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
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#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
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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
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Stay tuned! But if you want to follow the action follow #NTCave14 on Twitter.
Dude! So sorry about the finger! Are you going to be out there next week too?
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We’re leaving on Friday, sadly. I’m sad I’ll miss you!
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