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At 10:24 AM 09/24/2000 EDT, ScottBonis@ao*.co* wrote:
>A question,
>Does anyone have any experience with some kind of stakes or other standoffs 
>that might be used?  It would sure help us.
>
>Thanks for your help,        Scott


Scott,

Quite a few of the caves I explore have very few places to rebelay the
line. This makes it necessary to use artificial means to resecure the line
where the cave passage might allow the line to find a trap.
The old standby method of lead weights works well in sections where the
floor ranges from solid, to several inches on silt. However if the silt is
much deeper, the line is sure to become burried for long sections.

If the sediment on the floor is deep enough I will use 1" O.D. PVC pipe
(usually white in color) cut into 15"-18" (longer or shorter if necessary)
sections. Near one end of the length of pipe/tube I will cut a narrow V
shaped notch approx half way though the side. 
The line can be wrapped or looped around the notch for secure attachment to
the spike. The spike is then slid into the sediment floor until either
solid rock or sufficient depth allows the reblay to hold secure.
One may elect to place the spike before doing the line wraps to make
certain the sediment is deep enough to allow its use, but this often
produces more silting assuming if the depth is sufficient.

These spikes also work well as line standoffs in solution tubes, with or
without a sediment floor, and where the line could otherwise be pulled into
a trap. 
To use them in this fashion, simply flex/bow the tube and install it into
an area of the passage (usually the inside area of a sharp turn where the
passage is pinching down) that has scalloped or uncommon features. 
It may be necessary to use two spikes bent in unison or very near each
other to allow better holding force. 
Once in place, the force of the pvc trying to unflex and its positition in
the low passage, often but not always will achieve desirable results.

To transport these spikes, simply use innertube bands to retain them to
your doubles, stages, scooter, etc. 
Pull them out and place as needed.

Regards JD


"SILT HAPPENS"JD   JEFF DISLER
  SAFE CAVING       NSS 26000

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