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In July 1995, a small expedition of seven cavers from Lancaster University Speleological Society (LUSS) went out to the Eastern Massif of the Picos de Europa in Northern Spain. Our main objective was to find a middle entrance to the Sima 56 / Cueva del Agua system, allowing practical exploration to resume and, we hope, eventually to connect the two parts of the system. Currently, the distances involved require a weeks rigging simply to reach the limits of exploration and at least one underground camp. The Sima 56 (top) end of the system, is also particularly difficult and dangerous.

	The sight which greeted us, across the valley, upon our arrival. - Pica del Macondiu.
	We had to carry our gear from the landrover track above our campsite. Tony's tent took on a life of it's own...!!!
	We pitched our camp on a sheltered ledge in the side of the valley.....
	.....and were comfortably settled by nightfall.
	Moonrise over La Gobia, above the camp.....
	.....and Macondiu, still impressive in silhouette.
	The next morning we prepared to do battle.....
	.....and headed down the valley to find Cueva del Cuesos (Cheese Cave)
	The entrance to Cueva del Cuesos was located.....
	.....and the rigging team - Derek, Mike and Sean - dispatched down it. Free Snacks were provided by the gnats, if you dared to inhale!

Acknowledgements