The Guadalupes are a very special place, the caves are just out of this world amazing! And I've hiked canyons that would rival any mountain range in beauty!
Derek, thank you for using your camera so skillfully. You really showed the enormity of the place. Like Schlockmeister, I am curious about the rope ladder, and would like to know when this cave was discovered. It's stunning.
We suspect it is a Jim White ladder. When I was first there, back in the early 60's, one of our party actually climbed out on the ladder after rappelling in. We belayed him with our brand new 200 foot manilla rope from Sears. Back then we free-climbed down to the ledge where ladder was tied off to an iron pin, 180 feet above the floor. Much better equipment these days!
3:48 I'm not too happy about that rope that barely reaches the ground. I actually know of a situation where the guy who was leaving the cave somehow managed to accidentally lift the rope into an unreachable position for guys below. Took some time until people on the surface realized that the final team wasn't returning, and then some more time until someone descended back down to figure out what was going on.
That does happen, even when the rope is longer. There’s a famous story about a team being stranded at camp in San Agustin (Sistema Huautla) when the rope was accidentally pulled up and dropped back to a ledge that was out of reach. They were stuck for several days.
Why the ropes? Jim White left you a perfectly serviceable ladder. Seriously though, it looks a lot different than it did in the feeble lights of 30 years ago.
First trip here was in 1979 with the late great Rick Day and others. Spectacular broomstick stalagmite forests!
You never fail to please Derek. Well done
The cartography is a nice touch.
Really like seeing the map, gives a much better sense of the place.
Caves like this bring tears to my eyes. Fantastic job Derek!
Love that map at the end !!
Great video all around. The overall content was great.
great video. first time i've seen the profile view.
Great video again Derek.
Wow! Love the footage you took with just the headlamps for light. Gives a better idea of what it must be like to actually be there!
Lots of memories in this video. Thank you.
That was a delightful journey. Thank you Derek.
Caves are so mysterious and magical! Thank you for your exploration! Fascinating!
That place looks amazing thank you!
Have there been attempts to explore that lead off of the big drop?
Once again, amazing video. And nice quick behind the scenes on map making. Thank you!
Spectacular! Thank you.
Hey Derek, awesome video yet again! Any chance you could do a quick video on how you made / tied your footloop with the vinyl tubing?
The Guadalupes are a very special place, the caves are just out of this world amazing! And I've hiked canyons that would rival any mountain range in beauty!
Derek, thank you for using your camera so skillfully. You really showed the enormity of the place. Like Schlockmeister, I am curious about the rope ladder, and would like to know when this cave was discovered. It's stunning.
nice
What's the story behind the old rope ladder from 3:25 to 3:45? How long has it been there, and who put it there?
We suspect it is a Jim White ladder. When I was first there, back in the early 60's, one of our party actually climbed out on the ladder after rappelling in. We belayed him with our brand new 200 foot manilla rope from Sears. Back then we free-climbed down to the ledge where ladder was tied off to an iron pin, 180 feet above the floor. Much better equipment these days!
BRAVE DOOOOD!!!
3:48 I'm not too happy about that rope that barely reaches the ground.
I actually know of a situation where the guy who was leaving the cave somehow managed to accidentally lift the rope into an unreachable position for guys below.
Took some time until people on the surface realized that the final team wasn't returning, and then some more time until someone descended back down to figure out what was going on.
That does happen, even when the rope is longer. There’s a famous story about a team being stranded at camp in San Agustin (Sistema Huautla) when the rope was accidentally pulled up and dropped back to a ledge that was out of reach. They were stuck for several days.
Did you use the Sony Alpha for the opening scene outside the red house?
Why the ropes? Jim White left you a perfectly serviceable ladder. Seriously though, it looks a lot different than it did in the feeble lights of 30 years ago.
Yo Derek:. How would do ,gainst Jim Smith. ,Bet he could take ya anyday!
No question. That guy is an animal. Maybe the best caver ever.
Unless a recent discovery, isn,t this already explored and surveyed!