Just a short trip report here; the full description (with photos) will serve as the program at the October 25 meeting.
I flew into El Paso and then rode with Karen Willmes and Dave West up to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. I had never spent a week on a caving expedition to a national park, but at least I had met most of the people I would be caving with last year in the Ozarks.
We spent the week in two national park research huts, equipped with kitchens, beds, and swamp coolers. Patti and Scott House from Missouri, together with Ed and Elizabeth Klausner from Iowa, had purchased all the groceries we'd need for the week. We pulled up Saturday evening, and the only vehicle I rode until the next Saturday was an elevator.
The research huts were stationed just above the amphitheatre at the natural cave entrance, the place where the famous bat flights take place each night. The bat flights were incredible to watch, but the National Park Service allows no photos or pictures. One evening we were surveying the amphitheatre late at night after the tourists had gone, and my headlamp pointed up to reveal that the bat flight continues at full strength well after dusk.
Our goal for the week was to work on a new survey of the tourist trails in Carlsbad Caverns in an effort to produce a detailed map for the National Park Service. Dave West's major project for the week was to survey and sketch the Natural Entrance area from the top of the sinkhole past the amphitheatre and down to the pit (Death Gate). I helped Dave some (kept him company and occasionally took survey readings), but we never really found ourselves out of the daylight areas. I did get to use my trig skills in an effort to determine the height of the ledge opposite the amphitheatre (22 feet), and this was added to the cave profile. I also had the opportunity to race up to the entrance when we wanted to survey 400 feet below the entrance and realized that the survey tape had been left up near the amphitheatre shortly before the bat flight.
The cool part about helping Dave in the afternoons was that the light was constantly changing as the sunlight penetrated deeper into the cave entrance and down into the pit. I had varying success with camera shots under these conditions. However, my most interesting pics in the entrance may actually be the video of the cave swallows ascending from the pit.
I also helped Scott House as he sketched Appetite Hill, an enormous breakdown pile with ceilings more than a hundred feet high. As we surveyed the tourist trail portion of this, we had the opportunity to describe what we were doing to the cave visitors. It was fun to speak to people visiting from all over the world, many of them not remembering the cave the same way as it appeared when they were kids.
Ed and Elizabeth started the week surveying the highly decorated Kings Palace tourist section of the cave. I was able to join them and listen to the tour guide's long description of what complete darkness looks like; they must've had the lights out for twenty minutes while the tour guide described the cave. When Ed was busy sketching, Elizabeth and I set up photographic shots of the Queens Chamber and the Papoose Room. Those photos came out very well, blending the commercial lights with Elizabeth's Sten lamp.
By Wednesday Ed and Elizabeth took me to survey the Big Room in Carlsbad Caverns. It was fascinating to step off the tourist trail and poke into the Swiss cheese walls of the Big Room. We had to be so careful on these walks to avoid crunching the cave popcorn that covered the walls, floors, and formations. Fortunately the electric wires for the lighting offered trodden paths. Behind the lighting I spotted cave trays and a cave cone not visible from the tourist trail; I've never seen these formations before. The last survey in the Big Room ended just before we reached the Sword of Damocles. Definitely a fun week of cave survey in a beautiful cave.
Sunday, October 09, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Trip report for Aug 27th
Trip report: 08/27/2011 or how to avoid a hurricane caver style
Type: Edumacatshione'
Location: Grottoes, VA; Grand Caverns
Why: 'cuz a) set this up, b) wanted to avoid storm and chaos with it, c) bored with surface life, d) all of the above
It was one good way to get some practice from an old salt of caving like Bob Thren. He has done some caving and surveying
for sure. Start of trip, Friday. By self, drove up. I got to Grottoes, again by interstates. Out of Wilson, took I95;
transferred over to I64W at exit 79. Drove on to find I81N and made the small jump on that north to find Grottoes. It's
easy for me the half awake zombie revved on caffeine, so I go that route. Got there at 0230 Hrs, the oh being Oh Good god,
it is late as hell! I slept in the car, being that late I was not gonna pitch a tent in a drizzle of rain with
breakfast emminently being set at or near 0800hrs. Nope, just not at all my cup of tea or joe or whatever.
I got up via the usual knock on the window from Bob. I chugged some leftover cold triclosan laced coffee from night before.
Headed over for breakfast at Batterbee's. Found out that they do cook dinner as well for us hungry mud covered lot.
From there, went back to the Grand to begin things. With me being at first the only student, class was almost canned.
Until, Bill Biggers decided that he was not going to do much in the cave so, he did not need as much help as he had. Since,
the regular muscle for trenching and tunneling was MIA due to storm presence, tunneling work would have to wait.
With that and two more students, class got started. Equipment used were compasses and clinometers. Compass had a window on
the side to alot for viewing the reading while staring at the desired target. Nice if you ask me.
Class time was spent at the golf course getting used to fore and back shots. Those are done typically as station 1 to st#2
for the forward. Think reverse for the back, yeah. Simple. For a big room, where to get a good representation, one must
do the splay shot. This is done as one point to many, and no need for back shots which saves time, not for the sketchman.
Ok, this is simply distance to, bearing, vertical angle to, and location in three space in reference to the surroundings.
Distances are taken generally from a tape measure or similar device. This is low tech, low cost, and hey, what can I say..
Electronics cost and die from mud exposure.
See below:
Example: To walls Ceiling Floor
Station Distance Bearing Vertical angle Vertical HT Lft Rght Up Dwn
Null Null or actual Null 3.5' 6.8' 3.6' 3.3'
S-2 5.7' 46/227 -3/+7 5' 4.2' 4.2' 3.3'
The above was ripped from the survey trip into Dante's Inferno. It's been surveyed, but still a good point for practice
in the cave environment. What is better than a cave with well made stairs, paths, and other things to facilitate ease of
travel? It was kinda like the survey teams who resurvey a road for the highway commision, is how I felt. Though, they
generally do not have someone to draw the details of the survey on paper and act as second data logger.
Post surface class, we grouped up geared up and went up. I
went in the traditional fashion of mil-surp and broad beam light. Came in handy for the sketching later in the cave.
Note to those who will want to do this, it is a good idea to have the symbols at hand in one's sketch book. I found my
reference pages useful for the work ahead. Still shoulda put more in, but hey, I'll get it right on the next go.
Sketch work is easy and best done with a keen eye for detail. Basically, you sketch down what and how the passage strikes
you. How it moves in the space ahead. Does it narrow and so on. Even the details of stalactites, and such..Especially those
and other things in the cave like um pits! This work went on for a while. About 1300 to 1550, I think. Then, it was egress.
Once on surface, there was little rain and some wind. Bob, of course, cussed. I found he hates wind with a passion.
Dinner was buffet style at Batterbee's. It was chicken and plenty of fixings for the sides. I ate hardy. Didn't do much
physically, but cave survey will give one an appetite from trying not to freeze to death; caves do have a chill and all, even
if they are dry. Watched the details of the Irene havoc, as they came up on Fox, I think.
Went back to park afterwards, shot more bull over NSS happenings. Found out that conventions are best attended to by those
who plan well and comfortably ahead. If you don't, boy are you in for it! It being anything from high floods washing
your tent and you down stream somewhere..to sudden loss of car, infestations of all kinds, especially from hail, wild animals
and not just those in hardhats.. It being windy and rain, I slept in the car again. and Mistake #2. That I still have
a kink in my neck from.!
Of note for those who may want a go at it..I'll let ya know when I know. I'm on the Baltimore grotto's mail list, now.
So ifn there is interest in doing something like a class on survey as they hold it or helping Bill in Fountain to hear the
occassional "Oh!" just ask me. I should know or be able to find it out for you. As always, food is good to bring, but
a caterer who wants the extra scratch makes for easy packing and loads less hell and hassle! That is for sure!
Update first weekend Oct seems to have activities planned.
Written not transcribed by MG.
Type: Edumacatshione'
Location: Grottoes, VA; Grand Caverns
Why: 'cuz a) set this up, b) wanted to avoid storm and chaos with it, c) bored with surface life, d) all of the above
It was one good way to get some practice from an old salt of caving like Bob Thren. He has done some caving and surveying
for sure. Start of trip, Friday. By self, drove up. I got to Grottoes, again by interstates. Out of Wilson, took I95;
transferred over to I64W at exit 79. Drove on to find I81N and made the small jump on that north to find Grottoes. It's
easy for me the half awake zombie revved on caffeine, so I go that route. Got there at 0230 Hrs, the oh being Oh Good god,
it is late as hell! I slept in the car, being that late I was not gonna pitch a tent in a drizzle of rain with
breakfast emminently being set at or near 0800hrs. Nope, just not at all my cup of tea or joe or whatever.
I got up via the usual knock on the window from Bob. I chugged some leftover cold triclosan laced coffee from night before.
Headed over for breakfast at Batterbee's. Found out that they do cook dinner as well for us hungry mud covered lot.
From there, went back to the Grand to begin things. With me being at first the only student, class was almost canned.
Until, Bill Biggers decided that he was not going to do much in the cave so, he did not need as much help as he had. Since,
the regular muscle for trenching and tunneling was MIA due to storm presence, tunneling work would have to wait.
With that and two more students, class got started. Equipment used were compasses and clinometers. Compass had a window on
the side to alot for viewing the reading while staring at the desired target. Nice if you ask me.
Class time was spent at the golf course getting used to fore and back shots. Those are done typically as station 1 to st#2
for the forward. Think reverse for the back, yeah. Simple. For a big room, where to get a good representation, one must
do the splay shot. This is done as one point to many, and no need for back shots which saves time, not for the sketchman.
Ok, this is simply distance to, bearing, vertical angle to, and location in three space in reference to the surroundings.
Distances are taken generally from a tape measure or similar device. This is low tech, low cost, and hey, what can I say..
Electronics cost and die from mud exposure.
See below:
Example: To walls Ceiling Floor
Station Distance Bearing Vertical angle Vertical HT Lft Rght Up Dwn
S-2 5.7' 46/227 -3/+7 5' 4.2' 4.2' 3.3'
The above was ripped from the survey trip into Dante's Inferno. It's been surveyed, but still a good point for practice
in the cave environment. What is better than a cave with well made stairs, paths, and other things to facilitate ease of
travel? It was kinda like the survey teams who resurvey a road for the highway commision, is how I felt. Though, they
generally do not have someone to draw the details of the survey on paper and act as second data logger.
Post surface class, we grouped up geared up and went up. I
went in the traditional fashion of mil-surp and broad beam light. Came in handy for the sketching later in the cave.
Note to those who will want to do this, it is a good idea to have the symbols at hand in one's sketch book. I found my
reference pages useful for the work ahead. Still shoulda put more in, but hey, I'll get it right on the next go.
Sketch work is easy and best done with a keen eye for detail. Basically, you sketch down what and how the passage strikes
you. How it moves in the space ahead. Does it narrow and so on. Even the details of stalactites, and such..Especially those
and other things in the cave like um pits! This work went on for a while. About 1300 to 1550, I think. Then, it was egress.
Once on surface, there was little rain and some wind. Bob, of course, cussed. I found he hates wind with a passion.
Dinner was buffet style at Batterbee's. It was chicken and plenty of fixings for the sides. I ate hardy. Didn't do much
physically, but cave survey will give one an appetite from trying not to freeze to death; caves do have a chill and all, even
if they are dry. Watched the details of the Irene havoc, as they came up on Fox, I think.
Went back to park afterwards, shot more bull over NSS happenings. Found out that conventions are best attended to by those
who plan well and comfortably ahead. If you don't, boy are you in for it! It being anything from high floods washing
your tent and you down stream somewhere..to sudden loss of car, infestations of all kinds, especially from hail, wild animals
and not just those in hardhats.. It being windy and rain, I slept in the car again. and Mistake #2. That I still have
a kink in my neck from.
Of note for those who may want a go at it..I'll let ya know when I know. I'm on the Baltimore grotto's mail list, now.
So ifn there is interest in doing something like a class on survey as they hold it or helping Bill in Fountain to hear the
occassional "Oh
a caterer who wants the extra scratch makes for easy packing and loads less hell and hassle! That is for sure!
Update first weekend Oct seems to have activities planned.
Written not transcribed by MG.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Nelson Cave and OTR
Ken Walsh, Peter Hertl, and myself (Robert Harris) traveled to Old Timers Reunion (OTR) together over Labor Day weekend. From OTR we chose to make a trip to Nelson Cave, WV because it an only open cave that Ken had not previously been in. Peter and I were not choosey.
Nelson Cave is on beautiful property with a farm and forest. I lost my sunglasses in a stand of spruce trees while looking for the cave entrance. Nelson is an easy cave suitable for beginners and interesting enough for more experienced cavers to take time to look around. The crawls and one small climb were fairly easy on my ACL ligament which is recovering from an operation five months ago. Nelson is mainly linear with little change in elevation, though I did not see the map. There are only two junctions (aside from a small stream-filled branch) so it is easily navigable.
Nearly out of the twilight zone, there is a kink in the progression of the cave which Ken wanted to poke his head into in order to potentially discover a new lead. It proved to be too tight, but we did find two salamanders in this area which we took time to photograph and observe while Pete returned to the entrance to retrieve his camera.
Both salamanders in this area were the same species and It has a very good match to a long-tailed salamander Errycea longicauda.
Ken and I simultaneously explored both branches of the first fork while maintaining a voice connection until we realized that the branches diverge. We decided to progress down Ken's branch on the left side because it was larger and easier. This branch had much more organic material than I am used to seeing in most caves including dark soil, tree bark, and leaves plastered to the four-foot high ceiling from flooding. There was progressively more water and mud in this part of the cave until we came upon the second fork. The smell of rotting leaves was noticeable in this room, but not overly unpleasant. We took the small tunnel to the left which was mostly a belly crawl through mud and over some streams. This looked like it was ending, but in fact went to a squeeze, around a bend, went about 30 feet further, then ended.
Back out at the second fork we then explored the right branch. After a few face crawls in the mud and over streams, Pete decided to leave his pack in a room while we checked a lead that didn't look like it would turn out to be much. Soon we found a larger species of salamander that posed for us in Pete's gloves.
This salamander is possibly a Gyrinophilus subterraneus (which is rare and has only been found in General Davis Cave, Greenbriar County, WV) but more likely a spring salamander Gyrinophilus porphyriticus.
Progressing past this area Pete, as an entomologist, complained a bit as I destroyed a spider's newly built web. It is not normal to see spider webs deep into caves. Right around the corner within about 20 feet was the beautiful surprise back entrance to the cave. We went outside of the cave to explore, but could not tell for sure where we were. There were thorned fruit trees. Later we were told by the land owners that we were on the other side of the mountain and either in or very close to a cemetery, though we did not see any evidence of that. Pete was out of luck without his pack for a water and snack break, but surely we would not have found the back entrance if he had brought it along, Ken reasoned.
Heading back into the cave through this entrance it became apparent to me that it is much better to start at the front entrance as we did. This is because the back entrance requires cavers to soon crawl through low mud filled areas. I like a cave that eases me into the nastiness because it is less noticeable that way.
We made our way back to the first junction where Ken was excited by the amount of air flow on the right side, so we went in. This branch has a soft but firm mud floor on a long crawl that tightens down to a belly crawl. This part made my knee uncomfortable and actually the belly crawl was preferable because it took the pressure off my knee. Towards the end there is a very welcome 12 foot climb (the only climb in the cave) and a breakdown terminus. There is still air flow though a small hole, but it seemed too tight and filled with sharp formations. We spent some time in this room looking closely at the rock strata and discussing how much we did not know about geology.
On the way out, we checked on the first salamander again and Pete tried to fit though the small slot in the kink without avail. Back outside we were greeted by a lot of cows who come to look at us. I pessimistically walked back to a stand of spruce trees to look for my lost sunglasses. I was surprised to immediately find them hanging at eye from a thorny vine.
Back at OTR, Peter competed and won the rope climbing contest for the 5th (?) year in a row. Here he is pulling rope for another competitor.
Ken and I competed in the survey contest. Ken did well earning 5th place, while I landed 8th place out of 18 contestants. Here I am surveying from a patch of poison ivy at the base of a large tree. I did end up getting poison ivy on my ankle.
OTR was a lot of fun with all kinds of interesting things happening, and I would like to see more of our grotto attend in the future. Here is a picture of one of the cavers' stores set up by the vendor OnRope1.
Rob
Disclaimer: The description of the layout of this cave may be subject to error.
Ken Walsh, Peter Hertl, and myself (Robert Harris) traveled to Old Timers Reunion (OTR) together over Labor Day weekend. From OTR we chose to make a trip to Nelson Cave, WV because it an only open cave that Ken had not previously been in. Peter and I were not choosey.
Nelson Cave is on beautiful property with a farm and forest. I lost my sunglasses in a stand of spruce trees while looking for the cave entrance. Nelson is an easy cave suitable for beginners and interesting enough for more experienced cavers to take time to look around. The crawls and one small climb were fairly easy on my ACL ligament which is recovering from an operation five months ago. Nelson is mainly linear with little change in elevation, though I did not see the map. There are only two junctions (aside from a small stream-filled branch) so it is easily navigable.
Nearly out of the twilight zone, there is a kink in the progression of the cave which Ken wanted to poke his head into in order to potentially discover a new lead. It proved to be too tight, but we did find two salamanders in this area which we took time to photograph and observe while Pete returned to the entrance to retrieve his camera.
Both salamanders in this area were the same species and It has a very good match to a long-tailed salamander Errycea longicauda.
Ken and I simultaneously explored both branches of the first fork while maintaining a voice connection until we realized that the branches diverge. We decided to progress down Ken's branch on the left side because it was larger and easier. This branch had much more organic material than I am used to seeing in most caves including dark soil, tree bark, and leaves plastered to the four-foot high ceiling from flooding. There was progressively more water and mud in this part of the cave until we came upon the second fork. The smell of rotting leaves was noticeable in this room, but not overly unpleasant. We took the small tunnel to the left which was mostly a belly crawl through mud and over some streams. This looked like it was ending, but in fact went to a squeeze, around a bend, went about 30 feet further, then ended.
Back out at the second fork we then explored the right branch. After a few face crawls in the mud and over streams, Pete decided to leave his pack in a room while we checked a lead that didn't look like it would turn out to be much. Soon we found a larger species of salamander that posed for us in Pete's gloves.
This salamander is possibly a Gyrinophilus subterraneus (which is rare and has only been found in General Davis Cave, Greenbriar County, WV) but more likely a spring salamander Gyrinophilus porphyriticus.
Progressing past this area Pete, as an entomologist, complained a bit as I destroyed a spider's newly built web. It is not normal to see spider webs deep into caves. Right around the corner within about 20 feet was the beautiful surprise back entrance to the cave. We went outside of the cave to explore, but could not tell for sure where we were. There were thorned fruit trees. Later we were told by the land owners that we were on the other side of the mountain and either in or very close to a cemetery, though we did not see any evidence of that. Pete was out of luck without his pack for a water and snack break, but surely we would not have found the back entrance if he had brought it along, Ken reasoned.
Heading back into the cave through this entrance it became apparent to me that it is much better to start at the front entrance as we did. This is because the back entrance requires cavers to soon crawl through low mud filled areas. I like a cave that eases me into the nastiness because it is less noticeable that way.
We made our way back to the first junction where Ken was excited by the amount of air flow on the right side, so we went in. This branch has a soft but firm mud floor on a long crawl that tightens down to a belly crawl. This part made my knee uncomfortable and actually the belly crawl was preferable because it took the pressure off my knee. Towards the end there is a very welcome 12 foot climb (the only climb in the cave) and a breakdown terminus. There is still air flow though a small hole, but it seemed too tight and filled with sharp formations. We spent some time in this room looking closely at the rock strata and discussing how much we did not know about geology.
On the way out, we checked on the first salamander again and Pete tried to fit though the small slot in the kink without avail. Back outside we were greeted by a lot of cows who come to look at us. I pessimistically walked back to a stand of spruce trees to look for my lost sunglasses. I was surprised to immediately find them hanging at eye from a thorny vine.
Back at OTR, Peter competed and won the rope climbing contest for the 5th (?) year in a row. Here he is pulling rope for another competitor.
Ken and I competed in the survey contest. Ken did well earning 5th place, while I landed 8th place out of 18 contestants. Here I am surveying from a patch of poison ivy at the base of a large tree. I did end up getting poison ivy on my ankle.
OTR was a lot of fun with all kinds of interesting things happening, and I would like to see more of our grotto attend in the future. Here is a picture of one of the cavers' stores set up by the vendor OnRope1.
Rob
Disclaimer: The description of the layout of this cave may be subject to error.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Fountain, Madison and Grand Caves
Fountain, Madison, and Grand Caves
Photography/Sport Trip
Grottoes, VA
August 5-7, 2011
Grotto Members present:
Ken Walsh
T. Robert Harris, PhD
Ava Pope
Matthew Lubin
Mark Daughtridge
Martin Groenewegen
Lisa Foley
Also starring:
Kevin Harbin, guest of T. Robert Harris, PhD
Ericka Hoffmann, former grotto member and photographer extraordinaire
Ken and I were the first grotto members to arrive at the camp site- a lovely ball field in Grand Caverns Park, located in Grottoes, Virginia, just north of Charlottesville. We were greeted by members of the Baltimore Grotto and trip co-coordinators Carol and Craig, long time friends of Ken’s. There was much excitement and anticipation throughout the evening as other grotto members and guests arrived from Chapel Hill/Durham, Charlotte, Washington DC, and Wilson.
Breakfast in the morning was provided by the incomparable Battarbee’s. Serving family-style food on the honor system, the coffee was hot and the biscuits were scrumptious. Truly the perfect breakfast to get us ready for a long day of caving.
Heading back to camp and gearing up, trip photographers Ken and Ericka were delighted to have so many eager and willing helpers to sherpa gear into Fountain Cave. Along the way, we acquired two wayward members of the Baltimore Grotto, whom we successfully reunited with their group. The Baltimore Grotto was there on a dig to reunite Fountain Cave with the neighboring TI-59 Cave. Voice contact has already been made! Mark D. lent a hand digging for a while, and the group uncovered all sorts of artifacts. We noted that while Fountain Cave is beautifully decorated, it has also suffered damage over the years. Currently, it is one of the Virginia Region's annual conservation project caves, and we could see the efforts to fix broken formations.
Then it was picture time! Ken set up the first shot with Ava, in her bright blue cave suit, as his model. As it was the first photography shoot for several folks, who had to be taught to use digital flashes, this took some time. The effort and patience paid off, as the results were amazing. Ken was thrilled to capture his best shot of the trip. Ericka was next to set up a scene using me as a silhouette model. She used a film camera and flashbulbs for her shots, so it was tricky to judge the amount of light. Both photographers observed how much the cave seemed to absorb light, and worked together to make sure the shot came out beautifully. I can add cave model to my resume! Another highlight of the photography session was experimenting with shadows. Ava and I made a convincing stalagmite shadow, and Mark took his rightful place as King for a few shots. Matthew got involved, and the two staged a monster’s attack and subsequent beheading! Next, Rob and Kevin took turns vying for Ava’s affections in the Romeo and Juliet shots on Rapunzel tower, while Martin found himself trapped in a giant spider’s web! Although we had to sign out by 5, Fountain Cave was stunning, and the photographers were able to capture its beauty and magnificence. Everyone had a great time helping out and learning more about caves and cave photography! PICS at http://tritrogs.org/gallery2/v/FountainCave2011/.
Dinner was a team effort, and together we all prepared a fabulous meal of burgers, hotdogs, salad and corn. Martin decided to try cooking a regional weed, Lambs Quarters. He didn’t get sick so it must have been okay. He did, however, manage to slice open his thumb with an oversized camp knife. Always quick to the rescue, Ken fixed Martin up with the help of Mark, who provided the crucial duct tape.
After dinner, we were off to explore Madison Cave. Madison Cave is of incredible historical importance as it is the very first cave surveyed in the New World! Additionally, it was signed by none other than George Washington himself, who had a knack for cave surveying as well as winning wars and founding countries. Thomas Jefferson also took an interest in the cave, and described it in his Notes on the State of Virginia. Published in 1787, the map he drew is the earliest known American cave map. In his own words:
“The entrance of the cave is, in this side, about two thirds of the way up. It extends into the earth about 300 feet, branching into subordinate caverns, sometimes ascending a little, but more generally descending, and at length terminates, in two different places, at basons of water of unknown extent… The vault of this cave is of solid lime-stone, from 20 to 40 or 50 feet high, through which water is continually percolating. This, trickling down the sides of the cave, has incrusted them over in the form of elegant drapery; and dripping from the top of the vault generates on that, and on the base below, stalactites of a conical form, some of which have met and formed massive columns.”
Upon our entry to the cave, the first signature seen is that of James Madison. Not the President James Madison, however, but rather his 3rd cousin and bishop in the Protestant church. Continuing on past Madison and Washington’s signatures, Mark once again got to put his first aide skills to good use. Bob, an older gentleman from the Baltimore Grotto, slipped and cut his arm. The wound was pretty severe, but quick to the rescue, Mark successfully bandaged it up and the group was able to continue enjoying the cave. We came to two narrow passages leading to a lake. The lake never changes levels, not matter how much rain the source may get, and was used during the civil war for saltpeter mining. The lake also features unique and beautiful calcite rafts floating on top.
Although it looks quite shallow, the lake at this point is over 90 feet deep and reaches a depth of over 200 feet. It’s also home to the Madison Cave isopod. Once thought to be unique to Madison Cave and listed as an endangered species, the isopod is now know to live in caves and wells within a 200 mile radius of Grottoes. The species is the only member of its genus and is the only freshwater cirolanid isopod north of Texas.
We were so lucky to be able to tour Madison Cave- despite being the first commercial cave in America, Craig informed us that only 50 or so people had seen the cave in the last 40 years!
The next morning brought about a return trip to Battarbee’s for another delicious breakfast before packing up camp. We were then treated to a behind the scenes tour of Grand Caverns with Craig and Carol. Grand Caverns was discovered in 1804 by Bernard Weyer while trying to retrieve one of his traps. Weyers Cave, as it was then called, opened for tours in 1806, making it the oldest continually operating show cave in the U.S. During the Civil War, the cave was visited by both Confederate and Union soldiers on the same day. There are over 200 verified civil war signatures in the cave. The most famous signature is W W Miles, of the 14th Pennsylvania Calvary, who visited and signed the Caverns on September 26, 1864. The caverns were also visited by troops under General Stonewall Jackson during June 1862, and General Duvall, a Virginian of the 5th New York Volunteer Calvary, in 1864.
In addition to the historical importance, Grand Caverns, a solutional cave, is noted for its rare ‘shield’ formations. The cave boasts over 200 of these unique structures, the most in the eastern United States. The shields are formed when water is forced out of a crack in the cave wall. As the water is forced out of these cracks, the calcite crystallizes and a plate begins to grow. The results are stunning.
Also notable is the cavern’s vertical bedding. The caves of the Shenandoah Valley were formed in mostly horizontal limestone layers. At Grand Caverns the layers of bedding are vertical, not horizontal, turned on end by tectonic forces. The group enjoyed seeing an optical illusion in the white lily room and General Jackson’s horse. In an effort to discover a new cave, I tried to fit down a small passage at the request of our gracious hosts. I was excited to go where no one had gone before! My efforts were unsuccessful though, and I was glad Ken was on hand to rescue me from the hole. The group seemed to enjoy my stalagmite impression. Maybe I’ll be able to give it another try during Heritage Days, an annual festival held in Grottoes every year, culminating with a ball inside the Caverns.
Craig ended the tour by pointing out the bat gates, and explaining they are constructed to let bats in but keep people out. While it was sad to leave such an amazing place, we learned a lot about cave photography, local history and geology. A great time was had by all!!
Photography/Sport Trip
Grottoes, VA
August 5-7, 2011
Grotto Members present:
Ken Walsh
T. Robert Harris, PhD
Ava Pope
Matthew Lubin
Mark Daughtridge
Martin Groenewegen
Lisa Foley
Also starring:
Kevin Harbin, guest of T. Robert Harris, PhD
Ericka Hoffmann, former grotto member and photographer extraordinaire
Ken and I were the first grotto members to arrive at the camp site- a lovely ball field in Grand Caverns Park, located in Grottoes, Virginia, just north of Charlottesville. We were greeted by members of the Baltimore Grotto and trip co-coordinators Carol and Craig, long time friends of Ken’s. There was much excitement and anticipation throughout the evening as other grotto members and guests arrived from Chapel Hill/Durham, Charlotte, Washington DC, and Wilson.
Breakfast in the morning was provided by the incomparable Battarbee’s. Serving family-style food on the honor system, the coffee was hot and the biscuits were scrumptious. Truly the perfect breakfast to get us ready for a long day of caving.
Heading back to camp and gearing up, trip photographers Ken and Ericka were delighted to have so many eager and willing helpers to sherpa gear into Fountain Cave. Along the way, we acquired two wayward members of the Baltimore Grotto, whom we successfully reunited with their group. The Baltimore Grotto was there on a dig to reunite Fountain Cave with the neighboring TI-59 Cave. Voice contact has already been made! Mark D. lent a hand digging for a while, and the group uncovered all sorts of artifacts. We noted that while Fountain Cave is beautifully decorated, it has also suffered damage over the years. Currently, it is one of the Virginia Region's annual conservation project caves, and we could see the efforts to fix broken formations.
Then it was picture time! Ken set up the first shot with Ava, in her bright blue cave suit, as his model. As it was the first photography shoot for several folks, who had to be taught to use digital flashes, this took some time. The effort and patience paid off, as the results were amazing. Ken was thrilled to capture his best shot of the trip. Ericka was next to set up a scene using me as a silhouette model. She used a film camera and flashbulbs for her shots, so it was tricky to judge the amount of light. Both photographers observed how much the cave seemed to absorb light, and worked together to make sure the shot came out beautifully. I can add cave model to my resume! Another highlight of the photography session was experimenting with shadows. Ava and I made a convincing stalagmite shadow, and Mark took his rightful place as King for a few shots. Matthew got involved, and the two staged a monster’s attack and subsequent beheading! Next, Rob and Kevin took turns vying for Ava’s affections in the Romeo and Juliet shots on Rapunzel tower, while Martin found himself trapped in a giant spider’s web! Although we had to sign out by 5, Fountain Cave was stunning, and the photographers were able to capture its beauty and magnificence. Everyone had a great time helping out and learning more about caves and cave photography! PICS at http://tritrogs.org/gallery2/v/FountainCave2011/.
Dinner was a team effort, and together we all prepared a fabulous meal of burgers, hotdogs, salad and corn. Martin decided to try cooking a regional weed, Lambs Quarters. He didn’t get sick so it must have been okay. He did, however, manage to slice open his thumb with an oversized camp knife. Always quick to the rescue, Ken fixed Martin up with the help of Mark, who provided the crucial duct tape.
After dinner, we were off to explore Madison Cave. Madison Cave is of incredible historical importance as it is the very first cave surveyed in the New World! Additionally, it was signed by none other than George Washington himself, who had a knack for cave surveying as well as winning wars and founding countries. Thomas Jefferson also took an interest in the cave, and described it in his Notes on the State of Virginia. Published in 1787, the map he drew is the earliest known American cave map. In his own words:
“The entrance of the cave is, in this side, about two thirds of the way up. It extends into the earth about 300 feet, branching into subordinate caverns, sometimes ascending a little, but more generally descending, and at length terminates, in two different places, at basons of water of unknown extent… The vault of this cave is of solid lime-stone, from 20 to 40 or 50 feet high, through which water is continually percolating. This, trickling down the sides of the cave, has incrusted them over in the form of elegant drapery; and dripping from the top of the vault generates on that, and on the base below, stalactites of a conical form, some of which have met and formed massive columns.”
Upon our entry to the cave, the first signature seen is that of James Madison. Not the President James Madison, however, but rather his 3rd cousin and bishop in the Protestant church. Continuing on past Madison and Washington’s signatures, Mark once again got to put his first aide skills to good use. Bob, an older gentleman from the Baltimore Grotto, slipped and cut his arm. The wound was pretty severe, but quick to the rescue, Mark successfully bandaged it up and the group was able to continue enjoying the cave. We came to two narrow passages leading to a lake. The lake never changes levels, not matter how much rain the source may get, and was used during the civil war for saltpeter mining. The lake also features unique and beautiful calcite rafts floating on top.
Although it looks quite shallow, the lake at this point is over 90 feet deep and reaches a depth of over 200 feet. It’s also home to the Madison Cave isopod. Once thought to be unique to Madison Cave and listed as an endangered species, the isopod is now know to live in caves and wells within a 200 mile radius of Grottoes. The species is the only member of its genus and is the only freshwater cirolanid isopod north of Texas.
We were so lucky to be able to tour Madison Cave- despite being the first commercial cave in America, Craig informed us that only 50 or so people had seen the cave in the last 40 years!
The next morning brought about a return trip to Battarbee’s for another delicious breakfast before packing up camp. We were then treated to a behind the scenes tour of Grand Caverns with Craig and Carol. Grand Caverns was discovered in 1804 by Bernard Weyer while trying to retrieve one of his traps. Weyers Cave, as it was then called, opened for tours in 1806, making it the oldest continually operating show cave in the U.S. During the Civil War, the cave was visited by both Confederate and Union soldiers on the same day. There are over 200 verified civil war signatures in the cave. The most famous signature is W W Miles, of the 14th Pennsylvania Calvary, who visited and signed the Caverns on September 26, 1864. The caverns were also visited by troops under General Stonewall Jackson during June 1862, and General Duvall, a Virginian of the 5th New York Volunteer Calvary, in 1864.
In addition to the historical importance, Grand Caverns, a solutional cave, is noted for its rare ‘shield’ formations. The cave boasts over 200 of these unique structures, the most in the eastern United States. The shields are formed when water is forced out of a crack in the cave wall. As the water is forced out of these cracks, the calcite crystallizes and a plate begins to grow. The results are stunning.
Also notable is the cavern’s vertical bedding. The caves of the Shenandoah Valley were formed in mostly horizontal limestone layers. At Grand Caverns the layers of bedding are vertical, not horizontal, turned on end by tectonic forces. The group enjoyed seeing an optical illusion in the white lily room and General Jackson’s horse. In an effort to discover a new cave, I tried to fit down a small passage at the request of our gracious hosts. I was excited to go where no one had gone before! My efforts were unsuccessful though, and I was glad Ken was on hand to rescue me from the hole. The group seemed to enjoy my stalagmite impression. Maybe I’ll be able to give it another try during Heritage Days, an annual festival held in Grottoes every year, culminating with a ball inside the Caverns.
Craig ended the tour by pointing out the bat gates, and explaining they are constructed to let bats in but keep people out. While it was sad to leave such an amazing place, we learned a lot about cave photography, local history and geology. A great time was had by all!!
Sunday, June 05, 2011
The Bat's Meow
Not often that I'll write a trip report after a sport trip, but the caving crew yesterday made the trip a lot of fun. We left Saturday morning and managed to begin hiking the hill to New River Cave a little after 1 PM. We could've been there earlier if the Chik-Fil-A had been on the right side of the highway.
From the Church Room, Justin and his dimly lit lamp concluded that the path to the Winter Forest Room was a dead end. While he changed batteries, Ava, Martin, and Dave proceeded to the Winter Forest Room. However, Justin, Lauren, and I found only Ava when we arrived. Martin and Dave had chosen to slide down a flowstone slope, so we worked to reconnect with them back through the Church Room.
We alternated leaders through the Big Room, staying near formations at the top. We poked up and down holes until Dave and Justin led us to a climb beside a falling stream. A challenging climb made us head back to an earlier junction, and along the way I was able to watch cavers imitate lizards, frogs, and lemmings. Lauren and Martin led us up from the junction into an area that was close to the Attic Room.
Alternating ceiling heights presented us with great views of formations, and Martin pulled out his camera supplies. Unfortunately he dropped his memory card into the wrong slot, one between the breakdown. Fortunately Ava's slender hands were able to retrieve it. The next climb near the ceiling exposed hundreds of twisting vermiform helictites, and Ava dubbed them "The Broken Fingers." I wonder if the memory card retrieval inspired this moniker.
Climbing back down from this room, Dave dropped his water bag down a pit in an expert effort to lead us down into the Lunch Room. From there he took us on the straightest route down to the stream. Lauren wasn't happy that she had to walk on Justin to make the descent. Ava was less happy because this descent put us on the downstream side of the breakdown, and she hadn't worn kneepads. We squeezed on through the breakdown to the upstream passage.
The remaining standard obstacles gave no one grief except Martin, who had more gear strapped to his back, sides, and front than an astronaut in space. The group proceeded upstream to the Waterfall Room and found it pouring strong.
On the return from the Waterfall to the Lunch Room, I looked hard to connect back up with the China Slide to avoid all the nasty crawls. We instead found another route back to the Lunch Room. I looked around the corner and saw the China Slide I should've known from the start.
Exiting the Big Room required one last slide from everyone. I went first and guided each person's feet down the climb. When Dave was about to come down last, I asked him if the dead bat was still lying on the ledge where he sat. Obviously someone else had sat on the dead bat, and it was funny to see them each checking their butts for bat remains.
As Lauren led us to the entrance, she claimed that she heard a meow and a squeak. Had a bat learned to purr? Some photos are posted at http://tritrogs.org/gallery2/v/NewRiver0611/.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Worley and Hail Mary Caves
The Worley Cave survey began in 2002 but was put on hiatus while the notes spent years in the wilderness as Ranger Joe moved around the Southeast. In 2009 we got the notes and started poking into the cave's smaller leads. They led us to discoveries of a waterfall, an upper level, monorail worms, and some very small places. Last June Dave Duguid, Rob Harris, and Duke Dooley moved some mud and dripping water to find a new section of the cave within sight of the entrance.
On May 14 Dave Duguid, Tanya McLaughlin and I went to Worley Cave, but I set the new section back as our last objective for the day. Dave and I began by completing more of the fill-in sketching that I need done to fill in the map of the monstrous Entrance Room. Next I shoved Dave and Tanya into some breakdown to see if they could make light connections. While I finished my sketching, Dave and his hoe headed for the Sandwich Passage, with Tanya following behind.
Dave hesitated...and then he stopped...face to face with a live raccoon. Dave had cornered the raccoon in a 12-inch high passage just before the raccoon got to a 6-foot drop. Apparently the hoe wasn't intimidating enough to make the raccoon jump, so Dave backed out and called those leads beyond the Sandwich dead for the day.
At that point the survey crew turned to the new section of the cave. Survey into the new section was a little tricky, but the fourth station had us back in standing passage. Dave and Tanya set stations while I sketched, and we turned right at the first junction. Long straight shots of thirty and forty feet awaited us, but the passage heights dropped us back into crawling at times. There were sure signs of raccoon usage in this part of the cave, and monorail worms abounded. Dave's hands got so messy that he dumped his food from the bag into his mouth; at least that was the story he shared when he complained about finding his nuts in his boots.
There is still more survey to be done in the new section of Worley Cave as well as some other leads. We exited the cave and encountered the owner's brother back at the car. He shared an interest in what we had been finding and also shared information about the other caves in the neighborhood. In a search for scrap metal, the cars and appliances have now been removed from Roadside Dump, a former cave entrance very close to the area we had surveyed that day. Maybe we'll connect on a future trip.
On Sunday Tanya led Dave and me to the holes above Copenhavers Cave. Dave discovered that Hail Mary Cave dead-ended after just fifty feet, and we found no other going leads in the hillside.
Dave and I drove up to Crystal Springs Natural Area, the new Wytheville park, in search of possible other caves where the limestone meets the sandstone. Instead we found thick blooming rhododendra before the drive home.
Saturday, April 02, 2011
Lovers Leap, A Vertical Pursuit
The daytime high was 81 degrees when Mike Broome, Lisa Lorenzin, and I made our plans to head for Lovers Leap Cave, but the weekend weather took a turn for the worse. Despite the forecast for ice pellets overnight, we trudged up the hill. I think that Mike and Lisa were glad that I advised them not to wear Wellies as we hiked up. As we climbed the hill, fallen trees pushed us closer to the steep face and prevented us from using the switchbacks we've found necessary. Apparently the hilltop is being cleared of trees. Hopefully it won't result in erosion; it's tough to imagine the hillside being even harder to climb.
Inside the cave Mike climbed toward the ceiling in the main room. He discovered more passage up there that requires survey, and I led him back down to us through a simpler hole in the floor/ceiling.
Then we headed to the pit. Mike and Lisa enthusiastically descended into the slot and admired the white flowstone and draperies choking the sides of the fissure. At the bottom of the 68-foot-deep fissure, they surveyed 35 feet in both directions. One lead got too tight to pursue, but two others will require additional ropes to continue descent. As Lisa ascended the rope, she dropped a mini-mag that Mike was unable to locate. Put together with the 1950's-style flashlight that Dave Duguid found there previously, Lisa dubbed the slot the Flashlight Eating Fissure.
Upon my request, Lisa used her sten light to check out a second slot located below the Echo Bench. She believes it goes pretty deep (based on rocks dropped in), but only the thinnest people would be able to ascend out of there. Mike and Lisa then demonstrated that the Echo Bench also serves as a loveseat (check out http://tritrogs.org/gallery2/v/LoversLeap0311/loversleap0007.JPG.html in the TriTrog photo gallery).
We also surveyed two leads above the cable ladder drop. The first led us to an easy dig over an 8-foot drop, and that remains to be explored. The second lead pinched into fissure at the lowest level, but Mike squeezed along the horizontal. I followed, and we surveyed into a room. Unfortunately a drain pointing back to Lisa gave us the only route out of the room.
Almost 800 feet of survey now, but the plan view isn't very interesting:
The plot below shows a profile of the line plot to show how the fissures cut down through the 35-degree bedding.
We exited the cave to a light rain. I ascended the entrance rope at night with a single jumar, but I slipped and slid the whole way up, loaded down with the weight of my gear. Mike and Lisa had more luck while wearing their full vertical gear. As we crested the top of the hill, snow blew into my face. So much for an early Spring.
Inside the cave Mike climbed toward the ceiling in the main room. He discovered more passage up there that requires survey, and I led him back down to us through a simpler hole in the floor/ceiling.
Then we headed to the pit. Mike and Lisa enthusiastically descended into the slot and admired the white flowstone and draperies choking the sides of the fissure. At the bottom of the 68-foot-deep fissure, they surveyed 35 feet in both directions. One lead got too tight to pursue, but two others will require additional ropes to continue descent. As Lisa ascended the rope, she dropped a mini-mag that Mike was unable to locate. Put together with the 1950's-style flashlight that Dave Duguid found there previously, Lisa dubbed the slot the Flashlight Eating Fissure.
Upon my request, Lisa used her sten light to check out a second slot located below the Echo Bench. She believes it goes pretty deep (based on rocks dropped in), but only the thinnest people would be able to ascend out of there. Mike and Lisa then demonstrated that the Echo Bench also serves as a loveseat (check out http://tritrogs.org/gallery2/v/LoversLeap0311/loversleap0007.JPG.html in the TriTrog photo gallery).
We also surveyed two leads above the cable ladder drop. The first led us to an easy dig over an 8-foot drop, and that remains to be explored. The second lead pinched into fissure at the lowest level, but Mike squeezed along the horizontal. I followed, and we surveyed into a room. Unfortunately a drain pointing back to Lisa gave us the only route out of the room.
Almost 800 feet of survey now, but the plan view isn't very interesting:
The plot below shows a profile of the line plot to show how the fissures cut down through the 35-degree bedding.
We exited the cave to a light rain. I ascended the entrance rope at night with a single jumar, but I slipped and slid the whole way up, loaded down with the weight of my gear. Mike and Lisa had more luck while wearing their full vertical gear. As we crested the top of the hill, snow blew into my face. So much for an early Spring.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Completion of Copenhaver's Cave
Another successful caving trip; I don’t know of many caving trips that can’t be considered a success. A Saturday morning departure from Raleigh/Durham and a quick lunch break at the local Marion barbeque joint landed Lisa, Mike, Ken, and Dave at the cave entrance at 1pm. What cave, Copenhaver’s. Why; the combination of dry conditions and a successful survey in January.
The survey started at station C7 just outside the Zen Garden, surveying would lead us through the Christmas Goose room and into the large room we surveyed into on the last trip. In this room we put the sketcher, Ken, to the test with the longest shot in the cave; it was more than 48ft. The mud floor is deeply carved out as a result of a various streams flowing through. The ceiling has many dramatic height changes; one part of the ceiling as to be more than 50ft. The 50ft location has a narrow stream of water cascading down; would be interesting to see if there is additional cave there, but the height may limit the options.
Those, Lisa and Mike, on instruments were also tested; their test consisted of getting into the lowest and wettest part of the cave. The large room drains into a significantly smaller passage; it is easy to see how the cave could fill with water completely if more water is coming in, than going out.
We exited the cave around 9:30 and found only the Pizza Hut to be open. We ordered a few pizza’s to go along with the fine selection beer Mike and Ken had brought along. We were back at the cave entrance Sunday by 10:30am; the goal was to try and finish the cave survey and do a bit of surface survey looking for any interesting surface features around significant locations in the cave.
Mike and Dave checked out a lead off of C4 while Ken sketched a profile. A short dig off of B13 that Dave and Lisa worked on the day before resulted in a dead end in breakdown. Only thing left to check out was a known passage off of station B2. Here, Ken gave the survey it shortest shot of 1.9ft. Mike worked on a drain at the end of this passage only to conclude it was too narrow to continue.
The cave survey of Copenhaver's is complete; total surveyed distance is 1685ft with a maximum depth of -107ft. Looking at topographic maps it appears the standing water at the end of the drain is at river level.
Lisa and Tanya had interesting news; they had found some encouraging leads on the adjacent hillside after performing the surface survey. Looks like another trip to the property will be a likely event. In addition, the cave could use a clean-up, a nice gesture to the generous land owners; there is some trash inside the cave and a bunch outside the cave.
The survey started at station C7 just outside the Zen Garden, surveying would lead us through the Christmas Goose room and into the large room we surveyed into on the last trip. In this room we put the sketcher, Ken, to the test with the longest shot in the cave; it was more than 48ft. The mud floor is deeply carved out as a result of a various streams flowing through. The ceiling has many dramatic height changes; one part of the ceiling as to be more than 50ft. The 50ft location has a narrow stream of water cascading down; would be interesting to see if there is additional cave there, but the height may limit the options.
Those, Lisa and Mike, on instruments were also tested; their test consisted of getting into the lowest and wettest part of the cave. The large room drains into a significantly smaller passage; it is easy to see how the cave could fill with water completely if more water is coming in, than going out.
We exited the cave around 9:30 and found only the Pizza Hut to be open. We ordered a few pizza’s to go along with the fine selection beer Mike and Ken had brought along. We were back at the cave entrance Sunday by 10:30am; the goal was to try and finish the cave survey and do a bit of surface survey looking for any interesting surface features around significant locations in the cave.
Mike and Dave checked out a lead off of C4 while Ken sketched a profile. A short dig off of B13 that Dave and Lisa worked on the day before resulted in a dead end in breakdown. Only thing left to check out was a known passage off of station B2. Here, Ken gave the survey it shortest shot of 1.9ft. Mike worked on a drain at the end of this passage only to conclude it was too narrow to continue.
The cave survey of Copenhaver's is complete; total surveyed distance is 1685ft with a maximum depth of -107ft. Looking at topographic maps it appears the standing water at the end of the drain is at river level.
Lisa and Tanya had interesting news; they had found some encouraging leads on the adjacent hillside after performing the surface survey. Looks like another trip to the property will be a likely event. In addition, the cave could use a clean-up, a nice gesture to the generous land owners; there is some trash inside the cave and a bunch outside the cave.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Copenhaver survey trip
Despite the weather swings in January, a caving trip had been on the calendar for weeks, surveyors found, a selection of caves to choose from; all that remained was for Mother Nature to cooperate. But Mother Nature was going to keep us guessing, as the weekend drew near it was clear that it would be cold and there would be snow; but how much snow and how cold?
About this time last year the weather forecast predicted blizzard conditions, we collectively canceled and Marion got NO snow. This year, the fellow cavers seemed a bit more impervious to what some would call poor weather; in fact two individuals had their eye set on snow shoeing on Sunday. While weather was mentioned and monitored, the question of whether to call the trip never surfaced in earnest.
The drive was not eventful until passing Mt Airy where the snowflakes were large and plentiful; fortunately it was short lived. However the climb up the mountain on route 77 yielded colder temperatures and more snow but clearly still drivable. The city of Marion had the most snow and the streets were completely covered with snow.
Reviewing the current conditions it was determined that Lover leap traverse to the entrance was a challenge none of us wanted to confront with 6inches of fresh snow, a rapidly declining thermometer, and a rapidly increasing anemometer. Starting a new survey project at Copenhavers was number two on the list.
Being that the cave is only 10minutes from Tanya warm house we suited up there and planned for the option to return to her house in full cave gear. We briefly spoke with the land owner, drove to a spot in the cow field we felt we would not get stuck, hiked to the cave, posed for prosperity, and started caving.
There were six cavers, conveniently making two survey teams. One team (Ken, Matt, and Trina) started their survey at the entrance; the other team (Dave, Mike, and Tanya) started their survey at a short nuisance pit about 100ft inside the cave. Temperature inside the cave was substantially better than outside the cave, but the front was cooler draftier than expected. The first room did have some hibernating bats (I saw about a dozen though there could have been more); they were not there two months earlier.
Based on dinner time conversation, the team Ken was on got the brunt of the cooler temperatures. They started at the drip line and worked into the cave; taking breaks to seek warmer parts of the cave when necessary. They surveyed all passage above the pit, with two exceptions that will probably never be surveyed (unless there are some really tiny volunteers). But the best news was they did connect to the initial survey station of the other team.
The other team surveyed deeper into the earth in search of the rumored underground lake. The passage was littered with material washed into the cave, all the way to the ceiling in most places. After traversing a breakdown room, the day drew to a close; but not before a quick peek at the continuing passage. I think this quick peek sealed out Sunday plans, the cave was still going strong!
The fourteen degrees temperature had most getting out of their coveralls in record time, got to avoid the freezing suit dilemma. Dinner was Italian; the evening entertainment was a lengthy game of Bang. The plan for Sunday was laid out, going back to Copenhavers; more to survey, not hoping from cave to cave given WNS issues, and for some not wanting to be outside in the elements for any lengthy period of time.
Saturday morning it was about eight degrees when Dave, Ken, and Mike hiked toward the cave (Matt and Trina opted for show shoeing). Getting to the last survey station didn’t take long. The survey was much warmer as there was minimal if any air movement.
While surveying we got off the trunk passage into a room and then a smaller side passage but with a good echo. We were soon rewarded with a large sloping room, only to find that this is only a small part of a much larger room. The room was large enough that we did not traverse the entire room. There is known passage out of the room, and hopefully more we just haven’t found it yet.
Due to the time of day we opted to try to connect back into the trunk passage; we eventually found the trunk passage (the faster way out) but was unable to complete the survey loop. That will be the first thing on a subsequent trip, which will lead into a very large room with many possibilities.
A couple of interesting statistics:
- The dip (angle of the cave) in the cave is approximately 30degrees.
- Total length surveyed was 981ft
- Vertical distance is currently at 86ft.
About this time last year the weather forecast predicted blizzard conditions, we collectively canceled and Marion got NO snow. This year, the fellow cavers seemed a bit more impervious to what some would call poor weather; in fact two individuals had their eye set on snow shoeing on Sunday. While weather was mentioned and monitored, the question of whether to call the trip never surfaced in earnest.
The drive was not eventful until passing Mt Airy where the snowflakes were large and plentiful; fortunately it was short lived. However the climb up the mountain on route 77 yielded colder temperatures and more snow but clearly still drivable. The city of Marion had the most snow and the streets were completely covered with snow.
Reviewing the current conditions it was determined that Lover leap traverse to the entrance was a challenge none of us wanted to confront with 6inches of fresh snow, a rapidly declining thermometer, and a rapidly increasing anemometer. Starting a new survey project at Copenhavers was number two on the list.
Being that the cave is only 10minutes from Tanya warm house we suited up there and planned for the option to return to her house in full cave gear. We briefly spoke with the land owner, drove to a spot in the cow field we felt we would not get stuck, hiked to the cave, posed for prosperity, and started caving.
There were six cavers, conveniently making two survey teams. One team (Ken, Matt, and Trina) started their survey at the entrance; the other team (Dave, Mike, and Tanya) started their survey at a short nuisance pit about 100ft inside the cave. Temperature inside the cave was substantially better than outside the cave, but the front was cooler draftier than expected. The first room did have some hibernating bats (I saw about a dozen though there could have been more); they were not there two months earlier.
Based on dinner time conversation, the team Ken was on got the brunt of the cooler temperatures. They started at the drip line and worked into the cave; taking breaks to seek warmer parts of the cave when necessary. They surveyed all passage above the pit, with two exceptions that will probably never be surveyed (unless there are some really tiny volunteers). But the best news was they did connect to the initial survey station of the other team.
The other team surveyed deeper into the earth in search of the rumored underground lake. The passage was littered with material washed into the cave, all the way to the ceiling in most places. After traversing a breakdown room, the day drew to a close; but not before a quick peek at the continuing passage. I think this quick peek sealed out Sunday plans, the cave was still going strong!
The fourteen degrees temperature had most getting out of their coveralls in record time, got to avoid the freezing suit dilemma. Dinner was Italian; the evening entertainment was a lengthy game of Bang. The plan for Sunday was laid out, going back to Copenhavers; more to survey, not hoping from cave to cave given WNS issues, and for some not wanting to be outside in the elements for any lengthy period of time.
Saturday morning it was about eight degrees when Dave, Ken, and Mike hiked toward the cave (Matt and Trina opted for show shoeing). Getting to the last survey station didn’t take long. The survey was much warmer as there was minimal if any air movement.
While surveying we got off the trunk passage into a room and then a smaller side passage but with a good echo. We were soon rewarded with a large sloping room, only to find that this is only a small part of a much larger room. The room was large enough that we did not traverse the entire room. There is known passage out of the room, and hopefully more we just haven’t found it yet.
Due to the time of day we opted to try to connect back into the trunk passage; we eventually found the trunk passage (the faster way out) but was unable to complete the survey loop. That will be the first thing on a subsequent trip, which will lead into a very large room with many possibilities.
A couple of interesting statistics:
- The dip (angle of the cave) in the cave is approximately 30degrees.
- Total length surveyed was 981ft
- Vertical distance is currently at 86ft.
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