Entry 002 — Paradise Lost. So Am I.

PALMREACH — FIELD NOTES, ENTRY 002

Swapped the digger for a mining helmet and headed beneath Palmreach. After spending so long rearranging the surface, I thought a change of scenery might do me good.

Packed a pickaxe, a lantern and a map.

Should have packed some additional floor.

A MINOR DISAGREEMENT WITH THE GROUND

The first stretch looked perfectly solid. Respectable stone. Convincing cracks. Exactly the sort of ground you would trust with your entire body weight.

It immediately let me down.

Literally.

One moment I was inspecting the passage. The next, I was enjoying an unexpected tour of the underside.

Climbed back up, dusted myself off and examined the offending patch. From above, it still looked entirely innocent. I admired its commitment to the deception.

I have started testing suspicious sections before stepping on them. Unfortunately, this has made every section suspicious.

Progress is slower, but considerably less vertical.

LET THERE BE LIGHT. A SENSIBLE AMOUNT, PLEASE.

Lighting has presented another small challenge.

One chamber was bright enough to tan in. The next appeared to have misplaced the concept of light.

Adjusted the illumination and stood back to admire the atmosphere. Lovely shadows. Excellent depth. Could no longer see where I had left my feet.

Adjusted it again.

The far wall now looked as though it was being questioned by the authorities.

Somewhere between “romantic cellar” and “second sun” there must be a sensible balance. I intend to find it before I walk into another stalagmite.

The stalagmites have declined to move.

A FAMILIAR LANDMARK

Eventually reached a magnificent circular stone platform, surrounded by jagged rock and passages disappearing into darkness.

Took notes. Checked the map. Chose a route with confidence.

Found a magnificent circular stone platform.

Same one.

Tried a different passage.

The platform was beginning to feel less like a discovery and more like someone waiting for me to admit I needed directions.

I have drawn several helpful arrows on the map. They now disagree with one another.

EVENING REPORT

Between the unreliable footing, temperamental lighting and repeated visits to my new favourite platform, the cave is beginning to develop a character of its own.

There are corners that make you slow down, shadows that leave you wondering what lies beyond, and that great carved circle sitting quietly among the rocks.

For a moment, I put the map away and simply looked around.

Palmreach might look welcoming from the shore, but there is something very different taking shape beneath it.

I have called it Paradise Lost.

The lost part is coming along beautifully.

Supplies consumed: lamp oil, patience and most of my confidence in directions.
Casualties: one pair of trousers and my relationship with solid ground.
Tomorrow’s objective: locate the exit before adding any more entrances.

— TBB