September 2008Rescue in Swansea Valley
http://www.swcc.org.uk/news/article.php?id=84 |
 | May 2008
Three weeks exploring caves - above and below water - in the Nullarbor Plain of Australia. Hosted by our friends in CDAA this was logistically a very good and comfortable trip.
Major caves visited, with new cave passage located, included Nurina on the Roe Plain; Tommy Grahams where we pushed the terminal choke beyond Sump 2; Murra el Elevyn where over 150m of new passage was revealed; Capstan Cave where 50m of significant headway was achieved; and Old Homestead Cave where the cave got the better of us after a 12 hour digging operation. While the trip as a whole was very successful the new discoveries proved somewhat disappointing... but not for the want of trying! |
|
| Mexico:
Cave diving in the area around Tulum, in the province of Quintana Roo.
After a long absence, old acquaintances were renewed and some exceptional dives made; there could be little doubt that these caves are not only the longest and most complex systems in the world, but that they also present the whole spectrum of the diving population with the finest recreational opportunities imaginable.
PHOTO: Three divers in the saltwater passage of Jailhouse Cenote |  |
|
|
| 
Ireland:
Annual cavern and cave diving training in Cong, Co. Mayo.
With water levels much higher than the seasonal norm the main exploratory objectives for 2007 proved impossible. However further extensions were made in Wolves Hole and Lady's Buttery and together with the discovery of two, previously unknown caves, a total of 300 metres of new underwater passage was accrued.
PHOTO: The village of Cong set between Lough Mask, in the distance, and Lough Corrib in the foreground.
|
|
| France:
Cave diving in the Lot - Dordogne area.
Privileged access to the restricted site Fontaine de Pescalerie proved a magnificent experience, for which we are extremely appreciative to the land-owners. The dry cave beyond Sump 1 has superb formations but those beyond Sump 2 are absolutely breathtaking.
PHOTO: Helen Rider at the start of Sump 2 |  |
|
|
| 
Mine Diving:
Article in DIVER MAGAZINE, June 2007, entitled "Great Mines" outlining the nature of the mine diving sites across the UK. Exploration continues in some quite amazing settings. Fascinating discoveries include a three-some of trams in a slate mine in North Wales and a kilometre of line installed in a labarynthine network of tunnels in the Forest of Dean. "...something akin to wreck diving without the vaguaries of the sea."
PHOTO: The Dinas Silica Mine, South Wales |
|
| Spain:
Cavern and cave diving in Murcia, southern Spain.
PHOTO: Helen Rider in Ovaza 3 cavern
For a fuller account of these activities please refer to SPORTDIVER MAGAZINE, December 2007
Article entitled "A Dangerous Obsession"
|  |
|
|
|  | Visit to the spectacular springs of North Central Florida
PHOTO: Little River Spring
For a flavour of cave diving in Florida please take a look at DIVER MAGAZINE, November 2007.
"Sunshine State Keeps Grim Reaper At Bay"
Supplies a recent overview and "feel" for activities at Ginnie, Peacock and Little River Springs |
|
|
| Tenerife:
PHOTO: Exploration of lava tube near Playa de las Americas.
This deceptively easy cave, at 30 metres depth, had claimed the lives of five divers over the previous 30 years.
For an account of the exploration of Cueva del Palm Mar please refer to SPORTDIVER MAGAZINE, July 2007.
The article "Fatal Attraction" offers a salutary tale of caution |  |
|
|
| 
Italy:
Visit to the little known cavern diving area south of Naples - Palinuro -
This scenic peninsula is home to many fine caverns, and lots of colourful marine life. Some of the caves have underwater calcite deposits while a few are mysteriously filled with sulphurous waters and present a wholly different eco system to the norm.
For a better idea of the area please refer to the article in DIVER MAGAZINE, March 2007,
entitled "Europe's Best Kept Secret"
|
|
| Ireland:
PHOTO: Cavern Class 2006 in Cong, Co. Mayo
Left to right: Dick Vaughan, Andrew Smith, Graham Cowley, Francis Stockwell, Rob Davies and Martyn Farr
Annual trips are made to Ireland in the summer months, when weather and water conditions are most favourable for training. A good range of sites and an unequalled welcome ensure a great couple of days.
For an insight to "Cavern" diving in Ireland please refer to SUBSEA MAGAZINE, autumn 2006, No. 125
"What is Cavern Diving"
PHOTO: Martyn about to set off into upstream Pigeon Hole
Every summer ongoing explorations are undertaken in the caves of western Ireland.
August 2006 was a very successful year. Over 600 metres of virgin tunnel were discovered in the Cong area of Co. Mayo, primarily in the most challenging cave - Pigeon Hole. | 
 |
|
|
| 
France:
Visit the caves of the Lot - Dordogne area. This is probably the best area for a cave diving vacation in Europe - easy access to sites, clear water, good weather & good wine - renowned for systems such as the Fontaine de St. George, Fontaine de Truffe, the Ressel and many others... its simply a fabulous area.
Read more in DIVER MAGAZINE, October 2006.
Article, with details of accomodation, gas fills, etc., entitled: "French Leave"
|
|
| Russia:
For an account of cave diving activities in Russia in the winter months please refer to DIVER MAGAZINE (including Cover photo) May 2006
"As Hard As Nails" - extreme activities in the Ural Mountains
PHOTO 1: Ordinskaya the longest underwater cave in Russia.
Water temperature: 4°C
Water clarity - as good as it gets
See also DESCENT MAGAZINE (including Cover photo) October/November 2006
"In The Deep Deep Freeze" supplies another perspective of these unusual gypsum caves and their incredible ice formations. Some glorious scenes of the most fantastic ice structures imaginable.
PHOTO 2: The approach to Ordinskaya Cave.
Air temperature: minus 15°C. ...but when the wind blows ...MUCH colder!
Fantastic setting... but it was warmer in the water!
Not for the faint-hearted but a tremendous experience. | 
 |
|
|
June 2008 |
