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I am trying to determine some of the changes to LBCC passages the last few years, decided the prior thread about the cave is getting way too long to read through effectively for new information. http://mojaveunderground.com/forum/s...ush-Creek-Cave
Quick summary of what I have for route finding so far in order to simplify future discussions of cave "route" and layout. Mostly describing the highlights because not everyone has seen any sort of map or sketch that includes the long accepted names, and there was some confusion early in prior threads about locations.
Looking downstream from the main riverbed, there is a massive hole in the cliff that the river runs down. This is the main cave, primarily accessed late fall through winter when there is a lower risk of water flow in the narrow cave passages.(Note that there is always a risk, and some preparation and precautions are warranted.) On the right side of the main opening is a large gated opening that is never locked, this has neat ice formations in the winter and in the back is full of logjams that have a couple deep pits under them somewhere.
Heading down the main cave there are some left side passages that lead into maze area, typically log jammed the last few years but a few go through to the Mushroom room, etc. Obvious route continues downstream to the "Window Room" which is unmistakable if there aren't logs or other things jammed in the large arch/window that has eroded through a tight switchback. This is followed by some areas in actual bedrock floor instead of cobbles, and several pools of water. Most notable pools are one I have been calling Spider Monkey pool lately because you can monkey around on the wall and stay dry, almost immediately afterward is the fabled "Corner Pool", which is a deeper plunge pool that if it is full is very difficult to keep your feet dry. Directly downstream below the Corner Pool on the left is a 3' diameter incoming passage from the Entrance Maze/Estuary, may or may not be plugged with logs.
Continuing downstream you pass through "Broadway" which is a very wide room (50-100 feet wide in places) with a solid bedrock floor layer that is easy walking and recognizably different than anything in that area.
Some more smaller passageway, often with logjams and crawling often required. Then you reach a junction coming in on the right. Both directions are about the same size passage currently. This is the junction with the Onyx passage, I'll describe both directions a short distance.
When you are coming down the main passage, if you continue left (actually almost straight ahead) you enter the "Glowing Stream" passage, which typically requires a crawl through a puddle, and may have a large tractor tire still wedged in it. This then leads to the very large "H room" and many different routes deeper in the cave.
From the junction if you go to the right you will be in the "Onyx Passage". This is a long winding passage with typically a lot of crawling. There is one known split off to the left about halfway, but has been jammed for years. Continuing through what is currently the obvious direction leads to some interesting eroded flowstone formations and a very large "Onyx Canyon" passage.
I'll leave the written/mental map at that, because it gets complicated after that.(Ok, even more complicated.) I'll try and get a few pictures or a basic sketch of the most notable landmarks added later.
Quick summary of what I have for route finding so far in order to simplify future discussions of cave "route" and layout. Mostly describing the highlights because not everyone has seen any sort of map or sketch that includes the long accepted names, and there was some confusion early in prior threads about locations.
Looking downstream from the main riverbed, there is a massive hole in the cliff that the river runs down. This is the main cave, primarily accessed late fall through winter when there is a lower risk of water flow in the narrow cave passages.(Note that there is always a risk, and some preparation and precautions are warranted.) On the right side of the main opening is a large gated opening that is never locked, this has neat ice formations in the winter and in the back is full of logjams that have a couple deep pits under them somewhere.
Heading down the main cave there are some left side passages that lead into maze area, typically log jammed the last few years but a few go through to the Mushroom room, etc. Obvious route continues downstream to the "Window Room" which is unmistakable if there aren't logs or other things jammed in the large arch/window that has eroded through a tight switchback. This is followed by some areas in actual bedrock floor instead of cobbles, and several pools of water. Most notable pools are one I have been calling Spider Monkey pool lately because you can monkey around on the wall and stay dry, almost immediately afterward is the fabled "Corner Pool", which is a deeper plunge pool that if it is full is very difficult to keep your feet dry. Directly downstream below the Corner Pool on the left is a 3' diameter incoming passage from the Entrance Maze/Estuary, may or may not be plugged with logs.
Continuing downstream you pass through "Broadway" which is a very wide room (50-100 feet wide in places) with a solid bedrock floor layer that is easy walking and recognizably different than anything in that area.
Some more smaller passageway, often with logjams and crawling often required. Then you reach a junction coming in on the right. Both directions are about the same size passage currently. This is the junction with the Onyx passage, I'll describe both directions a short distance.
When you are coming down the main passage, if you continue left (actually almost straight ahead) you enter the "Glowing Stream" passage, which typically requires a crawl through a puddle, and may have a large tractor tire still wedged in it. This then leads to the very large "H room" and many different routes deeper in the cave.
From the junction if you go to the right you will be in the "Onyx Passage". This is a long winding passage with typically a lot of crawling. There is one known split off to the left about halfway, but has been jammed for years. Continuing through what is currently the obvious direction leads to some interesting eroded flowstone formations and a very large "Onyx Canyon" passage.
I'll leave the written/mental map at that, because it gets complicated after that.(Ok, even more complicated.) I'll try and get a few pictures or a basic sketch of the most notable landmarks added later.
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