<i>Map of caves, categorised by date of discovery - credit K. Bender</i>
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Balkonhoehle provides ample opportunity for expo freshers and veterans alike to explore large amounts of passage every year - although it has got a bit harder than wandering down massive passage now. Since its re-discovery and the beginning of exploration in 2014, the cave has provided numerous promising leads, and large amounts of passage have been discovered year on year. Promising “A” leads remain unexplored, and despite the fewer numbers and smaller expo length this year, Balkonheohle will undoubtedly provide a wealth of exciting new passage.
<p>The phreatic passage discovered in Fischgesicht last year, and trending NE towards the main SMK system, provides another key aim for this year’s expo: to continue pushing these leads to discover a connection.
<p>Exciting leads remain in Heimkommen (Homecoming) and will continue to be pushed by this year’s contingent of cavers.
<p>The ultimate long-term goal of the expedition is to connect the SMK system with the neighbouring Schoenberg system, resulting in a cave of epic proportions. To achieve this, prospecting for new cave entrances will continue, with focus on discovering new cave to the north of the Loser Plateau, attempting to bridge of the gap between the 2 systems.
