Elkhorn Mountain Cave


Click on any photo to see an enlarged version.

IMG_0002.jpg
IMG_0002.jpg
IMG_0004.jpg
IMG_0004.jpg
IMG_0005.jpg
IMG_0005.jpg
The first 75-80 feet of this descent, is not visible from this angle. Rappellers helmet is seen just above center. Ehren comes into view. This is Ehren's first vertical cave. She is avoiding being swallowed by a crack on her right side.
IMG_0006.jpg
IMG_0006.jpg
IMG_0007.jpg
IMG_0007.jpg
IMG_0008.jpg
IMG_0008.jpg
Slowly coming down. Enjoying every minute. Safely past the crack.
IMG_0010.jpg
IMG_0010.jpg
IMG_0010A.jpg
IMG_0010A.jpg
IMG_0011.jpg
IMG_0011.jpg
At least 110 feet down with 25 feet to go, Ehren is extremly comfortable. An enlargement of the prior frame Approaching the undercut ledge.
IMG_0012.jpg
IMG_0012.jpg
IMG_0013.jpg
IMG_0013.jpg
IMG_0015.jpg
IMG_0015.jpg
Negoiating the undercut ledge. Almost there. Way to go Ehren!
IMG_0019.jpg
IMG_0019.jpg
IMG_0020.jpg
IMG_0020.jpg
IMG_0025.jpg
IMG_0025.jpg
Terry McClanathan coming down last. A quick jump past the ledge. Micha, Yuri, and Tatiana on the left are from Russia. Then Ben and Ehren on far right are from Winchester, VA.
IMG_0026.jpg
IMG_0026.jpg
IMG_0027.jpg
IMG_0027.jpg
IMG_0028.jpg
IMG_0028.jpg
Formations in the main gallery. Formations in the main gallery. Bacon flowstone from the front.
IMG_0029.jpg
IMG_0029.jpg
IMG_0031.jpg
IMG_0031.jpg
IMG_0033.jpg
IMG_0033.jpg
Formations in the main gallery. Tatiana and Micha. Formations in the main gallery.
IMG_0034.jpg
IMG_0034.jpg
IMG_0035.jpg
IMG_0035.jpg
IMG_0037.jpg
IMG_0037.jpg
Formations in the main gallery. Formations in the main gallery. Tatiana and Micha with the bacon flowstone in the foreground.
IMG_0038.jpg
IMG_0038.jpg
IMG_0039.jpg
IMG_0039.jpg
IMG_0040.jpg
IMG_0040.jpg
Bacon flowstone from the back. Bacon flowstone from the back. Formations in the main gallery.
IMG_0042.jpg
IMG_0042.jpg
IMG_0043.jpg
IMG_0043.jpg
IMG_0044.jpg
IMG_0044.jpg
Bob was the first one out, and I the photographer, was second. So we didn't get shots of ourselves coming out of the pit. Bob is clipped safely in awaiting the arrival of the third climber who happened to be..... Yuri's wife, Tatiana Swartz. Tatiana sweetly smiling after an enjoyable trip.
IMG_0047.jpg
IMG_0047.jpg
IMG_0050.jpg
IMG_0050.jpg
IMG_0052.jpg
IMG_0052.jpg
Ben, fully accomplished. Ehren was right behind. Ehren's last 'stand-up' foot stroke.
IMG_0053.jpg
IMG_0053.jpg
IMG_0055.jpg
IMG_0055.jpg
IMG_0057.jpg
IMG_0057.jpg
Still clipped in, on rope. Micha, the third Russian caver. The Russian cavers didn't speak much English, but with their eyes, spoke the language of appreciation for the splendor and granduer we all witnessed.
IMG_0058.jpg
IMG_0058.jpg
IMG_0059.jpg
IMG_0059.jpg
IMG_0060.jpg
IMG_0060.jpg
Yuri Swartz, also from Russia. Yuri is a scientist, living in NJ while on assignment. Terry McClanathan, the trip coordinator coming up last. Average climb times were about12-16 minutes for all but.....
IMG_0061.jpg
IMG_0061.jpg
IMG_0061a.jpg
IMG_0061a.jpg
IMG_0062.jpg
IMG_0062.jpg
Terry, who made it up in six minutes. Wow folks! That's 22.5 feet per minute! The face of one confident and happy rope-walker! Terry saw this snake in the cave last year. Today he caught, and ascended with the critter.
IMG_0063.jpg
IMG_0063.jpg
IMG_0064.jpg
IMG_0064.jpg
And let the snake go in the wild. Snake was perking up and happy again to be outside.



Last updated: 3/29/06