Post by L Roebuck on Jun 2, 2006 7:42:03 GMT -5
Word of mouth: Dark Matter
-by Honey Ahmad -
Ever been tempted to venture inside an eerie cave?
There is an element of risk in cave
exploration (or “caving”, as it is called) – you are entering a territory that is not your own. Having said that, it probably would not be any more dangerous than say, scuba diving or jungle trekking.
You just have to know what you are up against, get some basic knowledge / training – and never make the mistake of assuming that you know it all.
So why cave? There is something fascinating about going down in the bowels of the earth. It allows you to challenge yourself physically and mentally which is very satisfying.
If you can get past being claustrophobic, caving can be real fun. There is ethereal beauty contained in caves – if you are lucky you will find majestic stalactites, stalagmites and rock crystals. You also get to see a whole new habitat underground.
There are a few things that you will need to begin caving:
• a pair of sturdy boots
• a helmet with a chin strap – it would be better if it had a torch on it.
• a carbide lamp or two or more sources of light
• gloves – important especially if you are not used to handling ropes.
• kneepads – optional
• old clothes
• canned food or power bars
• a change of clothing – because you are likely to get wet
There are different kinds of things you can do in a cave. If you’ve never been in one, try a commercial cave to get a sense of the environment. Caves give perspectives a rather surreal quality. Also, it’s usually several degrees colder in caves.
Once you have mastered the art, try an
adventure cave where there is no real path, so you would have to scramble and climb. Here, you will get a chance to do basic rappelling, rock climbing and abseilling.
The harder caves usually involve pot-holing in very small spaces and a more challenging subterranean terrain. You will definitely get wet, because caves are damp and usually have a stream of water running through it. When it rains outside, mini waterfalls and small rivers can open up everywhere, so be careful as it gets very slippery.
Abandoned mines are also great for caving, and are more exciting because of the old tracks, piping and mining remains. This also means it’s more dangerous so you have to be properly geared and experienced.
Now that you have a grasp of the basics, remember these tips:
• Go with an experienced caver or with a reputable caving company. Usually if you do this, you get all the caving gear included in the price.
• Follow instructions. Don’t go venturing off into side caverns, no matter how interesting they look. It’s extremely easy to get caught in the labyrinth.
• Practice calming exercises. Sometimes when you are pot-holing or in an
extremely small space, there is a tendency to have a panic attack. Practice closing your eyes and counting to ten. Of course, this is not the sport for you if you are naturally claustrophobic.
• Know your environment. If you are going with an expert to an off-beaten cave, ask lots of questions so that you can mentally prepare yourself for the challenges.
• Respect your environment. Don’t litter or vandalise or touch any of the natural formations, if possible.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. You can never be too careful.
• Face it, you have to be cool with getting dirty.
• Always be alert for loose rocks, and be aware of who is below you when you scramble up.
For more information:
Contact Warden Suja at 019-615 9705 / 019-215 5682. (Trips are organised in Batu Caves and lasts for about 20 minutes).
Article and Photo's: Malay Mail
-by Honey Ahmad -
Ever been tempted to venture inside an eerie cave?
There is an element of risk in cave
exploration (or “caving”, as it is called) – you are entering a territory that is not your own. Having said that, it probably would not be any more dangerous than say, scuba diving or jungle trekking.
You just have to know what you are up against, get some basic knowledge / training – and never make the mistake of assuming that you know it all.
So why cave? There is something fascinating about going down in the bowels of the earth. It allows you to challenge yourself physically and mentally which is very satisfying.
If you can get past being claustrophobic, caving can be real fun. There is ethereal beauty contained in caves – if you are lucky you will find majestic stalactites, stalagmites and rock crystals. You also get to see a whole new habitat underground.
There are a few things that you will need to begin caving:
• a pair of sturdy boots
• a helmet with a chin strap – it would be better if it had a torch on it.
• a carbide lamp or two or more sources of light
• gloves – important especially if you are not used to handling ropes.
• kneepads – optional
• old clothes
• canned food or power bars
• a change of clothing – because you are likely to get wet
There are different kinds of things you can do in a cave. If you’ve never been in one, try a commercial cave to get a sense of the environment. Caves give perspectives a rather surreal quality. Also, it’s usually several degrees colder in caves.
Once you have mastered the art, try an
adventure cave where there is no real path, so you would have to scramble and climb. Here, you will get a chance to do basic rappelling, rock climbing and abseilling.
The harder caves usually involve pot-holing in very small spaces and a more challenging subterranean terrain. You will definitely get wet, because caves are damp and usually have a stream of water running through it. When it rains outside, mini waterfalls and small rivers can open up everywhere, so be careful as it gets very slippery.
Abandoned mines are also great for caving, and are more exciting because of the old tracks, piping and mining remains. This also means it’s more dangerous so you have to be properly geared and experienced.
Now that you have a grasp of the basics, remember these tips:
• Go with an experienced caver or with a reputable caving company. Usually if you do this, you get all the caving gear included in the price.
• Follow instructions. Don’t go venturing off into side caverns, no matter how interesting they look. It’s extremely easy to get caught in the labyrinth.
• Practice calming exercises. Sometimes when you are pot-holing or in an
extremely small space, there is a tendency to have a panic attack. Practice closing your eyes and counting to ten. Of course, this is not the sport for you if you are naturally claustrophobic.
• Know your environment. If you are going with an expert to an off-beaten cave, ask lots of questions so that you can mentally prepare yourself for the challenges.
• Respect your environment. Don’t litter or vandalise or touch any of the natural formations, if possible.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. You can never be too careful.
• Face it, you have to be cool with getting dirty.
• Always be alert for loose rocks, and be aware of who is below you when you scramble up.
For more information:
Contact Warden Suja at 019-615 9705 / 019-215 5682. (Trips are organised in Batu Caves and lasts for about 20 minutes).
Article and Photo's: Malay Mail