Caving in Tasmania – the prize for “stamina” is announced

Posted on April 22, 2018 by marilyn

KOHINOOR & DIAMOND CAVES – 22 April 2018
Interestingly, all the caves in this small area are named after diamonds or precious gems.  I had given up my spot on the Marakoopa trip on the day before, but was looking forward to finishing the week of caving with a couple of minor sporty caves, with Janice M and David W-C leading the trips.  Continue reading →

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Caving in Tasmania – “there’s a waterfall to climb”

Posted on April 20, 2018 by marilyn

LYNDS CAVE – 20 April 2018
Another stream-way cave with a waterfall to climb up.  Garry assured us that the waterfall was do-able – “all you have to do is traddle the top where the water flows over, and there are lots of foot and hand holds”.  I stressed all night worried about a bloody 20m waterfall that I’d have to climb – whilst trying to avoid getting wet.  In hindsight I should have asked how high the waterfall was. Continue reading →

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Caving in Tasmania – “you should only get your legs wet”

Posted on April 19, 2018 by marilyn

CROESUS CAVE – 19 April 2018
Those were Garry’s words, plus “if you lean on one hand, and hold your pack to the side you shouldn’t get too wet” … wrong! It was a squeezy passage just to get in and then there was a deep pool – chest deep for me! It was going to be a long cold trip – not to mention being behind schedule due to the road being closed off for a car rally. Continue reading →

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Caving in Tasmania – our “rest” day

Posted on April 18, 2018 by marilyn

GENGHIS KHAN – 18 April 2018
After my mammoth effort in Kubla Khan, I decided to forego Tuesday’s trip into Tailender, particularly as Garry said it was a very physical trip, so, I stayed back at the cabin, washed everyone’s dirty overalls, and laid around drinking tea and reading trashy novels.  I was rearing to go on Wednesday. Genghis Khan is one large chamber and apparently it takes from 2 to 4 hours to see everything.  Clearly, that wasn’t with photographers on the trip. Continue reading →

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Caving in Tasmania – in the deep end

Posted on April 16, 2018 by marilyn

KUBLA KHAN (MC1 & MC29) – April 16, 2018
This is the cave that all Australian cavers aspire to see.  It’s a daunting trip, taking anywhere between 9 to 12 hours to do the full through trip.  It’s highly restricted, with only 12 recreational permits approved for the cave each year (only 6 cavers allowed per permit).  David W-C had organised a management trip for us which meant that we would be doing work in the cave on behalf of Karst Care Management and National Parks.  Continue reading →

Posted in Caving, NHVSS, Tasmania | 4 Comments