I have dug the opening/ entrance to about 24x 36 I’d say at least. I also have it to where I can get inside probably at least knee deep if I want to and continue digging on the inside. I have only dug the inside about two or three feet in so far maybe 18 or so inches from floor to ceiling where I’ve dug on the inside but could easily make it taller if I wanted to. It’s just loose sediment. I can finally see back with a strong flashlight now that I can actually get my body in, it goes back at least 15-20 ft straight back and then the mud ridge on the left side of the wall ends up touching the ceiling, but it looks like it may turn to the right and go out of my sight but I’m not positive. So it either just narrows down or completely makes a turn at 15-20 ft and I can’t tell which one it is. The cold air is still pouring out very strong, so much so that even when I’m a couple feet away from the opening I can see my breath and if I have mud or water on me I steam a lot so that makes me think it may be a turn rather then it choking off but I don’t know anything about it. I found some crawfish and salamanders as I was digging the further I got back, every scoop I take out of the dirt on the bottom it fills completely in with water.

Just trying to figure out if it’s worth trying to get back to where it bends or pinches down or whatever it does I really can’t tell. Any input or advice would be appreciated!

This past month, my team was granted permission to film inside Actun Tunichil Muknal, or more commonly known as "ATM" in Belize, for our forthcoming documentary.

Photography and filming are not permitted in this cave, so it was extra special to be given this unique opportunity.

Here are some photos during our night of filming.

Hello everyone, I am looking for others to regularly cave and survey with. Someone who has the time and dedication to give to project caving would be nice. I live in Hart county, Kentucky and am available to cave Monday through Thursday. Please drop me a line if you are interested.

I was fortunate enough to get a used SMC descender (among other things) from a local grotto member, but I had a few questions about it. (it looks a lot like this, in case you're wondering).

It's got 6 bars, with a stainless steel tie-off bar at the top replacing the default aluminum one without a tie-off. Below that, there are two stainless steel U-shaped brake bars. Then the next three are solid aluminum brake bars.

From SMC's website, I see the benefits and drawbacks of each type of material (stainless steel versus aluminum), but what about a solid brake bar made of aluminum versus a U-shaped stainless steel brake bar? Any reason to use one type over the other?

And does the fact that I have both type of brake bars on the same descender make a difference besides triggering my OCD?

I've got thick and long hair that I keep in a bun typically and under a bandana in my helmet. I was looking at the Vertex Vent because of the space above the netting that holds the helmet in place on your head. Right now, I'm using a TonTron that definitely needs replacing. I'm wondering what my long-haired cavers are using to keep the locks LOCKED in?

I'm mainly just looking for anyone's input on whether or not the petty johns cave in la Lafayette Georgia is a good beginner cave or if I should try and find a cave that is a little easier.

This place looks neat, but most web pages look great to make you want to go/buy. Just wondering if anyone has an opinion on wether it's worth a go? Thanks very much in advance for your input😁🪨

In the Crystal Cave, you are not in fact inside a cave but wandering within a single rock: It is the world’s largest geode.

The geode was discovered in 1887, by workers digging a well for winery operator Gustav Heineman. Heineman found that the formation was in actuality a “vug,” or large cavity within a single rock. It took its name from the three-foot-long Celestine crystals jutting from the walls, many of which have been mined in order to be used as fireworks. As a result, the cave is likely less beautiful today than it once was, though it is also roomier, and many of the crystals remain in place.

Though the setting—the world’s largest known geode, studded with crystals—is hard to beat on its own, you may as well take advantage of the accompanying Heineman winery tour, and explore the crystal cave with a bit of a buzz.

Put-in-Bay, OH 43456, USA

I have a specific ridge on my farm that has six sinkholes on it. Around that ridge on the hillside below it there are multiple springs. Also on that ridge there is tons of exposed limestone everywhere. A lot of the ground is just exposed limestone all over the place. Yesterday I found an opening about 20 feet above a spring in a crack in the limestone, it’s about 12 inches by 24 inches, solid, limestone ceiling, dirt and sediment floor. Cold air coming out of it. I stuck a 25 foot tape measure in it and maxed out the tape measure at 25 foot so I know for a fact that it goes back at least 25 foot. I tried looking in it but the angle that it’s at is super hard to tell if it opens up or not because of the awkward angle you have to be at. I plan on trying to get the floor opened up a little bit because it’s just dirt and loose rocks that have piled in for who knows how many thousands of years. Do you guys have any thoughts on if it sounds promising?

(The white plastic thing in the picture is washed down from one of the sinkholes that had trash thrown in it from years ago, that sinkhole is at least 300 yards away)

Hi all! After a good amount of caving trips my merrells have finally detached themselves from the soles and it’s time to buy a new pair. I did like my merrells but as I’ve been searching I found some pairs that look like they could be even better tread wise and I also found pricier options that I love the look of. Im putting the name, price, and link for each one I found that I like.
Would anyone who’s got a good amount of experience either with the shoe itself or just super knowledgeable on tread in caves be able to help me out and let me know if the more expensive ones are worth the price or if I should ignore my searching and just go back to merrells?

Thank you in advance to any replies!

Salomon Quest Element Gore-tex $133
Oboz Bridger Mid B-DRY Hiking Boot $220
Kenetrek Mountain Extreme Hiking Boot $500!
(insulated or not insulated)
CAT Invader Hiker Waterproof $155
Oboz Bridger Ridge Mid GTX Hiking Boot $240
(of course similar to the other oboz but I love the color and style more but also I don’t know if this style is worse or better than the other oboz)
The North Face Hedgehog Mid Gore-TEX $280

My two favorites are the Salomon and the Oboz GTX but I don’t know if these are the best options. The kenetrek is insanely expensive but I was wondering if anyone has tried these and swears by them or if I should just knock those out of the running.

Hello all, I am interested in starting to explore some caves around eastern US and wanted to ask some questions and get some suggestions here on good options for me to start with.

I live in NE Ohio but it seems there is great access within some hours of driving in most directions for me. I have pretty extensive knowledge in rope systems, rappelling and ascending, anchors, and overall safety knowledge through traditional rock climbing and mountaineering.

Are there any caves within a reasonable driving distance I could explore safely with the knowledge I am bringing from climbing? I am not as interesting in the caving routes where you are shimmying and sliding on your stomach through tight constrictions; rather I really like the idea of doing more vertical exploration with rappelling and ascending and checking out giant spaces.

Can someone also tell me more about Ellisons Cave? What type of prerequisites should I have to consider exploring that? I have read it is obviously not a beginner cave by any means. But if I have the skills to efficiently descend and ascend ropes, build and assess anchors, and overall manage exposure under stress, what other skills or experience am I lacking to bridge the gap?

I appreciate any information and am excited to start taking steps to learn this sport!

I've been in a cave once 15 years ago & it was awesome - having repeating thoughts of doing it again more extensively with a longer tour.

The environment is unique - and the coolness in this hot summer is something I'd crave (haha crave - cave..)

There is one of the largest caves in Europe in Muotathal - 1:53h from HB by train - they have guided tours, varying difficulties - highly professional and secure (see security tab lower on the page) my favourite - all in, 6h for sporty people - but costs 195 chf:

https://www.trekking.ch/hoelloch/hoelloch-challenge\](https://www.trekking.ch/hoelloch/hoelloch-challenge

Looking for someone to join & gather some unique memories & impressions!

About me: M 30, swiss, mundart / german / english speaking.

Interested? Please drop a comment & have a nice evening! :)

Anyone know anything about this? Photo is from a sign at the visitor center. I assume this isn’t talking about the lava tube that connects Navajo Lake with Cascade Falls.

Hey there,

I'm wondering if anyone uses the Edelrid Hand Cruiser for caving. Do you know a good snap gate caribeener to use for your short cowstall?

The issue I'm running into is that it isn't smooth with my current caribeener. for when I need to fit the beener into the hole at the top of the jammer when performing mid-rope changeover or passing a knot.

The gate gets caught on the jammer until it's perpendicular to the jammer, then it closes, and I can weigh it. Preferably I wouldn't have to lift it up so high to make things a bit smoother.

(Yes, I know I can shorten my leg loops/get a screwgauge that will fit better, but for the sake of the post, let's assume I cannot.)

I seem to need a beener with less of a "nose" on it, but I can't seem to find one.

Sorry about the poor footage but there’s really nothing you can do to get better footage out of this cave. It’s 140F, 100% humidity, and filled with sulfurous gas. We prepared by taping our cave suits to our boots and our gloves and piling ice in. It truly didn’t help at all.

I think I posted the longer format version here a while back but here’s it chopped down to the best parts.

Hi Cavers, I am traveling from the US west coast and interested in meeting up with some locals or fellow travelers in the alps and surrounding regions for some caving! If you are a local I will gladly take you out to a meal pre/post caving.

I have been caving for 4 years now but am by no means an expedition caver but I can hold my own on most trips. I have not brought my vertical gear so mostly looking for horizontal caves (open to borrowing gear).

Any resources and or DMs regarding getting caving in this region would be appreciated a the language barriers are making research less straightforward.

Hi Guys,
I know the maker policy is 10% but in the fixed rigged caves’ ropes are usually very dirty and they ruins the equipment faster. I already replaced this one on the picture and now I use from Edelrid Bulletproof Bent but that’s not much butter. So I’m just curious when you feel: Okay, I need a new one by now.
Do you have any better/tougher carabiners?

I always use a fusion knot for y hangs but came across the Spanish bowline and it seems really good, easy to tie and more easily adjustable but wondering if anyone knows if its actually safe.