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Post by antrtic on Oct 1, 2007 12:20:37 GMT -5
I am going to Cave of the Swallows in Dec.
Anyone been? Any stories?
We are going to abseil to the bottom... I am a little leary of the locals equipment... wondering what to bring of my own for backup?
Thanks,
Bill
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Brian Roebuck
Site Admin
Caver
Caving - the one activity that really brings you to your knees!
Posts: 2,732
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Post by Brian Roebuck on Oct 2, 2007 5:31:02 GMT -5
Bill, I know nothing of your experience level in rappelling (abseiling) etc but I wanted to reply to your question. If you are talking about Golandrinas in Mexico the pit there is about 1100 feet deep as I recall. It takes special rappel devices to decend safely (long rappel racks in my humble opinion are the safest way to do it). You must also have a way back out such as a good climbing system and be in good enough shape to climb that far up. Helmets, radios, rope pads, rope guardians at the top, and some food and water all would be a good idea to bring along. I have not done this drop but some folks on this forum have. I am sure they will have more advice for you. In the end I would not trust local equipment since they do not have your best interests at heart - they are there to make a living. Buy your own gear and rope and make sure you have the training and skills to use it properly.
Good luck!
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Post by Tim White on Oct 3, 2007 11:15:31 GMT -5
Bill- Are you going with a commercial outfitter? I know that some of the BASE outfitters were using a motorized winch system to lift the jumpers to the surface after their jump. But I had heard that the local authorities had banned the use of the winch systems. It would help us answer you questions(s) it we had more answers. Can you give us any details regarding your trip and/or experience?
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Post by antrtic on Oct 4, 2007 9:20:47 GMT -5
WOW! This is great.
So my plan is to fly over to San Luis Potosi (we will already be in Mexico). Rent a car and drive over to Aquismon. From there I have been in contact with an outfitter who does this professionally. (in Aquismon)
This is a local outfitter and there can be a lot "lost in the translation" if you know what I mean? I just wanted to hedge my bet about getting there and finding the equipment sub-par and not end up getting to go in.
Bringing a 1200+ foot rope is out for me. I could bring some gear though.
From what I have heard, base jumping is no longer allowed, but abseiling in still is. I wouldnt look forward to ascending out, but I guess thats part of the adventure. (and in Mexico, since you never REALLY know what your gonna get, its all an adventure!)
I am not a super-pro caver, but have done a lot of climbing/rappelling (mountain, rock and ice) all around the world... I love mine and cave exploring though.
I have just wanted to get down to this cave for many years.
Should I assume that they will have a double rope setup? I guess some input on what factors should determine the go no-go decision would be good. After talking with them, it sounds like this is a normal tour they do a lot. (for those fit and up for it).
Thanks for your help!
Bill, Albuquerque
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Post by Tim White on Oct 4, 2007 10:55:10 GMT -5
Bill- don’t think you will see a double rope set-up (I sure hope you don’t). Using a belay line on a long free hanging rappel would result in 1200ft. of tangled and twisted ropes, thus stopping all progress. Do you have a link to the outfitters web site?
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Post by antrtic on Oct 4, 2007 14:00:21 GMT -5
No website (that I know of)... hence a "local" outfitter.
for example... 3 strand hasnt been made in forever, so thats always a no-go if in northern america... but maybe it is still made in Mexico... so if they were using 3 strand it might be ok??? There is a lot of mystery here, trying to do it all over the phone.
Let me make some more enquiries. I dont mind some risk, but I dont wanna be stupid either! (I dont know how far the headlines of "toursists die while descending..." make it out of central Mexico!)
At worst I guess I will bring back lots of info!
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