The Downs of Caving - More Equipment

The rappelling practice had some poles for going up and then a bunker for practicing going down.
We used a "rack" to descend and there were a few kinds to try out. There was also a figure 8 descender. Jeff and I each had a different preference.

Now it is my turn to go over the edge! I really like it! I think I like going up better because it is a little more challenging. I will admit I really liked hanging in place and kicking off the wall.





Ivan was the first to practice and demonstrated the rigging so we could see how it is done. We are lucky to have a couple really good guys (Ivan and Julio) to literally "show us the ropes."

Rappelling Practice in San Juan

We were fortunate enough to have semi-private rappelling instruction from Ivan and Julio (two very active and generous SEPRI members - cave society). We went to a park where they had a nice set-up - telephone poles and a cross-beam just ready for rope slinging! After multiple tries Julio got the rope over and started securing it to the other pole so we could prepare to ascend. There are a variety of knots and safety type double-rigging that I watched but cannot yet repeat. We will need to practice practice practice before dropping into and ascending out of caves.

There is a lot of gear, and since it isn't mine it all needed adjusting to get it snug enough. Lots of clips and straps and fortunately a lot of help.


Here I am climbing up the rope using the frog system (think that's what is it called). It involved a hand Croll rope gripper thingy and a strap your feet fit into.

Here's Jeff getting all adjusted. If you are back in Washington - check out the kayak water polo helmet with all your signatures!


The whole while that we were practicing this little car/ "ice cream truck" was cruising the parking lot selling drinks and stuff out of the back end!