Trip report
| 2006-01-14 | Caving - Survey trip 2 with NHVSS at Timor |
| Trip report: | |
| Summary: Because of a lack of an experienced survey drawer, Hills members assisted NHVSS with surface cave exploration and surveying of 'The Belfry Cave' TR2. Time underground: Approximately 8 hours. Details: The Hills party arrived late Friday night at Timor Caves campsite where there were two NHVSS members camped asleep. The next morning Jody, Michael and another two NHVSS members arrived. Because there was not an experienced cave survey drawer present from Hills, it was decided that Hills would leave surveying Hill Cave (TR7 & 8) for another weekend and assist NHVSS in their exploits! Making a latish start we drove NW of the campsite to an area on Ian's property to a group of tagged caves that needed GPS locations. One cave on our list was TR 36 that was surveyed by Hills years ago but was not found. Surface exploration revealed caves TR 32 and 33 - one of which was surveyed by NHVSS and had impressive cave length of about 1.2 metres. Rod found another longer untagged cave near TR40 but tree roots prevented exploration. Lunch was had on the ridge top before a return trip through an amazing valley of Xanthorrhoea grass trees. The afternoon was spent surveying a large chamber of The Belfry Cave (TR2) just past the squeeze section. Rod used the Disto, Mark took bearings and gradients and Jody sketched. Meanwhile Elanor explored future survey legs and Gary Smith scribed measurements, telling stories of passages that once had large straws and a complete kangaroo fossil. The night was too warm for a fire but the group chatted then watched the full moon rise where expectations of a good photo opportunity didn't eventuate. Ian and his wife later arrived for a catch-up drink and a batty talk! The next day Rod, Jody, Elanor and Mark returned to Belfry Cave, happy to find the air conditioners had been left on. Jody drew details of yesterday's survey area while Hills members went exploring down the kangaroo fossil passage. Bad air of the CO2 variety meant us returning before getting to the end. This allowed time to explore another passage near where the squeeze section exits. This passage included a slippery slide and a hole in the floor, which ended up both linking together. Past the slippery slide Rod's bass tones provided entertainment in a small echo chamber. We returned to survey another dog leg passage/chamber leading to the kangaroo fossil passage with Jody. On our way out we all explored another passage near Belfry's entrance. This offshoot was surprisingly long and had two nice squeezes. The return trip after lunch for Hills was also surprisingly long.... 2 days later, a new radiator and a couple of cheap $5 movies.... but that is another story. | |