Bill Steele explores the unexplored: the vast underground reaches of cave systems snaking underground throughout the world. Join Steele on a journey to the dark depths beneath the earth’s surface and discover the fascinating and unique sights found only there while learning more about caves as an important piece of our planet’s puzzle.
Sistema Huautla was discovered by cavers in the mid-1960s. It is the deepest known cave in the Western Hemisphere, located in the remote Sierra Mazateca mountains of southern Mexico. Steele has been participating in and leading expeditions there since the mid-70s, with a total of 23 expeditions to that cave. He organizes and leads annual expeditions in April, the driest month of the year in that part of Mexico, with as many as 40 participants from six countries.
“Caveman” will speak about the 2018 expedition to Sistema Huautla which included significant discoveries and a surprise flood which trapped a team in a deep underground camp for a week. He will also discuss what it takes to organize an international expedition in modern times including team selection, setting objectives, seeking support, dealing with emergencies as they arise and local public relations, which may include sensitivity regarding indigenous spiritual beliefs.[spacer height=”20px”]
This program is presented in partnership with the Vail Public Library
