Kija Blue Sinkhole, Kimberley, Western Australia

Richard Harris · 30th July 2006, 02:40

Posted on behalf of Paul Hosie:

Hi There Fellow Explorers !

I am very pleased to provide this quick report to let you know that our expedition to Kija Blue was highly successful with all dives being conducted safely and effectively. Better news still, there is more exploration and leads to pursue in this incredibly beautiful, deep and remote cave diving site in Australia's North West, or Kimberley region.

The team spent ten days on site and explored the underwater perimeter of the sinkhole to a depth of over 110m, making this Australia's second deepest cave diving site after The Shaft at Mt Gambier (126m). There are leads at the deepest level of Kija Blue which may yet see this being the deepest Australian cave diving site. Tentative plans are already being made for a return trip next year to investigate this!

Being located in a tropical area, the massive rainfall of the 2005/2006 Wet Season had a significant impact on the site, altering the distribution of aquatic plantlife in the lakes as well as the size and shape of floor pits seen at 65m depth in the Colossal Room. The water level was significantly higher than our visit in 2005 and the lake water level was measured to drop
by 30mm every day as it feeds nearby surface springs. A number of aquatic fauna species were collected for identifiaction by the WA Museum, including some unusual, tiny, hermit crab-like creatures.

More than one kilometre of additional passages were surveyed on this trip, with more than 60% of that at depths in excess of 60m. Ken Smith's newly modified Deep Pingers were used to locate accurate surface positions for 13 different survey points, including some as deep as 100m.

It should be noted that the exploration of this deep cave diving site would not have been possible without the use of closed circuit rebreathers. The logistics of transporting the necessary open circuit gas to the sinkhole would have been cost-prohibitive (as it was, the team members laid out at least $3000 each to complete this trip).

The next step is for the map to be compiled from all the survey and pinger data collected. This will be followed by full trip reports and articles for publication. For more information and some photos from this trip, please see www.trimixdivers.com and follow the links to the Kija Blue 2006 Expedition.

Expedition members: Paul Hosie, Ken Smith, Richard (Harry) Harris, John Dalla-Zuanna (JDZ), Craig Challen and Steve James.

Kindest Regards and Safe Diving,

Paul Hosie
Trip Leader
Western Australian Speleological Group
Australian Speleological Federation - Cave Diving Group

jdz · 2nd August 2006, 11:06

Hi guys, a few more photos are up...

http://www.trimixdivers.com/Navigate.do?tableName=caves_galleries&code=kija_bl ue_sinkhole_06

Enjoy, cheers, JDZ

**Steve** · 2nd August 2006, 14:07

We seriously need a gunship photo in the public domain

decoweenie · 2nd August 2006, 14:19

The viz looks amazing...

Pierre Farrugia · 2nd August 2006, 14:49

Quote: (Originally Posted by decoweenie)

The viz looks amazing...

100% true , got in a website of Richard harris and some of the pics as if there is no water...wow

Crazyduck · 2nd August 2006, 16:48

Congrats on all the hard work, and an incredible cavesite.
I have cross posted the information to cavediver.net.
Awesome pictures.
I am looking forward to the maps and statistics.

Andrew

**Steve** · 3rd August 2006, 00:55

Quote: (Originally Posted by Crazyduck)

Congrats on all the hard work, and an incredible cavesite.
I have cross posted the information to cavediver.net.
Awesome pictures.
I am looking forward to the maps and statistics.

Andrew

I'm not sure how widespread tools like Ken Smith's "pingers" are but they are amazing. One can take all the bearing and range inforation in the world whilst surveying a cave but the precision is often wanting due to the challenges of cave diving.

We would survey to a point, place one of Ken's pingers against the ceiling and he was able to determine the surface location. The repetition of this process has built up a great picture.

Ken opted to land survey often instead of diving himself. A very selfless act given the quality of the diving and how hard it is to get to the site.

I'm sure his map will be excellent when he finishes it.

What stats are you after? litres of blood spilt due to the rocks, flies and sand flies killed, time it took me to get out of my swag each morning???

Curt Bowen · 3rd August 2006, 01:32

Man

Makes me want to get back out into the bush and explore!!!!!!!!!!!!

Curt Bowen

Quote: (Originally Posted by Richard Harris)

Posted on behalf of Paul Hosie:

Hi There Fellow Explorers !

I am very pleased to provide this quick report to let you know that our expedition to Kija Blue was highly successful with all dives being conducted safely and effectively. Better news still, there is more exploration and leads to pursue in this incredibly beautiful, deep and remote cave diving site in Australia's North West, or Kimberley region.

The team spent ten days on site and explored the underwater perimeter of the sinkhole to a depth of over 110m, making this Australia's second deepest cave diving site after The Shaft at Mt Gambier (126m). There are leads at the deepest level of Kija Blue which may yet see this being the deepest Australian cave diving site. Tentative plans are already being made for a return trip next year to investigate this!

Being located in a tropical area, the massive rainfall of the 2005/2006 Wet Season had a significant impact on the site, altering the distribution of aquatic plantlife in the lakes as well as the size and shape of floor pits seen at 65m depth in the Colossal Room. The water level was significantly higher than our visit in 2005 and the lake water level was measured to drop
by 30mm every day as it feeds nearby surface springs. A number of aquatic fauna species were collected for identifiaction by the WA Museum, including some unusual, tiny, hermit crab-like creatures.

More than one kilometre of additional passages were surveyed on this trip, with more than 60% of that at depths in excess of 60m. Ken Smith's newly modified Deep Pingers were used to locate accurate surface positions for 13 different survey points, including some as deep as 100m.

It should be noted that the exploration of this deep cave diving site would not have been possible without the use of closed circuit rebreathers. The logistics of transporting the necessary open circuit gas to the sinkhole would have been cost-prohibitive (as it was, the team members laid out at least $3000 each to complete this trip).

The next step is for the map to be compiled from all the survey and pinger data collected. This will be followed by full trip reports and articles for publication. For more information and some photos from this trip, please see www.trimixdivers.com and follow the links to the Kija Blue 2006 Expedition.

Expedition members: Paul Hosie, Ken Smith, Richard (Harry) Harris, John Dalla-Zuanna (JDZ), Craig Challen and Steve James.

Kindest Regards and Safe Diving,

Paul Hosie
Trip Leader
Western Australian Speleological Group
Australian Speleological Federation - Cave Diving Group

DrJM · 3rd August 2006, 07:35

Superb expedition !

Very interesting report, thanks for sharing. If Ken will ever be bored of Australian caves I'll have a dozen of caves in France for him to ping

Congrats to all ... not to dive but to survive in the bush

Jerome

Richard Harris · 7th August 2006, 21:40

Quote: (Originally Posted by DrJM)

Superb expedition !

Very interesting report, thanks for sharing. If Ken will ever be bored of Australian caves I'll have a dozen of caves in France for him to ping

Congrats to all ... not to dive but to survive in the bush

Jerome

Pingo (Ken) goes to Europe quite a bit so I am sure he would love to take you up on your offer, but of course I would need to help carry his bags.

The pic of the chopper with a G of oxygen tied to each skid does look cool Steve! I'll put it up on my site tonight.

Bush survival is all about preparation. We had an Italian master chef with us, but when Ken or I had to cook, well, let's just say we were lucky to survive.

30th July 2006, 02:40	#1 (permalink)
Richard Harris Dr Harry Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss MK 15.X Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Adelaide, South Australia Posts: 123	Kija Blue Sinkhole, Kimberley, Western Australia Posted on behalf of Paul Hosie: Hi There Fellow Explorers ! I am very pleased to provide this quick report to let you know that our expedition to Kija Blue was highly successful with all dives being conducted safely and effectively. Better news still, there is more exploration and leads to pursue in this incredibly beautiful, deep and remote cave diving site in Australia's North West, or Kimberley region. The team spent ten days on site and explored the underwater perimeter of the sinkhole to a depth of over 110m, making this Australia's second deepest cave diving site after The Shaft at Mt Gambier (126m). There are leads at the deepest level of Kija Blue which may yet see this being the deepest Australian cave diving site. Tentative plans are already being made for a return trip next year to investigate this! Being located in a tropical area, the massive rainfall of the 2005/2006 Wet Season had a significant impact on the site, altering the distribution of aquatic plantlife in the lakes as well as the size and shape of floor pits seen at 65m depth in the Colossal Room. The water level was significantly higher than our visit in 2005 and the lake water level was measured to drop by 30mm every day as it feeds nearby surface springs. A number of aquatic fauna species were collected for identifiaction by the WA Museum, including some unusual, tiny, hermit crab-like creatures. More than one kilometre of additional passages were surveyed on this trip, with more than 60% of that at depths in excess of 60m. Ken Smith's newly modified Deep Pingers were used to locate accurate surface positions for 13 different survey points, including some as deep as 100m. It should be noted that the exploration of this deep cave diving site would not have been possible without the use of closed circuit rebreathers. The logistics of transporting the necessary open circuit gas to the sinkhole would have been cost-prohibitive (as it was, the team members laid out at least $3000 each to complete this trip). The next step is for the map to be compiled from all the survey and pinger data collected. This will be followed by full trip reports and articles for publication. For more information and some photos from this trip, please see www.trimixdivers.com and follow the links to the Kija Blue 2006 Expedition. Expedition members: Paul Hosie, Ken Smith, Richard (Harry) Harris, John Dalla-Zuanna (JDZ), Craig Challen and Steve James. Kindest Regards and Safe Diving, Paul Hosie Trip Leader Western Australian Speleological Group Australian Speleological Federation - Cave Diving Group __________________ "Harry" www.divedoc.net
(Offline)

2nd August 2006, 11:06	#2 (permalink)
jdz Prism Cave Diver Current Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Dolphin Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Home Build Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 219	Re: Kija Blue Sinkhole, Kimberley, Western Australia Hi guys, a few more photos are up... http://www.trimixdivers.com/Navigate.do?tableName=caves_galleries&code=kija_bl ue_sinkhole_06 Enjoy, cheers, JDZ
(Offline)

2nd August 2006, 14:07	#3 (permalink)
Steve Ladies bring a plate Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Inspiration Classic Sport Kiss Classic Kiss MK 15.X Home Build Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Perth - Australia Posts: 1,119	Re: Kija Blue Sinkhole, Kimberley, Western Australia We seriously need a gunship photo in the public domain __________________ WARNING: I contain occasional coarse language, extreme sexual references, nudity, and adult themes, which may offend some people - Usually churchy types.
(Online)

2nd August 2006, 14:19	#4 (permalink)
decoweenie Crash Test Dummy Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Cairo Posts: 5,510	Re: Kija Blue Sinkhole, Kimberley, Western Australia The viz looks amazing... __________________ "...after a while you get bored offering advice to a bull that like to keep butting the fence with its head rather than walking through the open gate..." - Rebreather World PM
(Offline)

2nd August 2006, 14:49	#5 (permalink)
Pierre Farrugia Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Malta Posts: 636	Re: Kija Blue Sinkhole, Kimberley, Western Australia Quote: (Originally Posted by decoweenie) The viz looks amazing... 100% true , got in a website of Richard harris and some of the pics as if there is no water...wow __________________ Pierre Farrugia My wife told me " If you don't quit diving I'm going to leave you" My reply " God, I'll miss you" www.atlam.org www.divemed.com
(Offline)

2nd August 2006, 16:48	#6 (permalink)
Crazyduck Underwater Mechanic Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: TEXAS, Dallas/ Ft.Worth Posts: 712	Re: Kija Blue Sinkhole, Kimberley, Western Australia Congrats on all the hard work, and an incredible cavesite. I have cross posted the information to cavediver.net. Awesome pictures. I am looking forward to the maps and statistics. Andrew __________________ Howdy Senor- What’s Happening! Rob Davie April 2005- Presently in a state of transition from Open Circuit to Closed Circuit. "You will not be punished for your anger; you will be punished by it." - Buddha.
(Offline)

3rd August 2006, 00:55	#7 (permalink)
Steve Ladies bring a plate Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Inspiration Classic Sport Kiss Classic Kiss MK 15.X Home Build Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Perth - Australia Posts: 1,119	Re: Kija Blue Sinkhole, Kimberley, Western Australia Quote: (Originally Posted by Crazyduck) Congrats on all the hard work, and an incredible cavesite. I have cross posted the information to cavediver.net. Awesome pictures. I am looking forward to the maps and statistics. Andrew I'm not sure how widespread tools like Ken Smith's "pingers" are but they are amazing. One can take all the bearing and range inforation in the world whilst surveying a cave but the precision is often wanting due to the challenges of cave diving. We would survey to a point, place one of Ken's pingers against the ceiling and he was able to determine the surface location. The repetition of this process has built up a great picture. Ken opted to land survey often instead of diving himself. A very selfless act given the quality of the diving and how hard it is to get to the site. I'm sure his map will be excellent when he finishes it. What stats are you after? litres of blood spilt due to the rocks, flies and sand flies killed, time it took me to get out of my swag each morning??? __________________ WARNING: I contain occasional coarse language, extreme sexual references, nudity, and adult themes, which may offend some people - Usually churchy types.
(Online)

3rd August 2006, 01:32	#8 (permalink)
Curt Bowen RebreatherWorld Sponsor Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Megalodon Sport Kiss Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: USA, Florida Posts: 249	Re: Kija Blue Sinkhole, Kimberley, Western Australia Man Makes me want to get back out into the bush and explore!!!!!!!!!!!! Curt Bowen Quote: (Originally Posted by Richard Harris) Posted on behalf of Paul Hosie: Hi There Fellow Explorers ! I am very pleased to provide this quick report to let you know that our expedition to Kija Blue was highly successful with all dives being conducted safely and effectively. Better news still, there is more exploration and leads to pursue in this incredibly beautiful, deep and remote cave diving site in Australia's North West, or Kimberley region. The team spent ten days on site and explored the underwater perimeter of the sinkhole to a depth of over 110m, making this Australia's second deepest cave diving site after The Shaft at Mt Gambier (126m). There are leads at the deepest level of Kija Blue which may yet see this being the deepest Australian cave diving site. Tentative plans are already being made for a return trip next year to investigate this! Being located in a tropical area, the massive rainfall of the 2005/2006 Wet Season had a significant impact on the site, altering the distribution of aquatic plantlife in the lakes as well as the size and shape of floor pits seen at 65m depth in the Colossal Room. The water level was significantly higher than our visit in 2005 and the lake water level was measured to drop by 30mm every day as it feeds nearby surface springs. A number of aquatic fauna species were collected for identifiaction by the WA Museum, including some unusual, tiny, hermit crab-like creatures. More than one kilometre of additional passages were surveyed on this trip, with more than 60% of that at depths in excess of 60m. Ken Smith's newly modified Deep Pingers were used to locate accurate surface positions for 13 different survey points, including some as deep as 100m. It should be noted that the exploration of this deep cave diving site would not have been possible without the use of closed circuit rebreathers. The logistics of transporting the necessary open circuit gas to the sinkhole would have been cost-prohibitive (as it was, the team members laid out at least $3000 each to complete this trip). The next step is for the map to be compiled from all the survey and pinger data collected. This will be followed by full trip reports and articles for publication. For more information and some photos from this trip, please see www.trimixdivers.com and follow the links to the Kija Blue 2006 Expedition. Expedition members: Paul Hosie, Ken Smith, Richard (Harry) Harris, John Dalla-Zuanna (JDZ), Craig Challen and Steve James. Kindest Regards and Safe Diving, Paul Hosie Trip Leader Western Australian Speleological Group Australian Speleological Federation - Cave Diving Group
(Offline)

3rd August 2006, 07:35	#9 (permalink)
DrJM Deep Cave Explorer Current Rebreather/s: Ouroboros Other Rebreather/s: MK 15.X Join Date: May 2005 Location: France Posts: 344	Re: Kija Blue Sinkhole, Kimberley, Western Australia Superb expedition ! Very interesting report, thanks for sharing. If Ken will ever be bored of Australian caves I'll have a dozen of caves in France for him to ping Congrats to all ... not to dive but to survive in the bush Jerome __________________ www.snoopyloop.com Deep Cave Exploration
(Offline)

7th August 2006, 21:40	#10 (permalink)
Richard Harris Dr Harry Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss MK 15.X Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Adelaide, South Australia Posts: 123	Re: Kija Blue Sinkhole, Kimberley, Western Australia Quote: (Originally Posted by DrJM) Superb expedition ! Very interesting report, thanks for sharing. If Ken will ever be bored of Australian caves I'll have a dozen of caves in France for him to ping Congrats to all ... not to dive but to survive in the bush Jerome Pingo (Ken) goes to Europe quite a bit so I am sure he would love to take you up on your offer, but of course I would need to help carry his bags. The pic of the chopper with a G of oxygen tied to each skid does look cool Steve! I'll put it up on my site tonight. Bush survival is all about preparation. We had an Italian master chef with us, but when Ken or I had to cook, well, let's just say we were lucky to survive. __________________ "Harry" www.divedoc.net
(Offline)

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