SERA / VAR

This year’s spring VAR was combined with the annual SERA event; the event was held in Bristol TN. Since I was leading a tour into Rowland Creek cave, I thought it best for Joe and I to rig the rope and check the lower stream passage depth. The stream passage is affected by precipitation. While in the cave Joe wanted to spend some time exploring the new passage opened up since he’d been here last.

The stream was low, but present. We checked out a few leads throughout the cave; saving the most promising for last. The lead had good potential. And in fact the lead did produce more cave, estimated to be around 200ft worth (a follow-up trip to survey is in order). The passage is rather challenging as there is a tight squeeze followed by an eight-foot drop. The new passage seems to wall out, the only thing left is the pool of water that extends around a corner.

Friday night at camp an unexpected down pour provided some relief from the heat, though added to the humidity. The combination of humidity and people talking into all hours of the night yielded a sleepless night.

Saturday I met up with the crew I was taking to Rowland; four individuals. Joe met his team going to Berry Hill; Joe decided that since he had seen Rowland the day before he would check out another vertical cave in the area.

The tour of Rowland’s went smoothly; a group of five is slow due to the technical challenges presented in the cave. Josh Rubinstien really enjoyed the cave; so much so he volunteered to survey the short, muddy section in the stream passage I have been holding off on doing. Approximately 100ft of cave was added.

Joe said that Berry Hill cave was a great cave; he was however stuck with a large group trying to get through the cave and the vertical challenge at the entrance.

Saturday evening consisted of listening to some music, drinking a few drinks, and generally just milling around. It was surprising to see how quiet our neighbors were; must have been the previous night of partying and today’s caving.

Sunday we drove over to check out Bristol caverns, on someone’s suggestion of a short, easy, guided trip before heading home. However the caverns hadn’t yet opened; in the end we decided to drive home and clean gear during the daylight hours.