Descent (178)
June 2004
The Alpazat Connection:
To Deep Camp and Beyond
Cavers cannot have missed the media frenzy that ensued when members of a British team became trapped by floodwater in Mexico. In the first part of a major report presented in this issue of Descent, here is their tale – the real story, with facts – of the expedition’s aims and successes, and what happened during the rescue.
An American Perspective
Politics and the press have produced a far-ranging problem for caving in Mexico, in particular affecting American cavers who may find difficulties with their ‘local’ region. This is what the current situation means to them.
All the World’s a Stage
This section closes the Alpazat report with a round-up of quotes from the world’s press. Read the cavers’ story, then be amazed at how wrong the media was.
Britain’s Finest Wonder
A cave has, at last, received credit as one of Britain’s finest natural wonders, and Dan yr Ogof’s nomination has led to the first official footage ever shot beyond the showcave.
A Small Hop from a Frog
The dig at Harrogate Hole in the Yorkshire Dales is progressing and a single Goyden system accessible to dry cavers is one step closer.
Gear Review: ActivSkin Garments
A new range of garments provides another option for keeping warm underground – not so much Men in Black, but Men in Black Tights.
Cavers in Tight Places
With only three simple questions to answer, you could win yourself the pick of the ActivSkin range.
The Rescues of 2003
Last year’s rescue statistics reveal more of the work of our volunteer teams; learn what not to do underground!
Images from the Past: Miss Johnson and the Kyndwr Club
Descent (173) posed a question concerning an old caving photo – where was it taken, and what was the story behind the unusual ladder. Here are some of the answers.
Cover: Steve Jones in Boreham Cave, Yorkshire. Photo: Gavin Newman
This issue is in stock as a back issue: click HERE to order a copy