Running Out Of Time

A China Caves Project

We got up surprisingly early the next day, but were tired and sore. We knew we would have to spend a day surveying. I didn't look forward to it. We spent another eight hours in the cave before we accidentally dropped the compass. It disappeared into a deep pool between boulders. Colin made several attempts to retrieve it, but it was lost! It seemed a suitable place to stop.

We now have only one day left, before another pair is due to come and replace us. We suspect this will not happen. Back in Xin Long there was some gloom. Many of the team are ill or jaded. There is a feeling we don't have the right equipment for these wet cold caves. What Colin and I don't know at this stage, until later, is that the decision has already been made to pull out of the area a day earlier. Professor Zhu has said the next area has some fine caves with beautiful stalagmites. The 'Great Crack' has been written off as being too difficult with the equipment and time, especially after Phil's near drowning experience. A waterfall has stopped progress in the Upstream Doline Cave. Black Rock Cave has sumped again.

Colin would like to survey for awhile and then make a push for the end. He doesn't need much persuading that we should concentrate all our efforts on trying to get through to the resurgence. If we can get through, it will make surveying a one way through trip. If we don't get through, we will have a long journey back and might be criticised for not surveying. Its a gamble.

Black Rock Cave
sumped again.

Photo: Tony Baker

Dave Checkley tries to keep out of the water.

Photo: Tony Baker

As we travelled back down the cave, we already know that the cave is not heading directly for the suspected resurgence from our survey. It could be much further than we think. The cave has also got much smaller at our present limit of exploration. We know it's likely the cave will drop rapidly near the resurgence, as it tries to keep pace with the down cutting of the powerful Yangtze river. We are seeing something like this already. Will the passage be too immature and small to follow or even sumped with water?

The narrow passages are awkward to negotiate in our tubes and tackle bags. We worry if we have enough rope. I cut the rope short on the last pitch. It will make it difficult if we have to return. The water is still too deep and there are cascades. A huge log is jammed in the passage and we have to squeeze past it. Suddenly, Colin shouts, he can see daylight! I can hardly believe it. It's only five minutes from where I stopped two days ago. I wouldn't have seen it anyway, it was dark. It's some moments before I am finally convinced, the light is very faint and very high up.

We're not out yet. We may still run out of rope.

Upstream Doline Cave

Photo: Tony Baker

Leaving The Sun