Downstream Eagles Nest Lines

[JoeyP]

A continuous gold line has been installed in downstream Eagles Nest to 1350 feet. Currently there are new distance markers every 100'. These were measured with a tape and correspond with the location of the original markers. These will ultimately be replaced with the original historic markers. This is a work in process so use caution when venturing downstream and especially beyond "The Pit" where much of the old line has not yet been removed.

Presently, the Lockwood Tunnel line is marked by two double arrows and is a jump. The line has been temporarily secured by 2 PVC stakes which are not ideally situated. It is our intention to correct this by Wednesday evening but no later than this coming weekend.

The process is slow because we want to enhance the safety of diving downstream but preserve the integrity of any work previously done there.

Respectfully,

Joe Citelli

[FW]

Thanks for doing that!

Forrest

[OutlawCaver]

Is there a reason for making the Lockwood Tunnel a jump or is this jump temporary? The less I have to handle lines anywhere near that deep silt the better.

[ARY]

Is there a reason for making the Lockwood Tunnel a jump or is this jump temporary? The less I have to handle lines anywhere near that deep silt the better.

I would agree with it, T is better.

Thanks for your work.

[JoeyP]

The reason for the stakes and the jump was to facilitate removal of the old line.

We agree that handling lines in or near deep silt is not a good idea and we will correct that no later than this weekend.

Whatever the solution is, it will *not* create a situation where you must set a reel in or close to the silt. Above all we do not wish to create a circumstance which entices people to do visuals because it is too difficult to set a reel. If someone comes in behind you and blitzes the tunnel you may not find your way out.

We will arrive at a safe and practical solution and post it as soon as it is done.

Respectfully.

Joe Citelli

[barney00]

That area is definitely problematic due to the deep goo. The line as it was currently run was not really ideal either, as if you had to come out OK-ing the line, you would have to plow thru the muck. During the work, we had to basically "excavate" to even find the eyebolt the Lockwood Tunnel line (and the Y) was secured to. There were also some broken lines under the mud as well, which could be an issue if it were accidentally sucked into a scooter, though this is an issue common to many areas of the cave we hope to eliminate.

We are looking to place a jump in a better spot, either on the wall and a "micro-jump" right at the hole where the sediment is a bit more heavy/dense, or further in the cave where the jump would be more perpendicular and again lead over to the line secured higher up and to the wall.

A T is still an option I suppose, but we did not want to compromise the integrity and role of the gold line.

Regardless, we will notify the community once work is completed, and the line will be appropriately marked.

Cheers,
Mike

[OutlawCaver]

I applaud your efforts but IMO the Tee should remain. I suspect, although have no data to support this, that the Lockwood Tunnel is dived more than the Pit and the further downstream sections. I agree that the line on the floor would be a messy place to have to follow out and getting it up higher is a good idea. I do however, agree with the location of the jumps to navigate around the Super Room and enter Crevice Cave and that they should remain as jumps.

[curtschu]

I have not gone to this place yet but I have a question. Would this not be a location that might be best served by some type of snap and gap? As you approach the gap place a marker and pull a clip over to the jump.
That way you don't have to mess with reels and there is no perm. T.

[barney00]

Would this not be a location that might be best served by some type of snap and gap?

Part of the problem is the area in question. It consists of a pretty soupy bottom. Right now the gold line is raised off the bottom by a few stakes to keep it from being buried. Using a snap and gap would continuously add and remove tension to the gold line and undermine the stakes, eventually allowing the sediment to swallow it back up.

Another option is to eventually run gold line into Lockwood and simply split it off from the mainline. Perhaps semantics with reference to running a T, but regardless we are looking at all the options and trying to come up with the safest and most efficient approach, using recommendations from many divers familiar with the system.

[curtschu]

I was just thinking it would be less activity than tying off a reel making the jump tying off at the jump, then picking up the reel, reeling in and untying.