Map of caves, categorised by date of discovery - credit K. Bender
This year’s aims are to continue pushing leads from Balkonhöhle, Fischgesicht
and Homecoming.
Map of caves, categorised by date of discovery - credit K. Bender
Balkonhöhle (264): many promising leads at multiple levels, allowing for meaningful exploration to be done by cavers of varying abilities. Medusa’s Maze is a particularly exciting lead taking the SMK system into an area not traditionally explored by this expedition. Additionally, the system connects the previously explored Tunnocks system at convenient points to push leads remaining there, allowing us to explore unfinished areas of Tunnocks without rigging the previous route, which was flood-prone.
Fischgesicht (290): The entrance was blocked by snow in 2019 and could not be excavated. Leads from 2018 are still yet to be explored including a 20x20 m large phreatic tunnel with strong draught leading in direction of the rest of SMK left unexplored at the opposite side of a 40 m pitch. It is also likely to connect to another significant find from 2017, Glucklich Schmetterlingerhoehle (‘Happy Butterfly Cave’; 291,), adding length to the system.
Second Camp: An objective for this year is to establish a second top camp known as "Garlic Cave'', which is located further west than Stone bridge, as a base for those exploring Homecoming Hole and Fischgesicht.
Homecoming Hole (359): discovered in 2018 at the western extent of our current area. This is planned to be the focus of further expeditions, but if resources allow this cave will be pushed in 2022.
Updated: 7 March 2022
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