thom wrote:Nearing the day. What should I wear when the time comes for the first entry? I may be the first living being to ever enter the space. What an honor! I'm thinking clean, new painter's cover-alls including shoe covers, latex? gloves, dust mask, etc. I don't want to contaminate the space nor bring anything out that needs to stay there. Thanks.
Cave environments, even where no humans have ever been, are not sterile and untouched environments. More often than not, various small animals precede us into these places- bats, raccoons, rats, etc. Not to mention the fact that there is usually airflow through various small vents and connections to the surface. While I appreciate your desire not to introduce any contaminants into the cave, I hardly think such measures as you mentioned are necessary. Generally, cavers wear (depending on how cold and/or wet the cave is) long-sleeved non-cotton clothing, protective gloves (not latex), hiking boots, knee pads, and last but not least a helmet. These clothes are for your comfort and protection. Painter's coveralls are most likely made of cotton, which, if they get wet, will not dry very quickly, and will hold the wetness against your skin. This increases the risk of hypothermia, which is always a concern in caves where the constant temp is below 60°.
My wife the photog would certainly second the notion that you should wear bright-colors, such as red, as I am sure you will want some photos of yourself entering the new cave.
Thanks for keeping us posted; please continue to do so!
Trogman