Frank Addis - An Appreciation of his time in Matienzo

[Juan]

Frank Addis
(1943 – 2025)

An Appreciation of his time in Matienzo

Frank Addis was a foundational figure in the exploration of the Matienzo cave systems, making significant contributions during a golden age of discovery from 1977 through to the mid-1980s. His work in exploration, survey, and particularly cave photography helped establish Matienzo as one of the premier caving areas in northern Spain.

Frank's involvement began in 1977, and he quickly became known for combining exploration with fine photographic documentation. In Torca de Suviejo (1978), he helped photograph over 2 kilometers of passage, with his images later featured in the book Grandes Travesías: 40 Integrales Españoles. His most creative photographic work came in Cueva Hoyuca (1977), where he participated in using a helium-filled weather balloon to illuminate and measure the tall Astradome aven at 101.6 metres high.

Frank made first descents and explorations of numerous significant caves including Torca de Simón at Secadura and Torca de Cillarón (93 metres deep with 50-metre-wide passages). His exploration work in Cueva Hoyuca during 1979-1980 included traversing over 2.2 kilometres of the Trident Series on trips lasting over 16 hours underground.

In 1984, Frank was instrumental in the Torca del Mostajo extensions, helping explore approximately 2 kilometres of new passage in the Golden Void area. He documented remarkable formations including helictites two to three feet long, noting unusual features such as "red crystal sand, like cayenne pepper."

Additionally, he contributed to the exploration and documentation of other major cave systems including Cueva Cefrales, Torca de Coterón and Cueva de Carcavuezo. His detailed logbook notes, mixing technical observations with vivid descriptions, provide valuable records of caves as they were first encountered.

Frank Addis embodied the spirit of the early Matienzo expeditions, when cavers with basic equipment made great discoveries through determination and skill. The Matienzo Caves Project continues today, built on the foundation that Frank and his contemporaries established.

[Juan]

Frank coiling ladder outside the bottom entrance to Cueva de los Cefrales. (Photographer ?)