Exploring Virgin Cave in Ricks Springs Utah

[Kthompso]

Here is a map that I created from survey data that Richard (Cold Water Richard) and I gathered on the dive in the movie that was shot by Josh of Lydia's Castle. What a wonderful movie and soundtrack Josh put together for this quick clip.

The video of the water was the closest to reality that I have seen yet. The deep blue water with the green hues and the sandy brown limestone with the etched shelfs are clearly visible in the video. This cave is vastly different from any cave that I have ever seen before, and it holds a special place in my heart.

THANKS JOSH!!

Richard wanted to try a new cave survey technique, so he use an old light canister to transport in a laser range finder purchased from home depot. It may not be accurate enough for a grade 5C survey, but it was the only way we were going to get ceiling measurements.

For anyone who cares about name origins: Lydia is my 3 1/2 year old daughter. She is the epitome of a princess and deserves a castle of her own. This section of cave is highly decorated with flow stone and soda straws. I was thinking of cave decorations, ornaments, cave jewels. My first stab at a name was Lydia's Crown Room, but the space is so much larger than just a crown room, so the name evolved to Lydia's Castle.

Maybe 20 years from now she may want to go diving with her dad to see her Castle in person.....

Until next time