We filmed a re-creation of the
original discovery of the Bonnechere caves by hauling an inflatable
boat across the ice near the raging river then descending into
the cave itself to navigate its narrow chambers.
In the summer, the cave has the
water pumped out of it, allowing people to walk through it but
in the winter, it's allowed to re-fill with water and is closed
to the public. There were hundreds of bats clinging to the ceiling
and walls of the cave and the temperature inside barely changes
all year round and stays a few degrees above freezing despite
the frigid temperatures outside.
Deep inside the flooded cave.
One concern was the jagged rock
walls of the cave. We were worried that they might shred the small
inflatable boat that we used to navigate the interior of the cave.
Another concern was the temperature of the water. Even though
I was wearing a dry suit, being in cold water for so many hours
is difficult.
One of the icy entrances to
the cave along the riverside.
Outside the cave, the river
rapids were raging.
The view looking out at the
river from the cave entrance.
Ice stalactites mark the cave
opening.
Pulling the inflatable boat
up from the river into the cave.
Filming inside the cave itself
for "Angry Planet" Dry spots were few & far between.
