A new Ontario cave is discovered while stumbling through the woods. Myself Greg W and Mick G were searching a cave rich area West of Toronto this long weekend when we stumbled across this interesting cave. Its always nice to explore a new find but this cave entrance seemed a bit special, the entrance appeared to open into a room sized chamber that was hinting at the passage that may be beyond. After some cave entrance housekeeping our equipment specialist Greg W rigged everything up and our fun began.
After our decent in to The Death Bell as we call it, it became apparent quickly that this cave had been the final resting place for many animals, it would appear that they ended up here in many different ways, some naturally and some not. Beyond the massive pile of bones from various animals there is a side passage that juts off the main bell shaped chamber. This side passage runs around 15 feet and is a comfortable 4 feet high. At the end is a very tight pinch point, with my arm extended with my camera I was able to get a hint of what a possible dig might uncover, ahead is a tight passage with some small formations. There was also a small draft from the passage beyond.
The main chamber is a very nice 15-20 foot diameter bell shape with the entrance at the top. The cable ladder provided easy access, although the climb out is a bit trickier. We gave it the name The Death Bell, it was given after some discussion and relates to the massive bone pile littering the floor of the cave.
A very nice find and directly related to sharing of information between us Ontario cavers. Thanks to everybody involved in the hunt.