Mechanical means to open a cave

[FW]

Also the Lips in Peacock. There is a reason we have "The Mistake".

You are right, that is bigger now than it was, but not to the extent that Devil's Eye has been enlarged. I suspect it is partly due to current in Devil's that made people do more pulling, as well as pushing with their feet. Now that it is larger, the current through there is less, so there is less damage now.

[Scubaru]

Didn't Sheck do some chipping away of some Lips with a scuba tank?

[OFG-1]

I have to say, that once you move to a point where you cannot clear a passage with a short handled hoe, entrenching tool, rock hammer, chisel, 2 pound clump hammer, air chisel run off a set of 104's, lift bags, come-a-longs, hydraulic jacks, or just beating the fark out of it with the bottom of your stage bottle, you may be going too far.

[Scubaru]

Care to dwell upon the air chisel and 104's? My friend Morrison is curious.

[Webmaster]

Digging is a lot of work, it tends to be a self limiting activity to some extent. I think as others have mentioned, the key is "limited". Enough to get through, maybe a touch more for safety.

And yes it's mining of a sort, but we're mining air (or water). The void being the objective. You don't set out one day and say "Hey, I think I'll dig a 10 mile long cave." You dig for five feet to get through a small hole so that you can get into a 10 mile long cave that's already there.

A lot of cave has been opened up that way. For instance the longest cave in this state would still only be known as a 300' foot long, single room cave if it weren't for that. A number of specific spots have been enlarged to allow for better access in the event of a rescue. Most often a dig is selected when we know there is more cave (sometimes significantly more) indicated by air or water flow and it appears worthwhile to spend the time getting into it.

I also don't really make a distinction as to whether it happens to be full of water or not.

[patpicos]

Didn't Sheck do some chipping away of some Lips with a scuba tank?

I thought that was the Keyhole...

[Scubaru]

http://www.cavediver.net/forum/showt...namiting-caves

Picked it up here while researching similar discussions. I've read literally every article that pops up on a "morrison" search. Still wanting to get to the bottom of the rumors of passing it in no-mount and an alternative entrance.

[ARY]

I know a few caves in woods (submerged expected depth 100 ft) restricted entrance on surface or 15 ft under if anyone seriously wants to help open it.

[Scubaru]

ARY, I'd be interested later in the winter.

[inverted_bear]

ARY, I'd be interested later in the winter.

I'd be willing to help on weekends, if you need a hand.