Field work travelog – Day 18, We’re in! #NTCave14

Despite delays and problems, we did for the first time make it into the cave today!

We started the day with some ascending practice. We went to a convenient pitch near our camp and practiced going up and down. (OK, everyone else practiced going up and down. I took photos.)

The day went on to getting the cave entrance rigged for the first descent.

It started with opening the cave.

First opening of Natural Trap Cave. #NTCave14 pic.twitter.com/ktoUgfRH4u

— Penny Higgins (@paleololigo) July 29, 2014

//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsThen the first to go in got rigged up.

Getting rigged for first descent into Natural Trap Cave. #NTCave14 pic.twitter.com/8KuT12ncbr

— Penny Higgins (@paleololigo) July 29, 2014

//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

#NTCave14 pic.twitter.com/kJkl7oh6Do

— Penny Higgins (@paleololigo) July 29, 2014

//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsThe descent was quick. The cave is deep.

Deep inside. #NTCave14 pic.twitter.com/bUGBawWAaU

— Penny Higgins (@paleololigo) July 29, 2014

//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Exhausting work getting out.

And back out again! #NTCave14 pic.twitter.com/78uUCDyumA

— Penny Higgins (@paleololigo) July 29, 2014

//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsOnce it was determined that all was safe, our first set of daring scientists entered.

The first view of the cave was great, and the scientists have a plan. Tomorrow, the real work begins!

Sunset over Natural Trap Cave. #NTCave14 pic.twitter.com/5Ri3HGNTPM

— Penny Higgins (@paleololigo) July 30, 2014

//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Stay tuned! But if you want to follow the action follow #NTCave14 on Twitter.