Monday 31 October 2016

Gatkop Caves - 12 & 13 November

Hello everyone,

So over the weekend of the 12th and 13th November, there is a trip planned to the Gatkop Caves close to Thabazimbi (3 hours from JHB).

Plan is to leave from JHB at 7 in the morning on the Saturday and get there around 10ish and do Gatkop 1, aka Slotmachine, and get into the cave around 11. Then stay over very close to the cave and have a big braai etc and do Gatkop 2, aka Thabazimbi Cave, the next morning.

There is dormitory style accommodation available for R200 per person and camping is also a possibility. If you want luxury, there is accommodation close by which I can find out about.

Warning! Gatkop 2 is infamous for its very high levels of CO2. If you did not get a headache from drinking too much at the braai on Saturday, you will probably get one from this cave... Those not comfortable with this, are welcome to do Gatkop 1 again as the cave does have lots of potential for exploration.

The second very important point is that there are strict controls in place from management regarding decontamination of gear as this is a very important site for bats. All gear must be cleaned before going there. Before we go in, our boots will be sprayed with a diluted bleach solution and once we get out of the cave our overalls and boots and helmets will once again get sprayed on both days.

I have been told, sarcastically, that I really know how to sell a caving trip... These are two of the biggest caves in SA and both are stunning. One area of Gatkop 2 is named Pamukkale. If you don't know what Pamukkale is, Google it...

It is a members only trip and space is limited, so please let me know if you are going so I can book the accommodation. sjtucker135@gmail.com is most likely to get a response, otherwise message me on 083 212 0817.
Will let you know where to meet once I know who is going.

Cheers,

Steven

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