6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding book about a world class cave., August 4, 1999
By A Customer
As a caver, and cave owner, one of my fantasies is to visit Lechuguilla Cave. Since the opportunities to do so are rare, the next best thing is to read this book. It's well-written and a tremendous amount of time and research went into putting the history and stories together. The photos are great too.
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8 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is a fantastic adventure story, a "must read"!, October 24, 1999
You may have heard of Lechuguilla cave. Located in Carlbad Caverns National Park, it is one of the world's most spectacular underground treasures, boasting extensive passages and impressive formations. It has been featured in a National Geographic special, and it received a great deal of national media coverage when an explorer was injured there several years back. While many people have heard of this incredibly beautiful cave, few know the story of its discovery and exploration, and of the intense struggles that ensued as various people vied for control of this underground treasure.
In "Deep Secrets" (Cave Books 1999) Stephen Reams, Lawrence Fish, Paul Burger and Patricia Kambesis give us a true insider's view of the biggest discoveries, the dramatic episodes, and the political battles surrounding Lechuguilla.
The story begins with a small group of Colorado cavers who have a passion for digging open new cave passages. Spurred on by success at home, the group decides to attempt a promising project in the Guadeloupe mountains of New Mexico, at a small, uninteresting cave by the name of Lechuguilla. As we toil with the diggers, the authors paint a picture of the rocky political landscape upon which the entire story takes place. And as the explorers break through into the "find of the century", the political tensions break loose into an all out battle for control of the cave.
As the story unfolds, we are witness to the most sensational discoveries and the thrill of exploration as Lechuguilla becomes longer, deeper and more spectacular. We come to know the explorers themselves, sharing in their triumphs and frustrations. And we hold our breaths in suspense at the dramatic rescue of an injured caver miles underground. All of this is played out on the backdrop of an intense political struggle.
"Deep Secrets" gives us a unique behind the scenes glimpse into the life of a Lechuguilla explorer. The authors have done a wonderful job highlighting the biggest discoveries and most exciting stories, encompassing a cast of over fifty characters, while maintaining a coherent and compelling story line.
Far from being a book just for cave explorers, "Deep Secrets" has universal appeal. This is not a collection of expidition reports, it's a true life story of adventure, drama and intrigue. And wrapped around the amazing discoveries, the stunningly beautiful passages, and the thrill of exploration is the timeless theme of a community torn apart by greed and power struggles, yet united by the need to rescue one of its own.
"Deep Secrets" is thoroughly enjoyable reading for nature aficionados, adventure enthusiasts or anyone who just likes a good story.
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