Post by antrtic on Jan 9, 2008 13:31:54 GMT -5
WOW! That is the only word you can think of when getting there!
What a fantastic trip. I and a few friends went down to Mexico to abseil into Cave of the Swallows. We flew over from Cabo enjoying fun in the sun... what was I thinking???) to San Luis Potosi, rented a car and drove to Aquismon. (via the highway of death as they call it there, Mexico #70)
A note here... other than 2 locals living in Aquismon, we were the only gringos in sight from leaving Cabo to arriving back in Cabo... that was really cool.
We met up with some local guides that gave the best service and were the nicest folks. They live up right by the cave. The cave is about 1 hour via a very rough, rocky road from Aquismon. Upon arriving up in the mountains, we went over equipment and (via a great interpreter) got things figured out and hiked for the cave.
WOW or OMG are the only things that pop out of your mouth when you approach and look over the edge! The cave is so big and deep, but your brain cant figure it out... it looks like 200 feet, but the deepest part is close to 1,400.
They set up the belay and attached the single spool of 1,400 feet of static rope. We decided that them lowering us would be better than us rappelling... first time there and such and awesome sight. I was the first to step over the edge... talk about FAITH!!! I believe!!! they lowered me down and quickly the decision to be lowered rather than rappel) paid off!!! The rope had a bunch of twists in it. (from a uncoil, wash and recoil)... I soon started to spin. It took about 20 minutes to the bottom. I was spinning for about 15 minutes of that, and yes, PUKING my guts out... Im glad I didnt have to control a rappel during that time...
After hitting bottom, more puking then regaining my vertical ability I could actually check it out. It is a whole other world down there. WOW! One other person came down, (one chickened out) and a Mexican guide came down.
After spooking around, signing the book etc... we prepared for the journey up... going down was EASY!!! Per the law, no more base jumping is allowed and mechanized equipment is not allowed (no winches). So they set us up with the ascender gear and up we went. (two ropes, so my friend and I could go up together) I was NOT in shape, so it took me forever to get out... it was dark by the time I got up (we got a late start too).
I was absolutely dead and shaking when they pulled me over the top rim. What a FREAKIN trip! Hanging on a rope 1,000+ feet in the air with the sides of the cave 400+ feet away is truly a test in mind control and faith!
After all the gear got taken down we went up to the leaders house and had food and drink and talked... what great people... the REAL Mexico! We were finally on our way back to Aquismon about 10:00pm.
If you do this trip!
1. be AT the cave to set up belays no later than 8 am
2. make sure the rope isnt twisted on the spool!!!
3. GET IN SHAPE! The climb out is tough!
4. Take good pictures, cause they cant hardly explain to people what you just did!
Good luck!
Bill
if anyone has specific questions: antrtic@yahoo.com
What a fantastic trip. I and a few friends went down to Mexico to abseil into Cave of the Swallows. We flew over from Cabo enjoying fun in the sun... what was I thinking???) to San Luis Potosi, rented a car and drove to Aquismon. (via the highway of death as they call it there, Mexico #70)
A note here... other than 2 locals living in Aquismon, we were the only gringos in sight from leaving Cabo to arriving back in Cabo... that was really cool.
We met up with some local guides that gave the best service and were the nicest folks. They live up right by the cave. The cave is about 1 hour via a very rough, rocky road from Aquismon. Upon arriving up in the mountains, we went over equipment and (via a great interpreter) got things figured out and hiked for the cave.
WOW or OMG are the only things that pop out of your mouth when you approach and look over the edge! The cave is so big and deep, but your brain cant figure it out... it looks like 200 feet, but the deepest part is close to 1,400.
They set up the belay and attached the single spool of 1,400 feet of static rope. We decided that them lowering us would be better than us rappelling... first time there and such and awesome sight. I was the first to step over the edge... talk about FAITH!!! I believe!!! they lowered me down and quickly the decision to be lowered rather than rappel) paid off!!! The rope had a bunch of twists in it. (from a uncoil, wash and recoil)... I soon started to spin. It took about 20 minutes to the bottom. I was spinning for about 15 minutes of that, and yes, PUKING my guts out... Im glad I didnt have to control a rappel during that time...
After hitting bottom, more puking then regaining my vertical ability I could actually check it out. It is a whole other world down there. WOW! One other person came down, (one chickened out) and a Mexican guide came down.
After spooking around, signing the book etc... we prepared for the journey up... going down was EASY!!! Per the law, no more base jumping is allowed and mechanized equipment is not allowed (no winches). So they set us up with the ascender gear and up we went. (two ropes, so my friend and I could go up together) I was NOT in shape, so it took me forever to get out... it was dark by the time I got up (we got a late start too).
I was absolutely dead and shaking when they pulled me over the top rim. What a FREAKIN trip! Hanging on a rope 1,000+ feet in the air with the sides of the cave 400+ feet away is truly a test in mind control and faith!
After all the gear got taken down we went up to the leaders house and had food and drink and talked... what great people... the REAL Mexico! We were finally on our way back to Aquismon about 10:00pm.
If you do this trip!
1. be AT the cave to set up belays no later than 8 am
2. make sure the rope isnt twisted on the spool!!!
3. GET IN SHAPE! The climb out is tough!
4. Take good pictures, cause they cant hardly explain to people what you just did!
Good luck!
Bill
if anyone has specific questions: antrtic@yahoo.com
What a fabulous trip report Bill! So do you plan a return trip to Golondrinas? 