LCDR Ian Campbell makes his way through the Jenolan caves.

Seven uniformed members and one defence civilian from the Office of the Director of Military Prosecutions (ODMP) recently spent a few days in the Jenolan Caves as part of an adventurous training exercise.

The Blue Mountains was turning on its winter best with snow and ice on the roadside on the drive up to the caves.

Many in the group were pleased to discover that once underground the caves are a mild 15-20 degrees centigrade all year round.

The caving expedition commenced with an abseil into the Elder cave system then through a gap (the first of many) which looked barely big enough to fit through the battery pack for the head lamps, let alone a whole person.

The group managed to get to the other side, and with the guides’ able instructions and some contortionist acts, they navigated their way through a number of further tight crevices, twisting tunnels and steep rocky descents.

Everyone was a little surprised to find signatures deep within the cave system, dating back to the 1800’s - it made everyone appreciate the advantages of having battery powered lights, rather than candle power!

The group was relieved to finally emerge into the fading light some hours later, although some may hold the view that the bottom of a cave is a good place for seven lawyers to be!

The exercise was a great success and was an excellent way to celebrate the one year anniversary of the creation of the ODMP.

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