Caving "A Real And Incredible" Experience



Tight Fit Going In

 After searching for several hours in really rugged terrain we came across two suspected caves that we hoped lead to the mother load below. After gearing up with ropes, lights and other gear it was time to try and squeeze through a tight, and I mean tight opening to do the initial search below. There was barely enough room to get into the opening. I had to inhale and make the final push through. At that point I wondered now I'm in, how do I get out? The anticipation and the adrenaline were both running on high at that point as I descended into an awesome small cavern with a pounding heart and all senses on fire. Wow what a rush!


Other Side Of The Entrance Going In

 This is my fellow caver coming through the entrance into the cavern. Using the rope to support body weight and not relying on loose rock that can break off and bury you is what caving is all about. The rule is NEVER rely on any structure to support you unless it's below your feet and even then it's risky to some degree. Usually the air quality in caves is not that good, however we have no way of knowing how bad so exposure times are limited depending on how bad the stench. In this case the air seemed good. Typically other creatures lurk in caves other than humans and leave their scat behind and in some cases more than others depending on the size and number of creatures that happen to reside there. 



The Rope Is Your Way Out



 The Rope is your way out so protecting it's integrity is paramount. As we descend further into the abyss great care is taken with rope placement. Jagged edges of rock can shear the rope and leave you stranded below. Pictured to the right is the rope between a rock and a hard place. I am on the other side of a precarious crack looking back after laying rope. In some cases we lay secondary ropes which  are rigged to huge boulders as a fail safe to get back, in case the main rope shears.

Passage To The Abyss

This is the main passage into the world below there was a draft coming up the tunnel meaning there is another end to this cave somewhere? This part of the decent was more open and so we were a little less concerned than the previous two tight squeezes behind us. It's about this time that you are checking for spare batteries and other equipment before descending further.

Life Beneath Canada

We are using ARC lights with Nickle Metal Hydride batteries. The ARC light burns with incredible intensity pictured here, with a burn time of six hours on the low setting. These lights are great for caving as they burn a blue white light mix, close to daylight. This enables us to see into every crack and crevice and penetrate the blackness  well into the caves interior. When we turned off the lights you can't see a thing, only the glow of my watch and the iridescent glow of moss or lichen stuck to the caves walls. We wonder if it is radioactive.

The Final Push To The Corridor

Finally we get to what we think is the only passage to the mother load below. After squeezing through this tight spot we soon realised we would have to turn back. Over the years falling rocks have virtually closed the passage below. However we were able to get a good look into this low corridor that ran about 50 feet further down and appears to open into a larger cavern below. There was now wind in my face coming up the 30 degree rock strewn tunnel indicating an other opening somewhere.The plan is to explore the exterior and try and find another way in. The other plan is to send a remote control "Cave Rover" equipped with an on board video and lighting system down the tunnel.



Returning To The Outside "The Climb"

 I managed to grab this shot of my caving partner on the ascent back to the surface. This cave is a "Real And Incredible Experience" without a doubt. We will be returning some time in the future in hopes of discovering the rest of the hidden passages below. Stay tuned to the blog for updates.



Cave Rover In Action