Sunday 25 January 2015

Armageddon Update

Yesterday (24 January 2015) SEC have concluded the surveying of Armageddon cave for now.

The Bathole was pushed to a depth of 216m and another 219m was added to the survey from the right hand extension of the Bathole.

To reach this point, 6 SRT pitches have to be negotiated. probably the only cave in South-Africa where you have this many mandatory pitches to reach the bottom of a section.

Probably another South-African record, although this can't be confirmed: SEC had 3 different surveying teams running around the cave on the same trip! All equipped with the latest and greatest surveying technology for caves.

What remains is for the team to finish the drawing of the survey and then we can publish!

by Gerrie Pretorius


Dirty equipment after the bolting process

Wednesday 21 January 2015

Gobholo Cave - Easter weekend

Hi All,
Just a reminder this trip has been confirmed.
Steven, Leon and I will be leaving from Johannesburg around midday on Thrusday 2nd April – Leon & I will return on Tuesday 7th April.
Accommodation will be for your own account – please book your place directly with Legends Backpackers – Details below:

The backpackers lodge is called Legends Backpackers - it is situated in Ezulwini, Swaziland. Not more than 15min from the cave. It is a nice comfortable base to work from and great atmosphere.  It has been fairly recently upgraded, such that even the website is lagging a bit. See their facebook page at Legends facebook.

Booking requests can be made to info@legends.co.sz

Camping ZAR 80.00pp
Dormitory bed ZAR 150.00pp/night
Private room ZAR 400.00/night (for two persons) and R 150.00pp for additional persons/night thereafter up to a maximum of 4 in a room

If you need more details on rates etc please let me know and I will forward you the full price list along with a price list for other activities they offer.

Sharron

Monday 19 January 2015

Armageddon Cave - 24 January

Hi everyone,

Exploration and mapping of Armageddon cave is still happening and there are many possibilities to be explored. In December Gerrie's Bathole was explored to a depth of 199meters, but a big question mark still remains.

On the 24th of January we are going back to carry on exploring and mapping the Bathole section.
There will also be a second group mapping some of the deeper sections of the cave, which is a great opportunity to see the cave.

We will meet at the cave at 09:00 on the 24th of January. It will be a members only trip and you must be SRT proficient!

If you need to sharpen up on your SRT skills let me know and maybe we can arrange something on Tuesday or Wednesday night.

Cheers,

Steven

Thursday 15 January 2015

Knocking Shop - 18 January

Hi everyone,

There will a trip to a stunning cave on Sunday the 18th of January. There will also be a braai after the trip, so bring your meat and drinks and a chair.

We meet at Oak Tree Garage at 9:30 -  26° 2'6.81"S 27°44'17.77"E

If you want to join the trip, let John Dickie know and also let him know if you need any equipment.

The trip is open to visitors. If its your first caving trip go read "What do you need for your first caving trip?" http://www.sec-caving.co.za/p/new-cavers.html

See you there,

Steven

Wednesday 14 January 2015

Start of year social

Come and meet some old friends or make some new enemies over a few beers this Saturday the 17th at 12:00.

The venue is the Beerhouse is on the corner of Witkoppen and Sunset Ave near Monte Casino.

If you are joining let either John Dickie or Pete know.

There will also be a caving trip the following day, but the details will be confirmed.

Steven

Monday 5 January 2015

January trips

Hello to everyone and all the best for 2015.

We have a great year lined up so far with two caving trips and a social meet and greet in January alone. Already the Gauteng Department of Rural Development is talking to us regarding the new Nature Conservation act and how we can help mould it so as to be useful. Later in the year we have a spectacular camping trip to Swaziland to visit an unusual granite based cave and further the survey work done so far so as really start using the new survey gear. Contact Sharron for details but let here know your plans as soon as possible Easter week end is not that far away.

But first in January we are kicking off with a  visit to our old favourite Wonderfontien on Sunday 11th. The meeting point will be the petrol station as you enter Carltonville from the Tarlton N14 side on the R 500 and meeting at 0900 sharp.. Be prepared to get wet and the usual bring and braai afterward. Contact John Dickie to let him know you are planning to be there and visitors are welcome.

Next we have plans for a social gathering to meet old freinds and make new enemies and generally talk the usual over some beers. The venue is the Beerhouse on the cnr Witkoppen and Sunset Av near Monte Casino at 1200 on Saturday 17th. Have a look at their website. Please let John Dickie or myself know so we can book a table. We will have a few visitors from overseas and depending on the enthusiasm will set up a trip underground for the following day.

All the best

Pete KENYON

Friday 2 January 2015

Longest sandstone/quartzite caves

For those who don't know the Caver Bob website, the longest, biggest and deepest caves in the world are listed there. It also lists the deepest and longest caves for caves other than dolomite or limestone.

The website has recently been updated and South Africa has two more caves on the sandstone/quartzite caves list! South African cavers have previously contributed to some of the deepest quartzite caves in the world. Mogoto has also been on the list for a number of years for its length. Go check which other caves have been added at:

http://www.caverbob.com/
http://www.caverbob.com/other.htm