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Pillars of Herucles Cave - October 2004



Main : Spelunking : 2004-10 Pillars of Hercules
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Last Saturday, Dad, Suzanne, and I had the privilege of visiting Mt. St. Helen's most decorated lava tube. It is called Pillar's of Hercules Cave. This cave has many lava stalactites and stalagmites, which were formed while the lava was still hot - lava formations don't grow all the time like limestone formations do...read more.

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Gearing up outside the cave. Notice Keith's caving suit. Kim unlocking the gate. A small entrance for such a large and well decorated cave. It makes me wonder how many caves like this are still undiscovered and/or don't even have entrances. The gate is bigger than the entrance, so it had to be brought in piece by piece and welded together. Locking the gate behind us. The key is left in a safe place nearby, known by all the cavers, in case there is an emergency.
Climbing down a short drop near the entrance. The first things to take pictures of are impressive roots. Notice the flagging tape to help people stay away from the fragile areas. One of the pillars the cave was named after. It's so uniform it almost looks like the sides were mirrored from each other. Some red color where the ceiling has collapsed. The beginning of the formations.
Kim in the background taking pictures. Charlie videoing. The longest 'soda straw' on Mt. St. Helens. Mineral pool. Kim and Keith taking pictures.
Watch your head! An attempt at a self portrait.
Suzanne taking a close look. A formation that looks almost like a pinecone. Suzanne
Christmas tree formation. Suzanne taking pictures. Colors where minerals have seeped in. More color and mineral formations.
Sand formations - watch your step. Experimenting with manual flashes and extended exposure settings. We'll have to make a trip just for experimenting with photography. The professional caver relaxing in his underground office. More minerals. Roots.
Bones. Water droplets on a spider web. Climbing out towards the entrance. Charlie unlocking the gate. The cave cap, lock, and key.
Ready to head for the car.

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All photos copyright © 1993-2008 The Farnell Family. All Rights Reserved.
Please contact Matthew Farnell with any comments or problems, or if you would like to purchase or publish a photo.
If you are interested in learning about caves, becoming a responsible caver, and visiting some awesome caves like the ones pictured here, please visit the Oregon Grotto Web Site or join a local grotto near you.



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