- IJ
127: Dig Update
A recent dig was successfully completed with a new crew who were an awesome team and we achieved much more than expected while learning some new ways to move dirt and what equipment worked and what didn't. It was a nice couple of days, sunny for the walk in but we worked so long it was dark when we finished.
For digs 15 & 16, we achieved around about 4.5 tons of fill removed and completely removed from site. It also increased the airflow in the tube that leads to the cave. We found more bones that came in with the fill but nothing of any significance. Inside the tube was hot and humid even though it was only 17 degrees. This time we tried our new extractor system and it improved the environment no end. The 1st station was lengthened and enlarged and the head was driven deeper in and much wider, so much so you can duck-shuffle in without crawling. We found a quicker system of fill transfer, we used special mats for bum comfort and even enjoyed food and drink deep inside for the first time; as we were inside for long periods of time.
Great progress overall and we are now set for the straight run down what I've nicknamed '7 mile'. What's at the end is unclear. Is it a drop off or does it continue? My guess is that it continues.
Around the time of writing this I discovered something which led to the conclusion that the officials who would keep this location a secret, did intend to totally annihilate the cave and the contents (many years ago) but were stopped from doing so. More on that once we succeed in getting in.
