CUCC Expedition Handbook

Expedition Handbook

First steps

You've never been to expo? This is what you need to know before packing to come:

Kit list - Things to bring on expo.
Needed paperwork - Things to do to join expo.
Join the online groups - Join the expo email list and chat
Travel - Ways of getting to Austria.
Kit labelling - Gear-tape colours in use.
GPS safety - Get GPS tracks of safe paths on your phone before you leave home.
Map app - Offline prospecting website - Get the website with a map on your phone.

Second steps

This is what it's all about:

Introduction to expo - a 40-year institution
Primer - For new expedition members - the caves we are exploring
SRT Rigging - How to bolt and rig caves on expo. Care of ropes between expos.
Surveying - Why and how we survey caves. (important!)
Surveying - beginners guide - Jump to: Beginners guide.

Communication

Need to get in touch with someone during expo? Look here (See "Join the online groups" above for general comms).

Phone numbers and setup - Topcamp and basecamp numbers, adding credit.
RESCUE - How and when to call rescue. (read before you need!)
Cavelink - The VLF radio system that enables communication between topcamp and underground.

Computing and Cave Surveying

This is a scientific expedition - the Austrian government allows us to wander around the plateau in exchange for cave surveys. Learn how to contribute!

How can I contribute? (even when not on expo) - there's lots anyone can help with at any time.
Expo online systems - Overview of expo server capabilites.
Recording new survey or cave - Expo process for what and how to record. (important!)
Uploading photos - More detailed description on photos management.
Phone GPS - How to record the location of the cave you've found.
Logbook - Adding trip notes and cave descriptions.
Using your own laptop - Minimal setup to download and upload stuff.

New Cave - How to Enter the Data - Straight to step #6 of the online cave data-entry process
Trip report status - Missing .svx's, missing tunnel drawings etc.

Plateau bivvy, toilet and first aid info

Things that are likely to be relevant once you have walked up the hill.

FIRST AID - What is kept at top camp at Stone Bridge
Lights charging - Power at topcamp (12V) and at basecamp.
Topcamp 'toilet' (important!)
Painkillers etc. - simple drugs on expo
Bivi Rigging - Bivvi rigging guide for topcamp.
Drill battery charging - How to charge drill batts. (important! you could break them)
Solar Panels - Set-up and put-away info.
Garlic Camp - Garlic Camp tarp rigging guide, plus other info
Camping Underground - Advice on how to set up, use and remove underground camps

Plateau walking and caving info

Things that are likely to be relevant on the plateau, looking for caves and surveying them.

Weather - What to expect at top camp.
Logbook - Adding trip notes and cave descriptions.
Cave locations - How to get GPS locations of paths & caves onto your phone.
Prospecting - first steps - How to check out a possible entrance safely.
Prospecting guide - Maps of known entrances and potential locations of interest.
Web-based prospecting guide - Web-based prospecting guide. (under construction)
Surface landmarks - Finding places on plateau by taking bearings.
Cavelink - Radio system between topcamp and inside a cave.
GPS fix - Finding places on plateau using GPS-magic (old).
Recording newly found caves - What and how to record. (important!)
Cave photography - Very brief photograpy handbook.

Basecamp info

Things that are likely to be relevant at basecamp.

Basecamp - How to basecamp.
Bierbook - Recording beer and expenses at basecamp.
Basecamp computer - What's the setup, how to use it.
Rope history - Rope usage and retirement policy.
Bank of expo - How to use the Bank of Expo.

Planning to next Expo

Expo Planning Guide - How to plan and orgnise expo.
Expo leader checklist - For leaders: check these before you leave UK.
Expo treasurer's guide - For treasurers: tasks, tips, accounting policies.

History

Primer - For new expedition members - the caves we are exploring
Base camps - History of basecamps
Top camps - History of topcamps

Misc

Photography Guide - vital for entrances and documenting caves.
Travelling cavers phrases - Vocabulary in (German, Spanish, French).