A chilling wind whispers secrets from the depths. Before you stands Brezno v Stršinkni dolini a chasm that swallowed explorers’ dreams.
This isn’t just a cave. Brezno v Stršinkni dolini is a testament to human perseverance. It’s a story etched in mud and rock a saga of flooded passages and daring descents. In 1997 after torrential rains the search began. Many air vents were discovered. One sparked intense interest: a vent in Čidarijeva dolina near Orlek. It was excavated to 2.5 meters in 1997.
Mechanical excavation continued in 1998. Progress stalled due to lack of interest manpower and material. Work resumed in 2000. In a month they reached 4 meters. Pinewood secured the walls. By September 2001 they had reached 19 meters. Over 130 cubic meters of material were removed. A small passage led to a narrow 15-meter shaft.
Heavy rains halted work at 34 meters. A draft was detected. Later they realized they’d dug too deep. The draft originated from a narrow passage at 17 meters. A 2-meter passage was dug in October 2001. They reached the top of a 100-meter shaft. The cave continued with 10 to 30-meter shafts reaching 145 meters. No draft was felt at the bottom.
Excavation continued at 70 meters. A narrow passage needed widening. A dry year almost halted research. A wind meter connected to a mobile phone monitored the draft 24/7. After a “dry” spell abundant rain and a strong draft spurred a search. Three possible continuations were found at 140 100 and 70 meters. The draft was accompanied by strong rustling from passages.
A passage to a new shaft was discovered on August 25 2002. Its depth was estimated at least 50 meters. On August 27 2002 luck smiled. New explorations led to a 90-meter shaft. The bottom was covered with rubble seemingly ending the cave. The cave reached 228 meters. Measurements were taken and a cable was installed.
2003 was less windy. Research continued. Passages in the upper chimney were sought. Excavation at 228 meters was considered. Neither yielded results. The first shaft threatened collapse. The entrance shaft was reinforced in late November 2003. Work continued for many Sundays. Reinforcement ended in 2004. The 15-meter entrance shaft was reinforced with concrete.
On December 30 2003 heavy rain increased the Reka river’s flow. A draft was felt. Explorers found that it came from the upper level. There a large hall contained two routes for continuation. One had a draft leading to a passage. A hall with stunning stalactites and formations opened. Another shaft opened beyond. A stone fell…it sounded like a fall of over 100 meters.
On January 4 2004 a work action was organized. One part was the entrance shaft’s reinforcement. The other was exploration of the newly discovered shaft. Its depth was 160 meters. The bottom walls were covered with clay. A draft was always present. The lower part opened into a large muddy hall descending 40 meters. A small amount of water flowed into the hall disappearing under a wall. Layered waste proved the Reka river flooded this area.
A 5-meter wall was climbed. A muddy passage continued. The cave’s bottom reached 280 meters that day. The subterranean Reka river flow was expected at 50 meters below. The rope was too short. January 10 2004 saw the subterranean Reka river flow reached at approximately 340 meters. The muddy passage was 60 meters long. It descended to 317 meters. A large hall opened followed by a final descent to the water flow at 340 meters. The water flow was about 40 meters wide. The hall’s length was unknown due to high water levels. The hall ended with smooth walls reaching the water.
After the excitement of discovering the underground Reka river work continued. In March 2004 the entrance shaft’s reinforcement began. In 13 work actions the entrance shaft was concreted and equipped with ladders. Reinforcement ended June 6 2004. Brezno v Stršinkni dolini continues to amaze and challenge. Its depths hold countless secrets. Its story continues.