Winter cave trip – Rockwood, originally uploaded by Mic2006.I love the underground ice formations, they are especially abundant after the type of recent freeze and thaw that we have been experiencing here in Ontario. Most of the more impressive decorations are concentrated at cave entrances.
Up in Marmora the cave ice is greatly varied – in particular in the tunnels at the entrance to Spanky’s paradise. I recall beautiful crystal clear curtains that I actually wacked my helmet up against before I realized they blocked the passage. It seems that in Rockwood it is the ice stalagmites that are most common. see the video here of a short excursion that we made into the entrance of number 8 cave.
See video of Rockwood cave ice formations here.
We avoided the main cave as bats are sometimes known to over-winter there – the extent to which there are any surviving bats in the Rockwood Caves is questionable as they are heavily traveled and badly trashed. We did however discover a small hole with some future potential exploration – a summer trip. The amount of roof encrusted ice crystals indicated the possibility of air blowing from within. These crystals lined the roof along the passage for at least 10 feet and shortly past the entrance the air became moist and foggy.
Check out this video of a cave trip in the UK – wish I was there, looks warmer – near tropical in fact
Dewdney Caves have been in the news locally the past few months due to a proposed quarry development on adjacent land. I have correspondence from the MNR saying it will not assess the caves. I’m looking for a picture or two to accompany a story on the issue. Can you help?
Simon
Sure I can help – Just sent you 4 pictures, I have others, but they are of people who I would need to get permission from in order to share their image.
Pics have not arrived. I hope you can help.
Simon
I have re-sent 4 pictures, sorry, it looks like the last message ended up in my drafts?? Hope your article has an effect. Marcus Buck is a person that is also working on this problem and he is very influential and experienced in these matters. You might consider interviewing him as he has done extensive mapping in the system
How do I get in touch with Marcus?
I just sent his e-mail. I understand right now he is especially interested in the impact of a quarry on the bats.