17MB PDF - Association for Mexican Cave Studies

l~to spend a few days hiking in the area to determine what exists inthe way of caves and pits. Since our purpose was to reconnoiterthe region, we did not burden ourselves with rope and climbinggear; however, we did take carbide lamps, flashlights, and helmetsso we could briefly explore any horizontal caves we happened tofind.Arriving in Aquismon around 5 p.m. on the 26th, we ate supperand started the hike up to a village called Tamapatz - roughly15 km from Aquismon and 650 m higher. By 7 p.m. we were ploddingalong in the moonlight and quite tired, so decided to camp. Atthis point we were already in Tlamaya-like karst. Continuing onthe next morning, we arrived at a place called La Laja where thereis a small store where one can buy various refrescos and fruit.We were told of several caves which exist in the area, but visitednone.At La Laja the trail forks - the one to the left going toTamapatz and the one to the right to a ranch and other trailswhich led to Tansosob, Rancho Nuevo, and eventually to Tamapatz,too. A house is located at this junction and the owner informedus of several caves and pits in that area. He described one largecave off to the left of the trail leading to the ranch, and we decidedto have a go at finding it. The gentleman was unable to gowith us because he had injured his ankle. Leaving our packs athis house, we set off. It was evident from the beginning that wehad little hope of finding the cave, and finally we came acrosssome lads clearing brush from under the coffee trees. Yes, theyknew of caves and would show us some - and took us to a couple ofsmall shelter caves. What about s6tanos? Sure, there was a bigone on down the trail off to the right •••only a half-hour's walkaway. Being truly desperate to find something other than sheltercaves (Got to keep up the image, you know.) we bombed off to findthe pit - again with no guide as the youths had to remain working.Carrying on up the trail, we eventually arrived at anotherhouse and stopped to inquire if anyone there knew of the pit. Ohyes. Half-hour's walk away •••really big and very ·profundo· •••andbirds, too - lots and lots of birds, especially in the morning andin the evening. Called the s6tano de las Golondrinas. A guidewas provided, and filled with enthusiasm we departed. A halfhourlater we were dripping with sweat and on the verge of exhaustion.We had to stop and rest (we the gringos, that is). Stoppingand resting while walking is apparently a yankee habit thatthe locals don't practice. From then on, it was will power thatforced us onward and upward until we finally reached the s6tano.A wooden gate is encountered on the right side of the trailand from here, a trail leads past a hut to a milpa and the pit.The pit is on the side of a hill and one walks up to it. No waterappears to drain from the surface into the pit, which is 150 to200 feet across. On the side of the s6tano opposite the trail thewalls are about 100 feet higher. This pit is deceptively largeand when we first looked down, all we could see was the oppositewall until we got close enough to lean over the edge and have abetter look•••and then we could see nothing but inky black. Thepit is completely overhung at the point the trail intersects it,although it might be possible to rig it so the rope would be neara wall for a good part of the way.After awhile, the vague form of a bottom could be seen, and