Amata (they/she) on Nostr: #Karstmas day 11 "Photographers Passage" Notice anything...off? He is not wearing a ...
#Karstmas day 11
"Photographers Passage"
Notice anything...off? He is not wearing a helmet. Why? Because this little passage is *super* delicate. A head is softer than a helmet, and when not wearing one, we can be a little more aware of where our head is.
A helmets-off policy for delicate areas was started by JV Swearingen who was an excellent cave photographer and caretaker of the largest system in Alabama for many years. A delicate small chamber of that cave was what prompted him to institute a helmets-off policy. Groups entering were limited in size (ideally you don't even visit that room more than once in your lifetime), and everyone had to take helmets off before going into it. I learned about this guidance from the current caretaker; it has lasted half a century and passed on.
So in a totally different cave, in a totally different country, but yet an equally delicate small passage, I shared this concept with others. It's not like there is chance of falling or rock fall here, so instead, take your helmet off, be careful, slow, and thoughtful in movement.
Never go caving without a helmet...but sometimes, specific places perhaps dictate that taking it off is the safer thing for the environment. Hard and fast rules never work for conservation, there is always nuance.
#cave #caves #caving #speleology #formation #straw #geology #karst #explore #nature #adventure #photography
"Photographers Passage"
Notice anything...off? He is not wearing a helmet. Why? Because this little passage is *super* delicate. A head is softer than a helmet, and when not wearing one, we can be a little more aware of where our head is.
A helmets-off policy for delicate areas was started by JV Swearingen who was an excellent cave photographer and caretaker of the largest system in Alabama for many years. A delicate small chamber of that cave was what prompted him to institute a helmets-off policy. Groups entering were limited in size (ideally you don't even visit that room more than once in your lifetime), and everyone had to take helmets off before going into it. I learned about this guidance from the current caretaker; it has lasted half a century and passed on.
So in a totally different cave, in a totally different country, but yet an equally delicate small passage, I shared this concept with others. It's not like there is chance of falling or rock fall here, so instead, take your helmet off, be careful, slow, and thoughtful in movement.
Never go caving without a helmet...but sometimes, specific places perhaps dictate that taking it off is the safer thing for the environment. Hard and fast rules never work for conservation, there is always nuance.
#cave #caves #caving #speleology #formation #straw #geology #karst #explore #nature #adventure #photography