Snail shell cave: day 1 haul complete

[gschaut]

If you create an album in Facebook, at the bottom of the page is a public link to that album. Post that link, and anyone can view the album regardless of Facebook membership or friend status.

[offroadr1]

That link isn't showing up on my mobile. All the pics are in my mobile uploads album.

[gschaut]

PM on the way.

[FW]

Great job guys! I wish I could have been there.

[mwenner]

http://www.cavediver.net/forum/galle...atid=newimages

Just finished the 3rd day in Snail Shell Camp, while staging, diving/surveying, and returning to the sump to mop up the gear. Brian's camera is loaded up with the better photo's, but I uploaded a few photos from my camera to the CDF Gallery. It was an epic trip, with years of foundational trips through the sump to reflect upon. Conditions couldn't have been better, with dry weather conditions, perfect cave water levels, the right team of players, and fantastic support.

[rchrds]

The last of us are leaving camp now, Brian was rolling around in his tent while Chrissy and I bundled up our sopping wet tent and threw it into the truck. The diving conditions are done, it rained all night last night, but fortunately, on our third day into the cave, we were able to remove all the tanks and gear with the help of a fresh set of Sherpas and a hardcore Sherpa from the Friday trip, Colin Dunn. It was a very productive trip, probably the most productive in a long time, mostly due to low water conditions allowing grade 5 survey through all but the last 100 feet of the furthest dive completed previously. The dive line hanging on the right wall was a constant reminder that most of this part of the cave was normally underwater. Thanks to all of the Sherpas who showed, 6 on Friday, and 5 on Sunday. With all but one diver making all three trips into the cave, we travelled more than 14 miles of wading/swimming passage with tanks and gear, for about 2300 feet of new survey. The cave continues, but for the first time, the ceiling is deeper than 20 feet, and there are no more air bells, meaning that it is likely the cave will continue underwater for quite a while. The next trip will be truly epic, hauling gear for an extended underwater exploration, instead of air bell hopping.

[FW]

Jason, I have been thinking for a long time that the part of the cave beyond the sump, isn't the major water source. On one of the earlier trips, we stashed some tanks in the side passage, just before the sump, so they would be out of the way if a major flood happened. Well one did happen, but the flood was coming from the side lead, not the sump itself. The tanks got beat to H#!!, and the webbing holding them down, was almost cut totally through.

The trip we made during a minor flood bore that out. There was very little current in the sump, but the waterfall was a regular geyser.

[MDiver429]

Keep me posted on dates next time I'd love to get involved in this. I'd be happy to help in any way possible.

[rchrds]

Jason, I have been thinking for a long time that the part of the cave beyond the sump, isn't the major water source. On one of the earlier trips, we stashed some tanks in the side passage, just before the sump, so they would be out of the way if a major flood happened. Well one did happen, but the flood was coming from the side lead, not the sump itself. The tanks got beat to H#!!, and the webbing holding them down, was almost cut totally through.

The trip we made during a minor flood bore that out. There was very little current in the sump, but the waterfall was a regular geyser.

Hmmm, though I'm not sure which side passage you are talking about (I was a little tunnel visioned trying to haul to and from) but that wouldn't surprise me. There is no surface trash in the sump room, or above the sump that I can remember. Makes me think that the water through the sump is more of a slow changing water source (obviously there is a lot of underwater passage there based on what I saw this weekend) but it isn't taking the rain pulse water flows that are bringing in all the trash that is visible throughout the rest of the cave. Interesting. New map data is plotted- waiting on the sump one data from Brian to tie it all together with the historic stuff and plot it on the surface.

[rchrds]

Here, Clinton Elmore rigs the side of the sink to drop the Explorer and the Super Caravelle ultra caving rafts down into the cave. Behind him is the cliff that Colin Dunn would later almost fall down, after dark.


Here, Jason, Mark and Brian discuss old data and generally piddle around the morning before the big trip, trying to figure out a way to opt out of the upcoming silliness gracefully. (Nobody did.)


Having made no plans for breakfast, we opt for a nearby Cracker Barrel, in hopes of taking in enough carbs to support the 16 hour trip. We were not successful. From L to R: Mark Wenner, Joey Gilbert (offroadr1) (sherpa), Colin Dunn (Sherpa), Chrissy Richards, Jason Richards, and Brian Williams behind the camera.


The last hurrah- Brian Williams falls asleep on his beer at the $15 all you can eat Sushi place, after 14 miles in cave, and hauling two bags in every direction.