Lechuguilla chandelier ballroom

[porphy]

I watched one of the episodes of Planet Earth the other day. The one about caves. I have tried caving once or twice. Not too happy with the possibility to die like a worm underground though. :-?

But the Lechuguilla cave and the pictures from the chandelier ballroom was amazing! I can't get it of my mind. :o I would certainly be ready to overcome some claustrophobia to see that with my own eyes one day. Doesn't seem to be a place for guided tours though... talk about going deep, about 500m down from the surface... Anyone want to come along? :)

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a126/Porphyr/LECH2226.jpg

[porphy]

Yes, too bad it is off limits. But on the other hand that place would be ruined quickly with many visitors. But couldn't just I have the opportunity to go? *secretly packing away rope, abseil gear and head torch" Hmm... perhaps a map of the place is a good idea... :D

cheers porphy

[SteamWake]

Caves are supprisingly fragile enviroments.

There are a few open to the public here in florida. They warn you not to touch anything, they only turn on the lights when people are passing through, the guides even joke that if people could hold their breaths for the entire tour they would ask you to.

There is one place where they let you touch a single rock formation to feel its texture. It is a completely different color and texture from all the other rocks in the cave.