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The cave was cold and very dank, and in no way amenable. We often had to traverse
many pools and mud flows and the footing was often quite difficult. At point ropes and
walkways had been added to aid the traveler. The party grow quite discontent as the guide
insisted on covering a great distance after fatigue had overcome us. Nearing the
point of unrest within the ranks, the limestone passage opened into a large chamber whose
extent was so great that out light did not reach its walls. We proceeded across the great
floor of this chamber and came upon a wall of basalt. Working our way along this wall
we came to a passage way that had been chiseled through along a fissure. The passage
was the narrowest defile we had yet encountered, and required unpacking all of the
porters and the cows to manage. Beyond this crudely chiseled passage way was a large
chamber carved from the basalt. The working of this stone was of a very high standard
with the wall finished to a fine polish and fitted with sockets to hold touches.
In one corner was corral area for the animals with a fount filled with flowing water.
A second fount was on the opposite wall and this was lined with piles of provisions.
To our initial amazement out guide began to pass out these provisions as he explained
that this would be our first resting place.
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He directed us to a second chamber into
which we could dispose of our waste, but strictly warned us not to wonder beyond as
no one knew the extent of the passageways and the possibilities of disorientation
there in was great. Being in such a great state of exhaustion, none of the party was
tempted to explore further.
fter some unknown hours of rest we were awoken be our guide and porters. They had
already busied themselves with the task of loading the sledges, when to our dismay
we observed that a good portion of our provisions were to be left behind. After some
heated words we came to understand just as we had consumed the provisions that had awaited
us, so to we were to leave provision for a future party. This is a routine to which we
all would become quite familiar in the days to come. Apparently a means of assuring
both adequate quantities and freshness of the food stores along the track. From here
onward the footing was excellent, being primarily of fine stone work as in the floor
of a cathedral. The passageway was typically of nearly six feet in width and often
with a high vaulted ceiling. The stonework showed considerable age and dust away
from the trail made by our path.
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