Ian Adams
Well-known member
Caves and Caving (1966) by Hamlyn Books
A fascinating look at how caving was done in the 1960?s. Basic education includes how to use a carbide lamp. How helmets are essential for ?longer? trips, how to use a load bearing belt/life line and, don?t forget a notebook and two pencils.
There are (thankfully) some details of the dangers in caves; the main one being underground rivers. The advice given is, simply, not to enter them (underground rivers).
Interestingly, there is detail on (for instance) ?What actually is a cave?? The explanation is thorough and illuminating in that it attaches a large amount of peripheral information. The numerous diagrams help the understanding to sink in (pardon the pun).
Additionally, there is a whole section on the microflora and fauna of caves. There is also a nice tip on how to catch cave dwellers by sucking them up a tube (and a diagram to show you how to suck it). I have to confess I haven?t seen that before in this kind of book.
Lastly, there is a somewhat dated section on caving activities (and where to go). As much as the photography piece is exemplary, they missed a trick by not including video. After all, it was around in the 1960?s, right?
Not too shabby at all.
Ian
A fascinating look at how caving was done in the 1960?s. Basic education includes how to use a carbide lamp. How helmets are essential for ?longer? trips, how to use a load bearing belt/life line and, don?t forget a notebook and two pencils.
There are (thankfully) some details of the dangers in caves; the main one being underground rivers. The advice given is, simply, not to enter them (underground rivers).
Interestingly, there is detail on (for instance) ?What actually is a cave?? The explanation is thorough and illuminating in that it attaches a large amount of peripheral information. The numerous diagrams help the understanding to sink in (pardon the pun).
Additionally, there is a whole section on the microflora and fauna of caves. There is also a nice tip on how to catch cave dwellers by sucking them up a tube (and a diagram to show you how to suck it). I have to confess I haven?t seen that before in this kind of book.
Lastly, there is a somewhat dated section on caving activities (and where to go). As much as the photography piece is exemplary, they missed a trick by not including video. After all, it was around in the 1960?s, right?
Not too shabby at all.
Ian
