SeaCastle Magazine SeacastleMagazine n.2 agosto 2017 | Page 19

IL CAI INFORMA / NEWS FROM ITALIAN ALPINE CLUB S UMMER IS NOT ONLY SEA, is the activity of trekking and speleology the “Subdivision” of CAI in Castellammare del Golfo offers to tourists and locals. A great success is “ A day as a Speleologist”, a guided tour to “Abisso dei Cocci –Ramo dei Laghi” (The Abyss of Pottery – Branch of the lakes), led by expert speleologists guides supplied by specific equipment. The Abyss of Pottery is a natural cave with two entrances at different altitude; it mainly develops horizontally and on different levels, linked by interesting wells until it reaches the maximum depth of about 350 metres. Its morphology presents areas which shows the processes of excavation and concretionary surroundings. You can see little pools full of water and a big room with crystallization of great spectacular effects. On the ground you can see white, pink, yellow ochre and rusty red concretions. PROGRAM Leaving from the centre of Castellammare towards Terme Segestane (Segestan Hot Springs), after about 6 Kilometres, you enter the state property forest on the South-East side of Mount Inici. After a walk of about 800 metres, you leave the cars and go along a natural path. Crossing a little wood of cluster pines, carobs, sumach and maquis, the path goes up along a canyon for about 200 metres. Suddenly you see the entrance of the cave on a wall at about 8 metres above the path. You reach it in complete safe using the stirrups on the wall. After reaching the entrance, through the stirrups and a little inner stair, you go horizontally through tunnels and rooms which lead to the wonderful vision of the pools. The concretions, the hanging stalactites and stalagmites, shining pouring of calcite crystals give the sight a magic and rare natural show. The visit to these wonderful but very delicate surroundings is allowed only to small groups. Technical Data of the external path: Slope metres 210; length 1 Km; walking time 35/40 minutes. Period of permanence in the cave: about 2 hours Total period of the excursion: about 5 hours • To enroll: contact cell. 3497860318 or write a mail to [email protected] • Equipment: for the excursion in the cave it is recommended wearing trekking shoes and comfortable clothes. Safe slingings and helmets are provided by CAI. • Suggestions: It is not advisable for people who suffer of heart disease, pulmonary and respiratory problems which prevent them to walk. S ea C astle M agazine 19