Hidden Earth 2017

Ario: starting to turn the dream into reality

30 minute Lecture|Ms Loveridge Fleur

Abstract

Oxford UCC and more recently the Ario Caves Project have been exploring beneath the high peaks of the Western Massif of the Picos de Europa for over 35 years. While the iconic Xitu was connected to the resurgence in the Cares Gorge in 2010 there remains much to be done to join the dots on the other major systems and hence create one of the world’s deepest. This year the ACP team returned to Sistema Verdelluenga (C4) to attempt to progress those connections both downstream through the sump towards Pozu Jultayu (2/7) and at the upstream climbing leads towards F64. Camp was made upstream in the Sanctuary in a ridiculous but effective teepee style tent from which to tackle both obstacles. This presentation will report on both the new finds from these leads and the show the trailer for the Hot Aches Productions film of the ACP due to be premiered at the Kendal Mountain Film festival this year.