thank you all for coming this evening so I’m going to talk to you a little bit
I’m going to talk to you a little bit
I’m going to talk to you a little bit about photographing darkness when when I
about photographing darkness when when I
about photographing darkness when when I originally got into caves and caving and
originally got into caves and caving and
originally got into caves and caving and then a couple of projects and then
then a couple of projects and then
then a couple of projects and then finally my most recent assignment
finally my most recent assignment
finally my most recent assignment earlier on this year so caves and Kaiser
earlier on this year so caves and Kaiser
earlier on this year so caves and Kaiser are first homes they offered us a canvas
are first homes they offered us a canvas
are first homes they offered us a canvas to create our first artwork about 40,000
to create our first artwork about 40,000
to create our first artwork about 40,000 years ago and he also offered as a safe
years ago and he also offered as a safe
years ago and he also offered as a safe place during the last ice age
scientists believe that if there is life
scientists believe that if there is life on Mars it’s probably underground
on Mars it’s probably underground
on Mars it’s probably underground sheltering away from the harsh
sheltering away from the harsh
sheltering away from the harsh atmosphere outside in essence in caves
atmosphere outside in essence in caves
atmosphere outside in essence in caves but we’ve basically evolved from caves
but we’ve basically evolved from caves
but we’ve basically evolved from caves but I feel like we’ve lost that
but I feel like we’ve lost that
but I feel like we’ve lost that connection and I want to bring that back
connection and I want to bring that back
connection and I want to bring that back and that’s why I use social media to do
and that’s why I use social media to do
and that’s why I use social media to do this it’s a great tool to bring this
this it’s a great tool to bring this
this it’s a great tool to bring this back now whenever I speak to an on caver
back now whenever I speak to an on caver
back now whenever I speak to an on caver about caves the reaction is always the
about caves the reaction is always the
about caves the reaction is always the same I couldn’t do that I’m
same I couldn’t do that I’m
same I couldn’t do that I’m claustrophobic and I get you know in
claustrophobic and I get you know in
claustrophobic and I get you know in lifts and I don’t like tight spaces
lifts and I don’t like tight spaces
lifts and I don’t like tight spaces is it not muddy dirty dark have any
is it not muddy dirty dark have any
is it not muddy dirty dark have any monsters down there does this look small
monsters down there does this look small
monsters down there does this look small can you see the four people in the
can you see the four people in the
can you see the four people in the picture does this look dark or dirty
okay there are some monsters but they’re
okay there are some monsters but they’re not that dangerous and they’re doing
not that dangerous and they’re doing
not that dangerous and they’re doing small you got a trap spider silk worm
small you got a trap spider silk worm
small you got a trap spider silk worm blind fish but they can be fascinating
blind fish but they can be fascinating
blind fish but they can be fascinating too because they’ve evolved to live in
too because they’ve evolved to live in
too because they’ve evolved to live in total darkness where there’s no light
it’s not always plain sailing it can be
it’s not always plain sailing it can be tide and it can also be dirty as well
tide and it can also be dirty as well
tide and it can also be dirty as well these guys are digging out rocks and
these guys are digging out rocks and
these guys are digging out rocks and boulders that are blocking a passage and
boulders that are blocking a passage and
boulders that are blocking a passage and they’re trying to find somewhere new
they’re trying to find somewhere new
they’re trying to find somewhere new where nobody’s been before it can also
where nobody’s been before it can also
where nobody’s been before it can also be dangerous you imagine being in this
be dangerous you imagine being in this
be dangerous you imagine being in this case passage where the water suddenly
case passage where the water suddenly
case passage where the water suddenly rises and you’re going to be trapped but
rises and you’re going to be trapped but
rises and you’re going to be trapped but it could also be spectacular
it could also be spectacular
it could also be spectacular can you see the two people here that
can you see the two people here that
can you see the two people here that person there in the distance is about
person there in the distance is about
person there in the distance is about 300 foot from the ceiling and 300 foot
300 foot from the ceiling and 300 foot
300 foot from the ceiling and 300 foot above the floor now in my work as a
above the floor now in my work as a
above the floor now in my work as a photographer I’m trying to break down
photographer I’m trying to break down
photographer I’m trying to break down the borders between reality and
the borders between reality and
the borders between reality and perception what is real and I mean real
perception what is real and I mean real
perception what is real and I mean real exploration when no human being has ever
exploration when no human being has ever
exploration when no human being has ever gone before conservation and wildlife
gone before conservation and wildlife
gone before conservation and wildlife photographer grind scary once told me
photographer grind scary once told me
photographer grind scary once told me that 95% of the world’s oceans are
that 95% of the world’s oceans are
that 95% of the world’s oceans are unexplored that it’s a staggering
unexplored that it’s a staggering
unexplored that it’s a staggering statistic but I can’t stand here and
statistic but I can’t stand here and
statistic but I can’t stand here and tell you how many caves are unexplored
tell you how many caves are unexplored
tell you how many caves are unexplored because we haven’t found them yet we
because we haven’t found them yet we
because we haven’t found them yet we have to actually go there and see them
have to actually go there and see them
have to actually go there and see them for real to know that they exist you you
for real to know that they exist you you
for real to know that they exist you you can’t see them from satellites from
can’t see them from satellites from
can’t see them from satellites from space and it’s bringing images like this
space and it’s bringing images like this
space and it’s bringing images like this back to the surface and sharing them
back to the surface and sharing them
back to the surface and sharing them with thousands and thousands of people
with thousands and thousands of people
with thousands and thousands of people on social media like Instagram that’s
on social media like Instagram that’s
on social media like Instagram that’s what drives me
however Caves don’t always look like
however Caves don’t always look like this I have to be honest it’s only for a
this I have to be honest it’s only for a
this I have to be honest it’s only for a split second when you set off the
split second when you set off the
split second when you set off the flashes and the light that you see them
flashes and the light that you see them
flashes and the light that you see them like this most of the time cave look
like this most of the time cave look
like this most of the time cave look like this
like this
like this and it was it was seeing this space
and it was it was seeing this space
and it was it was seeing this space underground in a cave in England about
underground in a cave in England about
underground in a cave in England about 16 years ago that got me hooked
16 years ago that got me hooked
16 years ago that got me hooked I was absolutely drawn to the
I was absolutely drawn to the
I was absolutely drawn to the environment where there’s no light it’s
environment where there’s no light it’s
environment where there’s no light it’s an alien world and I was fascinated with
an alien world and I was fascinated with
an alien world and I was fascinated with with this space and I I want I wanted to
with this space and I I want I wanted to
with this space and I I want I wanted to take pictures in in the case basically
take pictures in in the case basically
take pictures in in the case basically this was my first case photographs that
this was my first case photographs that
this was my first case photographs that I took 16 years ago when I was studying
I took 16 years ago when I was studying
I took 16 years ago when I was studying fine art at university in Sheffield and
fine art at university in Sheffield and
fine art at university in Sheffield and at the time I wanted to combine my love
at the time I wanted to combine my love
at the time I wanted to combine my love of caves and caving with my passion for
of caves and caving with my passion for
of caves and caving with my passion for art so that’s when I started teaching
art so that’s when I started teaching
art so that’s when I started teaching myself cave photography I would practice
myself cave photography I would practice
myself cave photography I would practice in a local cave called titan’ using
in a local cave called titan’ using
in a local cave called titan’ using these film cameras that I borrowed from
these film cameras that I borrowed from
these film cameras that I borrowed from University I wouldn’t tell them where I
University I wouldn’t tell them where I
University I wouldn’t tell them where I was taking them because I don’t I don’t
was taking them because I don’t I don’t
was taking them because I don’t I don’t think they’d let me take them if they
think they’d let me take them if they
think they’d let me take them if they knew where they were going and then at
knew where they were going and then at
knew where they were going and then at weekends I got involved in a digging
weekends I got involved in a digging
weekends I got involved in a digging project so we we decided to sink a
project so we we decided to sink a
project so we we decided to sink a mineshaft from the surface through solid
mineshaft from the surface through solid
mineshaft from the surface through solid rock and then a tunnel all the way to
rock and then a tunnel all the way to
rock and then a tunnel all the way to Titan then we would drill big holes with
Titan then we would drill big holes with
Titan then we would drill big holes with a compressed-air drill like this one
a compressed-air drill like this one
a compressed-air drill like this one here and then blow up the limestone with
here and then blow up the limestone with
here and then blow up the limestone with explosives and then all the rocks and
explosives and then all the rocks and
explosives and then all the rocks and rubble we had to cast along the tunnel
rubble we had to cast along the tunnel
rubble we had to cast along the tunnel on this railway that we installed and
on this railway that we installed and
on this railway that we installed and then winch it to the surface it took
then winch it to the surface it took
then winch it to the surface it took four years to complete this project
four years to complete this project
four years to complete this project sinking the shaft from the surface
sinking the shaft from the surface
sinking the shaft from the surface making the connection through to Titan
making the connection through to Titan
making the connection through to Titan now at the time like I said using the
now at the time like I said using the
now at the time like I said using the film cameras so I would draw pictures of
film cameras so I would draw pictures of
film cameras so I would draw pictures of how I imagined the photographs to look
how I imagined the photographs to look
how I imagined the photographs to look like you can see the picture on the
like you can see the picture on the
like you can see the picture on the right it’s a bit more technical it’s got
right it’s a bit more technical it’s got
right it’s a bit more technical it’s got the angles of the lenses that I was
the angles of the lenses that I was
the angles of the lenses that I was using and the f-stop and the guide
using and the f-stop and the guide
using and the f-stop and the guide numbers of the lights we were using the
numbers of the lights we were using the
numbers of the lights we were using the distances to the walls how reflective
distances to the walls how reflective
distances to the walls how reflective the surface of the walls were trying to
the surface of the walls were trying to
the surface of the walls were trying to build up the photograph in my mind
you can see here on the left sketch this
you can see here on the left sketch this is in Titan
is in Titan
is in Titan on a Ledge halfway up I wanted to make a
on a Ledge halfway up I wanted to make a
on a Ledge halfway up I wanted to make a picture looking up to the ceiling so I
picture looking up to the ceiling so I
picture looking up to the ceiling so I do the sketch and then we went into the
do the sketch and then we went into the
do the sketch and then we went into the cave and tried to make the photograph
cave and tried to make the photograph
cave and tried to make the photograph real trying get something similar now
real trying get something similar now
real trying get something similar now due to the size and shape of Titan it’s
due to the size and shape of Titan it’s
due to the size and shape of Titan it’s very vertical in nature it’s about 450
very vertical in nature it’s about 450
very vertical in nature it’s about 450 feet tall it’s the largest natural shaft
feet tall it’s the largest natural shaft
feet tall it’s the largest natural shaft in the UK I thought the most impressive
in the UK I thought the most impressive
in the UK I thought the most impressive picture push from the very top looking
picture push from the very top looking
picture push from the very top looking straight down the void all the way down
straight down the void all the way down
straight down the void all the way down to the bottom so we had to climb up into
to the bottom so we had to climb up into
to the bottom so we had to climb up into the roof with all my camera gear and
the roof with all my camera gear and
the roof with all my camera gear and somehow anchor my tripod to the wall
somehow anchor my tripod to the wall
somehow anchor my tripod to the wall with the camera fix alla Deng straight
with the camera fix alla Deng straight
with the camera fix alla Deng straight down and you can see here I had to climb
down and you can see here I had to climb
down and you can see here I had to climb up there using ropes sitting on a seat
up there using ropes sitting on a seat
up there using ropes sitting on a seat that I made I had a walkie talkie radio
that I made I had a walkie talkie radio
that I made I had a walkie talkie radio so I could communicate with all the
so I could communicate with all the
so I could communicate with all the people below me who had flash guns and
people below me who had flash guns and
people below me who had flash guns and at the time I was still using the film
at the time I was still using the film
at the time I was still using the film cameras now although the the pictures
cameras now although the the pictures
cameras now although the the pictures were fairly impressive they were never
were fairly impressive they were never
were fairly impressive they were never exactly why I dreamed about so I was
exactly why I dreamed about so I was
exactly why I dreamed about so I was being hassled and persuaded by my
being hassled and persuaded by my
being hassled and persuaded by my colleagues to get a digital camera so I
colleagues to get a digital camera so I
colleagues to get a digital camera so I eventually after several attempts I
eventually after several attempts I
eventually after several attempts I succumbed and bought my first digital
succumbed and bought my first digital
succumbed and bought my first digital camera which is a Canon EOS 20 D and of
camera which is a Canon EOS 20 D and of
camera which is a Canon EOS 20 D and of course with the luxury has been able to
course with the luxury has been able to
course with the luxury has been able to see the photograph on the back of the
see the photograph on the back of the
see the photograph on the back of the camera we were able to get that
camera we were able to get that
camera we were able to get that photograph that I dreamed about and you
photograph that I dreamed about and you
photograph that I dreamed about and you can see the ropes going all the way down
can see the ropes going all the way down
can see the ropes going all the way down to the caver and in the bottom there and
to the caver and in the bottom there and
to the caver and in the bottom there and there’s still a big void below that
there’s still a big void below that
there’s still a big void below that maybe 200-foot below that black hole and
maybe 200-foot below that black hole and
maybe 200-foot below that black hole and at the top of the picture you can see
at the top of the picture you can see
at the top of the picture you can see the breakthrough window where our
the breakthrough window where our
the breakthrough window where our surface shaft and tunnel which we’ve
surface shaft and tunnel which we’ve
surface shaft and tunnel which we’ve driven through limestone and pop down
driven through limestone and pop down
driven through limestone and pop down now unbeknownst to me at the time this
now unbeknownst to me at the time this
now unbeknownst to me at the time this is my first attempts at documenting your
is my first attempts at documenting your
is my first attempts at documenting your story and although these photographs are
story and although these photographs are
story and although these photographs are like 10 maybe 12 years old now it’s
like 10 maybe 12 years old now it’s
like 10 maybe 12 years old now it’s great with social media and Instagram by
great with social media and Instagram by
great with social media and Instagram by sort of reinventing them almost you get
sort of reinventing them almost you get
sort of reinventing them almost you get you’re bringing them back to life it’s
you’re bringing them back to life it’s
you’re bringing them back to life it’s not like they’re lost in an archive
and for instance and I was also invited
and for instance and I was also invited to take the photographs for a book
to take the photographs for a book
to take the photographs for a book French cave called the goofy burger now
French cave called the goofy burger now
French cave called the goofy burger now at the time when Mount Everest was being
at the time when Mount Everest was being
at the time when Mount Everest was being conquered in 1953 within the same week a
conquered in 1953 within the same week a
conquered in 1953 within the same week a team of French caving of cavers were
team of French caving of cavers were
team of French caving of cavers were exploring the den deepest cave in the
exploring the den deepest cave in the
exploring the den deepest cave in the world called the goofy burger all within
world called the goofy burger all within
world called the goofy burger all within about a week of each other the caves
about a week of each other the caves
about a week of each other the caves about 3,500 foot deep here’s a picture
about 3,500 foot deep here’s a picture
about 3,500 foot deep here’s a picture of our team and you can see how much
of our team and you can see how much
of our team and you can see how much lighting equipment and camera equipment
lighting equipment and camera equipment
lighting equipment and camera equipment we had to take on the ground for a
we had to take on the ground for a
we had to take on the ground for a four-day camp leaving the surface behind
four-day camp leaving the surface behind
four-day camp leaving the surface behind and going on into a cave for many days
and going on into a cave for many days
and going on into a cave for many days is a very strange feeling knowing that
is a very strange feeling knowing that
is a very strange feeling knowing that you’re going to spend all that time away
you’re going to spend all that time away
you’re going to spend all that time away from the Sun it’s a little bit
from the Sun it’s a little bit
from the Sun it’s a little bit depressing I must admit but our journey
depressing I must admit but our journey
depressing I must admit but our journey through the cave was really cool we went
through the cave was really cool we went
through the cave was really cool we went past this first section whether a wooden
past this first section whether a wooden
past this first section whether a wooden platform which the French pioneers used
platform which the French pioneers used
platform which the French pioneers used to haul and lower equipment it was
to haul and lower equipment it was
to haul and lower equipment it was fascinating to see how their experiences
fascinating to see how their experiences
fascinating to see how their experiences of doing exactly what we were doing at
of doing exactly what we were doing at
of doing exactly what we were doing at the time but with like more primitive
the time but with like more primitive
the time but with like more primitive lights to what we use these days it’s
lights to what we use these days it’s
lights to what we use these days it’s also very cold very cold cave this is a
also very cold very cold cave this is a
also very cold very cold cave this is a great technique to stay warm by using
great technique to stay warm by using
great technique to stay warm by using the warmth of the candle once you’ve
the warmth of the candle once you’ve
the warmth of the candle once you’ve negotiated the ancient series of the
negotiated the ancient series of the
negotiated the ancient series of the goofer burger you then pop out into this
goofer burger you then pop out into this
goofer burger you then pop out into this huge trunk passage and you follow it all
huge trunk passage and you follow it all
huge trunk passage and you follow it all the way down passing some iconic
the way down passing some iconic
the way down passing some iconic locations this one’s called late kudu
locations this one’s called late kudu
locations this one’s called late kudu named after one of the original
named after one of the original
named after one of the original explorers in dry weather conditions
explorers in dry weather conditions
explorers in dry weather conditions which light completely disappears and
which light completely disappears and
which light completely disappears and you can just walk through and then the
you can just walk through and then the
you can just walk through and then the most iconic location in the cave is this
most iconic location in the cave is this
most iconic location in the cave is this place called Hall of the 13 named after
place called Hall of the 13 named after
place called Hall of the 13 named after the 13 French explorers it’s also home
the 13 French explorers it’s also home
the 13 French explorers it’s also home to one of the first underground camps
to one of the first underground camps
to one of the first underground camps there are two camps in the cave which
there are two camps in the cave which
there are two camps in the cave which ones the first one and at this point we
ones the first one and at this point we
ones the first one and at this point we make a telephone call basically back up
make a telephone call basically back up
make a telephone call basically back up to the surface to get a weather forecast
to the surface to get a weather forecast
to the surface to get a weather forecast to make sure it’s safe to continue down
to make sure it’s safe to continue down
to make sure it’s safe to continue down into the cave because after the camp the
into the cave because after the camp the
into the cave because after the camp the nature of the cave changes it becomes a
nature of the cave changes it becomes a
nature of the cave changes it becomes a lot wetter this section caller Cascades
lot wetter this section caller Cascades
lot wetter this section caller Cascades and it’s more it’s really important to
and it’s more it’s really important to
and it’s more it’s really important to rig a rope all the way through the
rig a rope all the way through the
rig a rope all the way through the section just in case the water levels
section just in case the water levels
section just in case the water levels rise at this point we’re about 3,000
rise at this point we’re about 3,000
rise at this point we’re about 3,000 feet underground now another location
feet underground now another location
feet underground now another location where there’s an iconic landmarks left
where there’s an iconic landmarks left
where there’s an iconic landmarks left behind by the French pioneers you
behind by the French pioneers you
behind by the French pioneers you imagine carrying that metal pole all the
imagine carrying that metal pole all the
imagine carrying that metal pole all the way down through the entrance series
way down through the entrance series
way down through the entrance series across that Lake to do the Cascades
across that Lake to do the Cascades
across that Lake to do the Cascades would have been very challenging in 1953
would have been very challenging in 1953
would have been very challenging in 1953 and they used it to work to gain access
and they used it to work to gain access
and they used it to work to gain access to the far wall of the cave where they
to the far wall of the cave where they
to the far wall of the cave where they could rig a ladder to avoid the
could rig a ladder to avoid the
could rig a ladder to avoid the waterfall below them nowadays we use the
waterfall below them nowadays we use the
waterfall below them nowadays we use the rope again away from the waterfall make
rope again away from the waterfall make
rope again away from the waterfall make them get safe and then finally you reach
them get safe and then finally you reach
them get safe and then finally you reach the bottom of the cave where the water
the bottom of the cave where the water
the bottom of the cave where the water levels are really really high and you’re
levels are really really high and you’re
levels are really really high and you’re forced to swim through the other cave
forced to swim through the other cave
forced to swim through the other cave passage it’s very low and if you haven’t
passage it’s very low and if you haven’t
passage it’s very low and if you haven’t made that telephone call earlier to the
made that telephone call earlier to the
made that telephone call earlier to the surface to get the weather forecast you
surface to get the weather forecast you
surface to get the weather forecast you probably would want to go through this
probably would want to go through this
probably would want to go through this section just in case the water levels
section just in case the water levels
section just in case the water levels did rise and it got sealed off now
did rise and it got sealed off now
did rise and it got sealed off now limestone cave they’re not the only
limestone cave they’re not the only
limestone cave they’re not the only caves out there there are other caves as
caves out there there are other caves as
caves out there there are other caves as well and I really wanted to document
well and I really wanted to document
well and I really wanted to document cave inside glasses because they’re
cave inside glasses because they’re
cave inside glasses because they’re ever-changing and the rhombus threats
ever-changing and the rhombus threats
ever-changing and the rhombus threats and they’re disappearing due to climate
and they’re disappearing due to climate
and they’re disappearing due to climate change
change
change now Dasia cage or mullings
now Dasia cage or mullings
now Dasia cage or mullings as they’re also known are formed when
as they’re also known are formed when
as they’re also known are formed when surface meltwater disappears down in a
surface meltwater disappears down in a
surface meltwater disappears down in a crack through the ice and winds its way
crack through the ice and winds its way
crack through the ice and winds its way all the way down through the glass ear
all the way down through the glass ear
all the way down through the glass ear to the bottom and they can be very
to the bottom and they can be very
to the bottom and they can be very dangerous things to explore during the
dangerous things to explore during the
dangerous things to explore during the day when there’s a lot of meltwater
day when there’s a lot of meltwater
day when there’s a lot of meltwater which is why we tend to explore them at
which is why we tend to explore them at
which is why we tend to explore them at night when hopefully the cold
night when hopefully the cold
night when hopefully the cold temperatures of pro
temperatures of pro
temperatures of pro the water however this doesn’t mean
the water however this doesn’t mean
the water however this doesn’t mean setting an alarm it’s something like 2
setting an alarm it’s something like 2
setting an alarm it’s something like 2 a.m. in the morning and getting up out
a.m. in the morning and getting up out
a.m. in the morning and getting up out of your nice warm sleeping bag and
of your nice warm sleeping bag and
of your nice warm sleeping bag and making some kind of breakfast I’m not
making some kind of breakfast I’m not
making some kind of breakfast I’m not sure if Gareth on the right there in the
sure if Gareth on the right there in the
sure if Gareth on the right there in the red was half asleep when I saw this
red was half asleep when I saw this
red was half asleep when I saw this picture it looks like he’s eating a pan
picture it looks like he’s eating a pan
picture it looks like he’s eating a pan of snow as a poet or plan of porridge
of snow as a poet or plan of porridge
of snow as a poet or plan of porridge knowing Gareth it probably snow and that
knowing Gareth it probably snow and that
knowing Gareth it probably snow and that then we’d hike over the glass here
then we’d hike over the glass here
then we’d hike over the glass here avoiding any crevices that might be on
avoiding any crevices that might be on
avoiding any crevices that might be on the way and trying to find those Mullens
the way and trying to find those Mullens
the way and trying to find those Mullens that we’d made GPS point GPS Waypoint of
that we’d made GPS point GPS Waypoint of
that we’d made GPS point GPS Waypoint of before when we get to the entrance of
before when we get to the entrance of
before when we get to the entrance of the mule in we get out all the equipment
the mule in we get out all the equipment
the mule in we get out all the equipment that were going to use install and ice
that were going to use install and ice
that were going to use install and ice screw into the ice trying to make it so
screw into the ice trying to make it so
screw into the ice trying to make it so that when the Sun comes up in the
that when the Sun comes up in the
that when the Sun comes up in the morning it’s not in direct sunlight so
morning it’s not in direct sunlight so
morning it’s not in direct sunlight so it won’t melt and then rappel over the
it won’t melt and then rappel over the
it won’t melt and then rappel over the edge of the glass here downwards trying
edge of the glass here downwards trying
edge of the glass here downwards trying to rig the ropes away from any gullies
to rig the ropes away from any gullies
to rig the ropes away from any gullies where the surface meltwater might come
where the surface meltwater might come
where the surface meltwater might come in the morning and then once that once
in the morning and then once that once
in the morning and then once that once on the ground and into the glass here
on the ground and into the glass here
on the ground and into the glass here properly most of the Mullens that I’ve
properly most of the Mullens that I’ve
properly most of the Mullens that I’ve explored in the past are very much
explored in the past are very much
explored in the past are very much channeled into the ice like slides a
channeled into the ice like slides a
channeled into the ice like slides a water park and the surface is really
water park and the surface is really
water park and the surface is really hard and really slipping without what we
hard and really slipping without what we
hard and really slipping without what we call crampons which are metal spikes on
call crampons which are metal spikes on
call crampons which are metal spikes on our boots these things would be
our boots these things would be
our boots these things would be impossible to explore and then sometimes
impossible to explore and then sometimes
impossible to explore and then sometimes the glassy earth the moon turns very
the glassy earth the moon turns very
the glassy earth the moon turns very vertical inside the glacier and you’re
vertical inside the glacier and you’re
vertical inside the glacier and you’re forced to rig a rope and an Abbe sail
forced to rig a rope and an Abbe sail
forced to rig a rope and an Abbe sail again rappel down or the times that the
again rappel down or the times that the
again rappel down or the times that the water can carve a more horizontal route
water can carve a more horizontal route
water can carve a more horizontal route through it like a canyon but we would
through it like a canyon but we would
through it like a canyon but we would still rig a rope through just in case
still rig a rope through just in case
still rig a rope through just in case the floor suddenly gives way and like in
the floor suddenly gives way and like in
the floor suddenly gives way and like in the limestone caves the team are really
the limestone caves the team are really
the limestone caves the team are really keen to make a survey of the muling and
keen to make a survey of the muling and
keen to make a survey of the muling and from this they can monitor the changes
from this they can monitor the changes
from this they can monitor the changes in melting and then if we’re lucky we
in melting and then if we’re lucky we
in melting and then if we’re lucky we finally reach the bottom of the glass
finally reach the bottom of the glass
finally reach the bottom of the glass here and we hit bedrock and these
here and we hit bedrock and these
here and we hit bedrock and these passages can be absolutely spectacular
passages can be absolutely spectacular
passages can be absolutely spectacular as you’re walking along on them on the
as you’re walking along on them on the
as you’re walking along on them on the bedrock underneath the glass here and
bedrock underneath the glass here and
bedrock underneath the glass here and the water’s carp is amazing sculpted
the water’s carp is amazing sculpted
the water’s carp is amazing sculpted surface above
now here’s an example of the speed at
now here’s an example of the speed at which these things can change we
which these things can change we
which these things can change we discovered this Mullin in 2012 on an
discovered this Mullin in 2012 on an
discovered this Mullin in 2012 on an expedition to the Goron a glass here in
expedition to the Goron a glass here in
expedition to the Goron a glass here in Switzerland and we named it the Balrog
Switzerland and we named it the Balrog
Switzerland and we named it the Balrog because it creaked and groaned made
because it creaked and groaned made
because it creaked and groaned made these really strange noises and I
these really strange noises and I
these really strange noises and I remember when we were exploring it I
remember when we were exploring it I
remember when we were exploring it I would look up into the ceiling and see
would look up into the ceiling and see
would look up into the ceiling and see TV sized rocks wedged up in the ice half
TV sized rocks wedged up in the ice half
TV sized rocks wedged up in the ice half half out half in thinking to myself I
half out half in thinking to myself I
half out half in thinking to myself I wonder how much protection my little
wonder how much protection my little
wonder how much protection my little thin helmet is going to offer it should
thin helmet is going to offer it should
thin helmet is going to offer it should be one of these things fall out and land
be one of these things fall out and land
be one of these things fall out and land on my head
now that the end of the Balrog the
now that the end of the Balrog the Merlin it ended in this pool of water
Merlin it ended in this pool of water
Merlin it ended in this pool of water and two of the team that we were weird
and two of the team that we were weird
and two of the team that we were weird with cave divers so they explore flooded
with cave divers so they explore flooded
with cave divers so they explore flooded sections of cave passage underwater in
sections of cave passage underwater in
sections of cave passage underwater in the UK and they were really keen to
the UK and they were really keen to
the UK and they were really keen to explore underwater here but they didn’t
explore underwater here but they didn’t
explore underwater here but they didn’t have their diving equipment with them at
have their diving equipment with them at
have their diving equipment with them at the time so we decided that we would
the time so we decided that we would
the time so we decided that we would come back the following year and dive
come back the following year and dive
come back the following year and dive the the pool of water well we came back
the the pool of water well we came back
the the pool of water well we came back the following year and sadly this Merlin
the following year and sadly this Merlin
the following year and sadly this Merlin had completely disappeared melted away
had completely disappeared melted away
had completely disappeared melted away just completely gone so this was
just completely gone so this was
just completely gone so this was basically a one-time only opportunity to
basically a one-time only opportunity to
basically a one-time only opportunity to see this natural wonder after that was
see this natural wonder after that was
see this natural wonder after that was disappeared so after my Mullen and
disappeared so after my Mullen and
disappeared so after my Mullen and glacier cave project my most recent
glacier cave project my most recent
glacier cave project my most recent projects my most recent assignment
projects my most recent assignment
projects my most recent assignment earlier on this year was to explore
earlier on this year was to explore
earlier on this year was to explore caves in the quartzite to peruse the
caves in the quartzite to peruse the
caves in the quartzite to peruse the tabletop Mountains in Venezuela now
tabletop Mountains in Venezuela now
tabletop Mountains in Venezuela now these plateaus are very very isolated
these plateaus are very very isolated
these plateaus are very very isolated and the caves are isolated further so
and the caves are isolated further so
and the caves are isolated further so the team that we always were biologists
the team that we always were biologists
the team that we always were biologists and scientists and they are really keen
and scientists and they are really keen
and scientists and they are really keen to find unique forms of bacteria which
to find unique forms of bacteria which
to find unique forms of bacteria which could well be unique to science
so like I say in the the main the main
so like I say in the the main the main reasons for this XD expedition was to
reasons for this XD expedition was to
reasons for this XD expedition was to help the clinical microbiologist who are
help the clinical microbiologist who are
help the clinical microbiologist who are on the team who studied the micro micro
on the team who studied the micro micro
on the team who studied the micro micro bacterial resistance into antibiotics
bacterial resistance into antibiotics
bacterial resistance into antibiotics and I mess it with this guy dr.
and I mess it with this guy dr.
and I mess it with this guy dr. Francesco cero who was a cave scientist
Francesco cero who was a cave scientist
Francesco cero who was a cave scientist and a cave Explorer an Italian cave
and a cave Explorer an Italian cave
and a cave Explorer an Italian cave Explorer who won the Rolex award 2014
Explorer who won the Rolex award 2014
Explorer who won the Rolex award 2014 Rolex Award for enterprise for his work
Rolex Award for enterprise for his work
Rolex Award for enterprise for his work inside these Venezuelan super ease and
inside these Venezuelan super ease and
inside these Venezuelan super ease and we met up in a village called canaracuni
we met up in a village called canaracuni
we met up in a village called canaracuni which that the foot of sorry sorry our
which that the foot of sorry sorry our
which that the foot of sorry sorry our mats at Bowie these days I always take
mats at Bowie these days I always take
mats at Bowie these days I always take with me a Polaroid camera because
with me a Polaroid camera because
with me a Polaroid camera because they’re a great way to build up
they’re a great way to build up
they’re a great way to build up relationships with the year the local
relationships with the year the local
relationships with the year the local villages and they’re great gift to give
villages and they’re great gift to give
villages and they’re great gift to give to the people the kids love them just
to the people the kids love them just
to the people the kids love them just like I always carry a diary a
like I always carry a diary a
like I always carry a diary a leather-bound diary and from this I’d
leather-bound diary and from this I’d
leather-bound diary and from this I’d writes up the day the daily account of
writes up the day the daily account of
writes up the day the daily account of what we’ve done make sketches of things
what we’ve done make sketches of things
what we’ve done make sketches of things this is a sketch of the OEM tepui
this is a sketch of the OEM tepui
this is a sketch of the OEM tepui and the village of Kovac where we stayed
and the village of Kovac where we stayed
and the village of Kovac where we stayed as well now the surface of the
as well now the surface of the
as well now the surface of the sorry-sorry ommited poo is heavily
sorry-sorry ommited poo is heavily
sorry-sorry ommited poo is heavily vegetated but on the surface there are
vegetated but on the surface there are
vegetated but on the surface there are these big holes are called seamless that
these big holes are called seamless that
these big holes are called seamless that basically collapsed cave chambers which
basically collapsed cave chambers which
basically collapsed cave chambers which are now open to the surface and it’s
are now open to the surface and it’s
are now open to the surface and it’s things like there’s these big holes that
things like there’s these big holes that
things like there’s these big holes that attract people like francesco now
attract people like francesco now
attract people like francesco now getting on top of the puri is very
getting on top of the puri is very
getting on top of the puri is very difficult landing a helicopter is
difficult landing a helicopter is
difficult landing a helicopter is virtually impossible so whilst the
virtually impossible so whilst the
virtually impossible so whilst the helicopter hovered for maybe a meter two
helicopter hovered for maybe a meter two
helicopter hovered for maybe a meter two meters off the of the surface of the
meters off the of the surface of the
meters off the of the surface of the floor we had to slowly gently get off
floor we had to slowly gently get off
floor we had to slowly gently get off slide down onto the skids without making
slide down onto the skids without making
slide down onto the skids without making any sudden movements not to distract the
any sudden movements not to distract the
any sudden movements not to distract the pilot too much and slide off onto the
pilot too much and slide off onto the
pilot too much and slide off onto the floor because the rotor blades are so
floor because the rotor blades are so
floor because the rotor blades are so this far away from the trees and then
this far away from the trees and then
this far away from the trees and then watch him turn around and fly off pretty
watch him turn around and fly off pretty
watch him turn around and fly off pretty scary below the trees on sorry-sorry arm
scary below the trees on sorry-sorry arm
scary below the trees on sorry-sorry arm it’s very very sick with the vegetation
it’s very very sick with the vegetation
it’s very very sick with the vegetation but on the other Tipperary that we
but on the other Tipperary that we
but on the other Tipperary that we explored how we answered period is
explored how we answered period is
explored how we answered period is hardly any vegetation it’s very
hardly any vegetation it’s very
hardly any vegetation it’s very from the wildlife on top of these two
from the wildlife on top of these two
from the wildlife on top of these two periods fascinating you’ve got things
periods fascinating you’ve got things
periods fascinating you’ve got things like these are fly catching carnivorous
like these are fly catching carnivorous
like these are fly catching carnivorous plants on the left tree frogs parrots
plants on the left tree frogs parrots
plants on the left tree frogs parrots flying around this expedition was
flying around this expedition was
flying around this expedition was twofold
twofold
twofold there was the micro bio their biological
there was the micro bio their biological
there was the micro bio their biological project going on as well but also second
project going on as well but also second
project going on as well but also second to that was a laser scanning team which
to that was a laser scanning team which
to that was a laser scanning team which had gone into the cave to make a 3d map
had gone into the cave to make a 3d map
had gone into the cave to make a 3d map of the cave and I wanted to hang out
of the cave and I wanted to hang out
of the cave and I wanted to hang out with these guys because they were going
with these guys because they were going
with these guys because they were going to spend 4 consecutive days on the
to spend 4 consecutive days on the
to spend 4 consecutive days on the ground we had two camps one camp in the
ground we had two camps one camp in the
ground we had two camps one camp in the cave and then one camp on the surface
cave and then one camp on the surface
cave and then one camp on the surface not that far away and I took advantage
not that far away and I took advantage
not that far away and I took advantage of the fact that the surface camp was so
of the fact that the surface camp was so
of the fact that the surface camp was so close so I would set my alarm a little
close so I would set my alarm a little
close so I would set my alarm a little bit earlier than these guys get up run
bit earlier than these guys get up run
bit earlier than these guys get up run out onto the surface because on the
out onto the surface because on the
out onto the surface because on the surface they had a cavity air and I had
surface they had a cavity air and I had
surface they had a cavity air and I had a fresh coffee and I’m a big fan of
a fresh coffee and I’m a big fan of
a fresh coffee and I’m a big fan of coffee so these guys just had Nescafe
coffee so these guys just had Nescafe
coffee so these guys just had Nescafe them and then I would get back and these
them and then I would get back and these
them and then I would get back and these guys are waking up like where have you
guys are waking up like where have you
guys are waking up like where have you been I’ve been outside for a coffee but
been I’ve been outside for a coffee but
been I’ve been outside for a coffee but there was a serious point that this is
there was a serious point that this is
there was a serious point that this is where I can relay messages back to the
where I can relay messages back to the
where I can relay messages back to the surface and the surface regime and then
surface and the surface regime and then
surface and the surface regime and then tell them what we were doing me on the
tell them what we were doing me on the
tell them what we were doing me on the day and the naked light tell us what
day and the naked light tell us what
day and the naked light tell us what they were going to do so I was like the
they were going to do so I was like the
they were going to do so I was like the human radio basically these are the
human radio basically these are the
human radio basically these are the laser scanning teams tomorrow on the
laser scanning teams tomorrow on the
laser scanning teams tomorrow on the Left Humberto in the middle and then add
Left Humberto in the middle and then add
Left Humberto in the middle and then add it on the right-hand side
it on the right-hand side
it on the right-hand side and that right photograph it’s a typical
and that right photograph it’s a typical
and that right photograph it’s a typical scene working with the laser scanning
scene working with the laser scanning
scene working with the laser scanning scene because each each scan took about
scene because each each scan took about
scene because each each scan took about three minutes to perform and in that
three minutes to perform and in that
three minutes to perform and in that three minute time we had to run off and
three minute time we had to run off and
three minute time we had to run off and hide in order not to be scanned
hide in order not to be scanned
hide in order not to be scanned otherwise we were going to be fixed
otherwise we were going to be fixed
otherwise we were going to be fixed inside the scan as well whilst the
inside the scan as well whilst the
inside the scan as well whilst the lasers are all firing around so we had
lasers are all firing around so we had
lasers are all firing around so we had to finally little nooks and crannies to
to finally little nooks and crannies to
to finally little nooks and crannies to hide from the scanner now it’s because
hide from the scanner now it’s because
hide from the scanner now it’s because these caves are so remote and so rarely
these caves are so remote and so rarely
these caves are so remote and so rarely visited that it was important to make
visited that it was important to make
visited that it was important to make this accurate map of the cave because
this accurate map of the cave because
this accurate map of the cave because you might never return who knows and at
you might never return who knows and at
you might never return who knows and at this point in the cave and the
this point in the cave and the
this point in the cave and the underground world meets the surface
underground world meets the surface
underground world meets the surface world you basically walk out into one of
world you basically walk out into one of
world you basically walk out into one of those Seamas one of those skylights but
those Seamas one of those skylights but
those Seamas one of those skylights but from below
from below
from below and it’s it’s a strange feeling when you
and it’s it’s a strange feeling when you
and it’s it’s a strange feeling when you spent so long on the ground in total
spent so long on the ground in total
spent so long on the ground in total darkness coming out with something like
darkness coming out with something like
darkness coming out with something like this where there’s vegetation on the
this where there’s vegetation on the
this where there’s vegetation on the rocks and who is flying around above
rocks and who is flying around above
rocks and who is flying around above your head makes you realize how remote
your head makes you realize how remote
your head makes you realize how remote and isolated you are it’s a fascinating
and isolated you are it’s a fascinating
and isolated you are it’s a fascinating place that each time I pass this part of
place that each time I pass this part of
place that each time I pass this part of the cave I was drawn to the shapes and
the cave I was drawn to the shapes and
the cave I was drawn to the shapes and the patterns in the ceiling of the cave
the patterns in the ceiling of the cave
the patterns in the ceiling of the cave passage and I was really keen to take a
passage and I was really keen to take a
passage and I was really keen to take a picture here and finally towards the end
picture here and finally towards the end
picture here and finally towards the end of the trip Francesco and the team they
of the trip Francesco and the team they
of the trip Francesco and the team they helped me make this picture and other
helped me make this picture and other
helped me make this picture and other parts of the cave that’s absolutely
parts of the cave that’s absolutely
parts of the cave that’s absolutely spectacular it’s this kid part of the
spectacular it’s this kid part of the
spectacular it’s this kid part of the cave it’s called thousand column gallery
cave it’s called thousand column gallery
cave it’s called thousand column gallery of his reasons and the laser scanning
of his reasons and the laser scanning
of his reasons and the laser scanning scene spent a long time here working
scene spent a long time here working
scene spent a long time here working their way through the columns making a
their way through the columns making a
their way through the columns making a really accurate map and it gave me a
really accurate map and it gave me a
really accurate map and it gave me a great opportunity to take lots and lots
great opportunity to take lots and lots
great opportunity to take lots and lots of pictures but not always with the
of pictures but not always with the
of pictures but not always with the manpower you need to take these pictures
manpower you need to take these pictures
manpower you need to take these pictures so this is a self-portrait of me running
so this is a self-portrait of me running
so this is a self-portrait of me running through the columns with a derp in the
through the columns with a derp in the
through the columns with a derp in the background another part of the cave
background another part of the cave
background another part of the cave that’s really unusual is this part with
that’s really unusual is this part with
that’s really unusual is this part with the with the lake but what’s spectacular
the with the lake but what’s spectacular
the with the lake but what’s spectacular and unusual about the lake is the fact
and unusual about the lake is the fact
and unusual about the lake is the fact that on part of the surface there’s a
that on part of the surface there’s a
that on part of the surface there’s a skin of bacteria that’s growing on the
skin of bacteria that’s growing on the
skin of bacteria that’s growing on the on the surface and it changes by day to
on the surface and it changes by day to
on the surface and it changes by day to day where it where it is it’s really
day where it where it is it’s really
day where it where it is it’s really unusual from my point of view it was
unusual from my point of view it was
unusual from my point of view it was unusual because it reflected light like
unusual because it reflected light like
unusual because it reflected light like oil does with a really rainbow coloured
oil does with a really rainbow coloured
oil does with a really rainbow coloured pattern to it very strange now Albert
pattern to it very strange now Albert
pattern to it very strange now Albert Einstein said that if you look deeper
Einstein said that if you look deeper
Einstein said that if you look deeper into nature you’ll understand everything
into nature you’ll understand everything
into nature you’ll understand everything better and by looking closer at some of
better and by looking closer at some of
better and by looking closer at some of these caves what exists there I can
these caves what exists there I can
these caves what exists there I can understand what he’s getting at in a way
understand what he’s getting at in a way
understand what he’s getting at in a way like on the Left you’ve got these cool
like on the Left you’ve got these cool
like on the Left you’ve got these cool gypsum formations and on the right hand
gypsum formations and on the right hand
gypsum formations and on the right hand side the middle photograph that’s a moss
side the middle photograph that’s a moss
side the middle photograph that’s a moss that’s been eaten from the inside out by
that’s been eaten from the inside out by
that’s been eaten from the inside out by bacteria really really unusual
now just like francesco this guy in the
now just like francesco this guy in the blue house am Jawara his name is from
blue house am Jawara his name is from
blue house am Jawara his name is from Saudi Arabia he won the Rolex Award in
Saudi Arabia he won the Rolex Award in
Saudi Arabia he won the Rolex Award in 2014 for his work as a clinical
2014 for his work as a clinical
2014 for his work as a clinical microbiologist and francesco invited him
microbiologist and francesco invited him
microbiologist and francesco invited him to come along and help help help
to come along and help help help
to come along and help help help understand basically what’s going on in
understand basically what’s going on in
understand basically what’s going on in the cage with the bacteria he’s taken
the cage with the bacteria he’s taken
the cage with the bacteria he’s taken some samples back to his University in
some samples back to his University in
some samples back to his University in Queensland in Brisbane where where he’s
Queensland in Brisbane where where he’s
Queensland in Brisbane where where he’s analyzing the bacterium samples
analyzing the bacterium samples
analyzing the bacterium samples meanwhile it also gave Francesco time to
meanwhile it also gave Francesco time to
meanwhile it also gave Francesco time to take some samples again for his work
take some samples again for his work
take some samples again for his work that he’s doing back in Italy and then
that he’s doing back in Italy and then
that he’s doing back in Italy and then on the surface he created like this
on the surface he created like this
on the surface he created like this field laboratory close to one of the
field laboratory close to one of the
field laboratory close to one of the femurs where he started doing the work
femurs where he started doing the work
femurs where he started doing the work finally just before returning home I was
finally just before returning home I was
finally just before returning home I was invited to take a short helicopter ride
invited to take a short helicopter ride
invited to take a short helicopter ride onto another tip hue and explore another
onto another tip hue and explore another
onto another tip hue and explore another case called Cueva Fantasma i didn’t
case called Cueva Fantasma i didn’t
case called Cueva Fantasma i didn’t really know what we were going to and
really know what we were going to and
really know what we were going to and the journey through the gorge in the
the journey through the gorge in the
the journey through the gorge in the helicopter was absolutely fascinating
helicopter was absolutely fascinating
helicopter was absolutely fascinating the rotor blades wherever’s are close to
the rotor blades wherever’s are close to
the rotor blades wherever’s are close to the cliffs and in the distance I could
the cliffs and in the distance I could
the cliffs and in the distance I could see that the gorge ended I didn’t know
see that the gorge ended I didn’t know
see that the gorge ended I didn’t know where we’re going like I say and we got
where we’re going like I say and we got
where we’re going like I say and we got closer and closer to the end and the
closer and closer to the end and the
closer and closer to the end and the cliffs got closer to the rotor blades
cliffs got closer to the rotor blades
cliffs got closer to the rotor blades and just when I thought we were going to
and just when I thought we were going to
and just when I thought we were going to like a crash or something the pilot
like a crash or something the pilot
like a crash or something the pilot turned right and entered this huge cave
turned right and entered this huge cave
turned right and entered this huge cave entrance I don’t know if you guys can
entrance I don’t know if you guys can
entrance I don’t know if you guys can see the helicopter parked up on the
see the helicopter parked up on the
see the helicopter parked up on the floor there I mean I don’t know how high
floor there I mean I don’t know how high
floor there I mean I don’t know how high it is it absolutely gianormous but it
it is it absolutely gianormous but it
it is it absolutely gianormous but it was really spectacular to spend some
was really spectacular to spend some
was really spectacular to spend some time here now visiting the superiors in
time here now visiting the superiors in
time here now visiting the superiors in Venezuela and standing on top of one was
Venezuela and standing on top of one was
Venezuela and standing on top of one was an absolute privilege and exploring the
an absolute privilege and exploring the
an absolute privilege and exploring the caves and getting the opportunity to
caves and getting the opportunity to
caves and getting the opportunity to photograph them like we did was a dream
photograph them like we did was a dream
photograph them like we did was a dream come true Arthur Conan Doyle wrote about
come true Arthur Conan Doyle wrote about
come true Arthur Conan Doyle wrote about the lost world on top of its operations
the lost world on top of its operations
the lost world on top of its operations wonder what it would have made of the
wonder what it would have made of the
wonder what it would have made of the caves and finally these photographs they
caves and finally these photographs they
caves and finally these photographs they don’t take themselves and they involve a
don’t take themselves and they involve a
don’t take themselves and they involve a lot of help from many many people to
lot of help from many many people to
lot of help from many many people to bring in all the lighting equipment and
bring in all the lighting equipment and
bring in all the lighting equipment and I’ve got a page on my website that lists
I’ve got a page on my website that lists
I’ve got a page on my website that lists all the people who’s ever helped me so I
all the people who’s ever helped me so I
all the people who’s ever helped me so I just like to take this opportunity to
just like to take this opportunity to
just like to take this opportunity to thank all those people and my girlfriend
thank all those people and my girlfriend
thank all those people and my girlfriend and I prepared this presentation for you
and I prepared this presentation for you
and I prepared this presentation for you because she’s in a case I insisted
because she’s in a case I insisted
because she’s in a case I insisted as well and also a National Geographic
as well and also a National Geographic
as well and also a National Geographic grantee and I hope with the presentation
grantee and I hope with the presentation
grantee and I hope with the presentation that we’ve kind of showing you a little
that we’ve kind of showing you a little
that we’ve kind of showing you a little bit about the world on the ground and
bit about the world on the ground and
bit about the world on the ground and try to break down some of those borders
try to break down some of those borders
try to break down some of those borders remember you don’t have to be a an
remember you don’t have to be a an
remember you don’t have to be a an astronaut or a deep-sea diver to
astronaut or a deep-sea diver to
astronaut or a deep-sea diver to discover something new thank you
discover something new thank you
discover something new thank you [Applause]
”
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