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June 7, 2004 FONTABELLE CAVE 2 Position: WGS84 - 18 23' 59.1" N, 77 39' 10.5" W Field notes: D. K. ROGGY Cavers: R. S. Stewart, M. Taylor, I. C. Conolley, M. Bellinger, D. K. Roggy, R. Stirling Time in: 14:00 EST, Time out: 17:00 EST THREAT VULNERABILITY: High A breakdown chamber cave in a saddle of the top of a hill covered in sharp, eroded limestone. The entrance was at least 5 meters wide and 2 meters high. In front of the entrance was a steep slope of about 30 to 40 degrees, covered with loose soil, rocks and leaves. Stef took a tumble straight down it for about 5 meters before we really entered the part of this cave that we were interested in. A pit off to the right went down some wherearound 15 meters. Stefan led the way, feeling, and of course being more safe on the rope than standing on the slippery entrance. Stefan entered the pit through a key hole type opening to the right of the slippery entrance, accessible from level ground outside. When all of us were down in the cave, we started exploring. We were in one large chambers that led to a second that had a lot of guano. We found air flow in the restricted passageway between the two chambers, but couldn't seem to find any light holes or further extensions. The remains of what seemed to be a goat were found in the second room. Ivor went on rope to explore a pit, with a smooth, mildly angled entrance that went around a corner. While standing at the top, amongst loose material, a large rock about a foot in diameter shifted and went down toward him as we all yelled "rock!" Ivor was already around the corner and the rock seemed to just curve around the corner, on the outside of the turn, and continued. When Stef prepared to ascend a small loose rock came down and hit him on the hand. It had been shifted from above by someone standing near the entrance. Everyone was then told to stand back. When I ascended, I knocked a small loose rock down from the entrance to the pit. Mark was below but well out of the way. A dangerous cave as far as loose rock is concerned. |
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