Cave Expedition Notes

Introduction

• Descent into a cave over five kilometers deep.
• Officially stranded for seven days.
• Immediate goal: Set up base camp far from rappelling point to avoid flash floods.

Day 1: Setting Up Camp

• Initial Thoughts: Entering the cave felt like entering a different world.
• Finding a Camp Site:
  • Found a high area to protect against flash flooding.
  • Description of setting up camp: challenging terrain, heavy supplies (80 lbs each).
• Camp Setup:
  • Drilled holes for ropes to hang hammocks.
  • Experienced discomfort due to cold and drips from the cave.

Day 2: Improving Shelter

• Sleep Experience:
  • Horrible sleep due to dripping water.
  • Decided to connect tarps for better shelter.
• Exploration:
  • Some members explored a dangerous hole (40ft deep) near the camp.
  • Hilarity ensued with mishaps like finding a smelly sleeping bag.

Day 3: Exploration Challenges

• Cave Exploration:
  • Planned to explore deeper into the cave with survival expert Joel.
  • Experienced tight spaces and large chambers.
• Water Encounter:
  • Had to navigate a freezing river, which caused hypothermia risks.
  • Encountered obstacles like sharp rocks and strong currents.
• Turning Back:
  • Due to high water levels and delays, the group had to return to camp.

Day 4: Rest and Planning

• Need for Hygiene:
  • Longing for a hot shower after several days.
  • Used a drone to dry off after a cold experience.
• Mapping the Journey:
  • Joel provided a map and planned to tackle the rapids again.
  • Goal: Reach the glowworm chamber.
• Food and Morale:
  • Made s'mores, boosting morale before the next expedition.

Day 5: Journey to the Glowworm Chamber

• Starting Strong:
  • Improved efficiency due to previous experience.
• Obstacles:
  • Encountered dangerous water recirculation areas.
  • Needed to climb and navigate while battling the current.
• Cliff Jumping:
  • Joel demonstrated a cliff jump, encouraging others.
• Glowworm Chamber:
  • Finally reached the chamber; bioluminescent glowworms resembled the Milky Way.

Day 6: Return Trip to Base Camp

• Journey Back:
  • Easier return due to floating with the current.
• Exhaustion:
  • Spent the night recuperating at base camp.

Day 7: Departure

• Final Reflections:
  • Overall tough experience, constant cold and discomfort.
  • Shared moments of fun with friends made the trip worthwhile.
• Gratitude for Guide:
  • Gave Joel 50,000 New Zealand dollars for his guidance and safety.
• Conclusion:
  • Successfully departed the cave after seven challenging days.