4th largest cave

[ml100]

9 days ago I did a guided 2days-tour into the 4th largest cave of the word.
It is located in central Switzerland. So far they explored about 120 miles of the cave system, but they figure that this might be as little as only 10% of the whole system.
The only ways to go in, is either being a scientist exporing the cave, or going on a guided tour.

After gearing up we started of at about 11.30 am, carrying backpacks with the stuff we needed for spending the night in the cave.
It took us about 2,5 hours to reach the bivouac site, where we planned to spend the night. There are currently about 11 bivvy points in the system.
It didn't take long and we got our share of dirt and mud.

After a break we went on for another 5,5 hours, rarely walking erect, but rather ducked or crawling on all fours.

Fortunately we had been able to leave the large packs at the bivvy site.

 

[ml100]

We were passing streams and waterfalls.

Definately not for the ones that tend to react claustrophobic.

Some of these tunnels were 20-30 yards long.

On the second day I left my camera at the bivvy site, since it is a mid size camera, which showed to be cumbersome when climbing or going through the narrow parts.
Anyway, it was spectacular, exhausting, funny and worth going a second time.

 

[ml100]

I carried a SOG seal pup, which I didn't really need since there was nothing to cut. However it might have helped in an emergency case. Fortunately that scenario did not take place. If you break your leg in there, they (and you) will have a hard time evacuating you.

 

[WILLIAM.M]

Great Photos

I would love to do something like that

 

[barrabas74]

Those are some narrow and small passageways, I dono how comfortable I would be doing the crawling part. Very cool pics and I do love caves, its certainly a whole different world down there.

 

[kgd]

Cool photos and adventure. I think I would have gotten stuck in a tunnel and they would just have to dismember me and pull me out.

 

[ml100]

I weigh 172 lbs and I' m just a bit over 6 ft tall. Actually, there was a gap where I had to breath out in order to pass. Two others of the group had to turn and take another route.

 

[dipbait]

Cant quite put my finger on why, but I like this picture a lot.

 

[tonym]

Very cool pictures man. I would love to do something like that.

That pic that Dipbait quoted looks like you're in the mouth of something!

 

[PropThePolecat]

I think I would have gotten stuck in a tunnel and they would just have to dismember me and pull me out.

Thats why the OP was carrying a Seal Pup...in case he had to pull an Aron Ralston on himself

The pics are amazing. Ive never been in a cave before, but i think ie be totally paranoid about my light going out. I think i'd be carrying a extra pack filled with flashlights, glowsticks, headlamps, candles and extra batteries

 

[CR33]

awesome pics

 

[ml100]

Thats why the OP was carrying a Seal Pup...in case he had to pull an Aron Ralston on himself

The pics are amazing. Ive never been in a cave before, but i think ie be totally paranoid about my light going out. I think i'd be carrying a extra pack filled with flashlights, glowsticks, headlamps, candles and extra batteries

We had back ups. In the cave we turned of our lights off intentionally for a minute or two. Man, it can't get any darker. If you are not familiar with cave system, you'll never find you way out, even with light.

 

[ml100]

Cant quite put my finger on why, but I like this picture a lot.

Somehow I knew that someone would say that........

 

[kvaughn]

Thats why the OP was carrying a Seal Pup...in case he had to pull an Aron Ralston on himself

The pics are amazing. Ive never been in a cave before, but i think ie be totally paranoid about my light going out. I think i'd be carrying a extra pack filled with flashlights, glowsticks, headlamps, candles and extra batteries

Plus a pocket full of Xanax if you think I'm going in there!I get claustrophobic getting a MRI!--KV

 

[DOC-CANADA]

Not for a million dollars....................

Doc

I get claustrophobic getting a MRI!--

Hey, so do I!

 

[mtnfolk mike]

awesome pics.. thanks for sharing..:thumbup:

i have been a rock climber for many years, and have guided many climbing, backpacking and high ropes courses... i have no fear of heights and love to test myself, but i just don't feel comfortable going that far underground..

 

[eomeo]

Very cool trip, thanks!

 

[Jeff S1]

Great photos of an incredible cave, thanks.

 

[TheGame]

Thanks for sharing the pics, but is for sure not something I will not be doing.

 

[JV3]

wow...well, i wasn't claustrophobic before clicking on this thread but i guess i am now! i didn't see any oxygen tanks so i guess ventilation is really good even that deep.