Archive | December, 2016

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Scout Trip to Tucks and Lundy’s

Posted on 15 December 2016 by phil

The Florida Speleological Society (FSS) volunteers to take groups underground. We would actually prefer to get a call, coordinate permissions with landowners, find good guides, and  write-up, fill out, and file all paperwork for a group than the group simply going by themselves. This ensures everyone is safe, the landowner knows about the trip, and all bases are covered.

The plan was originally going to be leading a group of Boy Scouts through Lundy’s Cave on December 10th. However, the scouts double booked and cancelled about a month and a half prior to the trip. Since we already had permissions set up–we thought we would just go and have some fun. Folks from the River City Grotto (RCG) in Jacksonville Florida and the FSS in Gainesville came out to spend the day. We explored seldom traveled area’s and rigged the pit. At the end of the day we were saying our good byes and a large tree fell over right in front of our group. It was an exciting finish to an absolutely beautiful day.

 

Photos and Story by Phil Walker

The gang exits Tucks. After a little food, drink, and rest everyone heads back underground.

 

Joey, Tony, Ben, and Benjamin heading into Lundy’s.

 

Benjamin finds the route.

 

Not to be outdone, Joey follows Benjamin.

 

Working smarter, rather than harder–Tony takes the stars.

 

A stick bug, or as Tony called it…a Anisomorpha buprestoides.

 

Benjamin strolls the tunnel.

 

Home to the right, so Mike heads to the left.

 

How many caves can you egress by simply walking up the stairs.

 

Steve exits with the rest of the nuts, having a great time.

 

 

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Cavort Workday #2

Posted on 10 December 2016 by phil

In March of 2017 the Florida Speleological Society (FSS) is hosting the annual Florida Cave Cavort. This is where cavers from all over Florida, or where-ever, convene for fun, food, music, and of course caving. This year Jerry and Sheryl Johnson are hosting the Cavort. On December 3, 2016, several FSS members came out to lend a hand on the farm with preliminary cleaning, tree trimming, fire circle building, mowing, and fence repair. This was the second workday and won’t be the last. It is always a good time on the Johnson Farm, no matter what your there for.

All photos by Jon Singley,  Story by Phil Walker.

SANTA’S HERE!! Oh, never mind, that’s Bill in a silly hat.

Kitty looking a bit like she is making a prison escape. Next cleanup we are all wearing stripped clothing and iron balls on our feet.

Notice all the adults grunting, lifting, and working. Then notice the one young girl standing and watching. This has to be against parent labor laws.

Sherl taking a break.

In some places people say Hello, Good Day, Hi, or even “Dear”( if writing a letter). Here in the south everyone just says “Hey.” At least we don’t have to sniff butts.

Bernice has the best’est of the Bistro’s.

Just standing around shooting the bull, or the donkey.

Chuck resting the dogs.

The new climbing tower with a Stonehenge of poles.

Looking like a home depot model, Steve works on the climbing tower.

 

Chuck and Phil repair the fence under the watchful orange eye of a very odd looking Quality Assurance Representative.

There’s an ARY in the tree. Okay, we’ll cut out the dry humor.

 

Jason and Mike talking Christmas cheer.

 

Oh Oh…maybe no one will notice all the cookies are missing.

 

Bill is the happiest roofer ever.

 

Are you thinking of the theme song from “Sanford and Son” or the “Beverly Hillbilly’s?”

 

I wonder what a Rock Legend would drill for in Florida? Maybe this is how we can get a few more caves for the Cavort.

 

Well, that’s all folks.

 

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