12MB PDF - Association for Mexican Cave Studies

were stopped at the brink of anotherwaterfall where it seemed that quitea few bolts would have to be placed.The water was funneling down intoyet another of the "vertical siphons"that are becoming so common to Zoquitlancaves.The afternoon of the 31st sawall of the rope and gear at Zoquit­Ian ready for packing into the trucks.Our departure was not to be unflawed,however. The presidente and his menshowed up, insisting on searching ourduffels before we loaded up. We hadbeen prepared for this eventuality,but it was a pisser to have all yourstuff gone through, prepared or not.Like a border crossing, only withmuch more dire consequences if wedidn't pass.We did.SummaryCueva de Xocotlat is presently339 meters deep with a traverse lengthof less th~n a kilometer. Furtherexploration will require divingthe sump during the dry season, preferablylate spring when there isthe possibility that an airspacemay exist. Sumidero del Rlo Xocotlatwas pushed down five wet drops towhere an intense bolting session willbe needed to bypass the river. Thecave is about 60 meters deep and lessthan 300 meters long, Rlthough it remainsto be surveyed.The Zoquitlan region is to be considereda sensitive area at present.Cavers are urged not to enter the areauntil large amounts of PR are pumpedinto the local government. An impromptushowing of what would appear to begold-seeking gringos could severely setback any future negotiations that willbe taking place. For more informationon the area, contact G. Atkinson, c/oAMCS, P.O. Box 7672, Austin, TX 78712.And if there be a difference in thought,Concerning where-in lies the bitter end,You say it be in the sumps inky depths ... ,I say it lie at sweet airs end.Anon.81