walls. The dark, warm and moist conditions are a perfect environment for it to grow in abundance. The Pakkan collect this fungus and put them in delicately wrought wicker baskets which they hang about their homes to give them a warm glow. The fungus is not edible but can be used in poultices to reduce swelling from injuries.

Small aquatic animals called sprites dwell in the pools, they also emit a phosphorescent glow which fill the pools with dancing lights as they dart about in the water. These sprites feed on bacteria and small plankton which can be found in the pools and they have developed a bit of a symbiotic relationship with the Pakkan. As the Pakkan are bathing the sprites burrow into their fur and eat any parasites they find. They are also good for clearing up any fungal skin problems the bather may be suffering from. The Pakkan get a deep clean and the Sprites get a feeding!

Related reading

Oh Mother, you should see the caves I Made. The walls glow with wonderful colours and the water is all steamy so the light swirls about. And there's these little fish that flit about the water, and they glow too! It's so pretty. I hope my creations like it too

— Hibis to her mother at a Family gathering

by NOAA Okeanos Explorer Program