Ellison's Cave Through-Trip

Рет қаралды 3,289

Күн бұрын

Пікірлер: 31

@erikhy 3 ай бұрын

Oh, that brings back memories. During the TAG convention back in the 90's we dropped Warm-up Pit and Fantastic Pit, and I remember there was an aluminum lawn chair at the very bottom which no one would sit in due to falling debris danger. My rack got danged hot, and we sprayed water on it at the bottom to cool it back down so we didn't melt the rope as I unhooked. When we simul-climbed back out the carbide lamps barely illuminated the shaft walls due to the cloud layers, and we felt like spiders hanging in the infinite void, bouncing gently up and down on PMI rope stretch and projecting grotesque shadows of each other on the misty clouds. It was a long climb, even with a bungeed rope walking setup, and after finally popping out warmup pit and hiking down, I slept the sleep of the very dead. Great video. I wish we had your lights back then. Back in camp, snoozing in the late afternoon, the good old boys lit off the giant pile of logs with a six foot pipe filled with black powder. It went off like a saturn-5 rocket and scared the bejeezus out of everyone, requiring a change of shorts for anyone camped next to the bonfire. Hot dogs, anyone? Love your videos.

@trav_adventures 3 ай бұрын

Great story, I enjoy the read! This cave is a goal of mine to accomplish.

@gmaneis 3 ай бұрын

Derek, when I see one of your videos pop up in my YT feed, I am a happy 77 year old former caver whose knees and lower back have kept me on the surface for a long long time! This video is amazing. Those pits are HUGE. In my next life, I'll master the art of ascending a rope. We had only Prusik knots in 1972. The descending gear looks better now, too. Thanks for another super production. Fun to watch.

@Kris_at_WhiteOaksFarm 3 ай бұрын

I'm seventy, same complaints. Love to see these vids, and dream.

@jonathanbedsole1671 3 ай бұрын

Can't get over how dry the pit is during the drought. Great video.

@garybeasley4885 3 ай бұрын

I’ve only ever been to the Balcony rig point, never further. I wasn’t ready to do a drop that big and now at 71 I’m not fit enough to make it up the mountain much less climb a rope with ascenders. Your videos are much appreciated.

@CodingWithUnity 3 ай бұрын

I was at stairstep this past saturday, is a cool part of the cave!

@rachelhasbruises 3 ай бұрын

Gotta love the leisurely sport trips. All pretties, no suffering. ❤

@cavezip 2 ай бұрын

Love the video! I just did my first through trip of this cave over the last couple of days. We went the opposite direction as you all. What an awesome experience ❤

@Sikdomeshot 2 ай бұрын

It is absolutely unbelievable how big Fantastic Pit is. Amazing!

@RustyWells2 Ай бұрын

One of the most important caves in the country!

@primaryendo 3 ай бұрын

I really wish i could go caving too. I´ve been watching your channel for 5 years now and it really inspires me. Good to see you're back, Derek.

@trav_adventures 3 ай бұрын

What are you waiting for find a grotto for a group gear up go on a trip

@primaryendo 3 ай бұрын

@@trav_adventures I live in New York City. There is a grotto here (Met Grotto) but there aren't many caves near the city. Trips are usually very far. Unfortunately i don't have the time or means to go on these trips.

@carlsacel7222 2 ай бұрын

No, no you don't. Search "cave diving go wrong" and that should save your ass

@trav_adventures 3 ай бұрын

Thank you Derek for this Fantastic video pun intended 😁. This cave and those pits are a goal of mine (bucket list). I'm trying my best to gain the experience I need to work up to them.

@myrdale 3 ай бұрын

All of the videos I've seen of this cave are both thrilling and terrifying at the same time, and this video matches. I hope to see this cave one day, but for now, no way!

@bartas_aventure 3 ай бұрын

Man now that’s a pit

@thumpr4 3 ай бұрын

Nice video. Thats my "backyard"! Amazing and humbling place. Are you going to check out Flowing Stone too?

@trav_adventures 3 ай бұрын

Oh Flowing Stone that's on my bucket list too along with these two magnificent pics

@trav_adventures 3 ай бұрын

Oh Flowing Stone that's one on my list right along with these 2 magnificent pits.

@DrewNorthup 2 ай бұрын

Met Richard & Della at Convention, glad to see both are still up to "trouble" in their own ways.

@michaelh8854 3 ай бұрын

Incredible footage! The long rappel especially

@Thiscouldbeyou 2 ай бұрын

I am really glad there are people who are happy to do this for us, so we can sit here safely in my chair and not dive into the insanely deep dark cave.

@stevemollett6866 3 ай бұрын

Great video

@xavierg.9086 11 күн бұрын

In GA and have NEVER heard of this place 🤯. Also, where can one go get certified to rappel down?

@alexfischer5142 3 ай бұрын

2:32 I see some frame wear in the process!

@michaelh8854 3 ай бұрын

What are the advanced navigation techniques you mention?

@DerekBristol 3 ай бұрын

It's a complex multi-level system with many vertical obstacles. It's wise to go with someone who knows where they are going, what length ropes are required, the best way to rig pitches, etc. This increases the odds of having a fun adventure rather than a terrible epic. Most of the cave is between the two big pits, so getting lost or injured down there has more serious consequences than in most caves because one or the other of these pits needs to be climbed to exit.