Congrats to those involved in merry 'ole England

[Ernie Coffman]

Another big push and look what the found. Great pictures, exciting news and a big congrats to those involved in pushing this major find in a cave that they've caved in since 1951.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... entre.html

[JohnC]

I hadn't noticed this before. Seems it will be one to explore since i live just down the road. Well i'm living in Germany for another year but its where im from! Thanks for the info.

[Ernie Coffman]

Glad you fnally got to read it, John. Where are you in Germany? We're headed that way in April, but next door.

[JohnC]

Over near Dussledorf. Im heading to check out a few of the caves near Iserlohn this weekend.

[Phil Winkler]

John, if you visit Dechenhohle (commercial cave) see if there is a guy there named Elmar Hammerschmitt. I think he is a friend from the mid-70s when I was stationed there in the Army.

[JohnC]

Phil,

Thanks for the advice again i will do. Im in the military myself hence the 3 years in Germany. I plan to head there sometime Saturday and spend most of the day in the area to see whats around.

[Phil Winkler]

As you drive up the valley heading north thru Iserlohn look to your right across the valley to a small mountain which has a huge Iron Cross statue on it commemorating World War I, I think. Under that is Eisernkreuz Hohle which is privately owned by a man living on the main strasse opposite the cave. He invited us to dinner after giving us permission to visit the cave. It does require rappelling, but is well worth a visit.

At dinner he told us that many people sought shelter in the cave during the allied bombing of the Ruhr Valley in WWII. At that point Hal Lloyd who was with us on the trip commented that his father had been a bomber pilot here at that time. A period of embarrassed silence followed that comment. I doubt Hal has changed.