The young cavers from Rakitovo, members of the Bulgarian Cave Society, held another Sunday expedition in sunny July. This time their appearance was different. They were not at the caves above Rakitovo and visited the area of Tsepina fortress.
The children were extremely inspired by the fact that, besides their regular activities, they would consider the historic fortress, which they knew was of great importance for preserving the Bulgarian culture. Two goals encouraged the young cavers to perform on this sunny day. The first was a rope drill. This is the acquisition of skill in climbing and descending equipment in vertical caves. The children tested their abilities and enriched their experience.
The historic fortress of Tsepina has attracted tourists for many years not only from the country. Coming to look at it, they have wonderful impressions. This was the second target of the young cavers from Rakitovo, who wished to clean two large water storage tanks ( Cisterns ) up to 10 metres (33 ft) deep, built in the Middle Ages. There was waste and remains of wooden boards and beams since the restoration of the fortress. Students who decided to be cave-inspired, challenge themselves to show what they can. For more than two hours, they made efforts to clean the two cisterns at the top of the fortress. Going down to them, they applied a single-cord technique, and the waste is pulled from the bottom of the water facility by a reel and rope.
The participants Margarita Lateva, Ana-Maria Gagova, Dobromira Zareva, Kristian Deliev, Ivaylo Naydov and Georgi Zarev – students from the St. Kliment Ohridski High School in Rakitovo, led by the cavers Stoycho Zarev, were satisfied with another Sunday expedition and promised, that in the future they will continue to perform such publicly beneficial events. Their desire is to be an example of society and their peers.
Author: Peter Gelin
