Cavers from all over Florida were excited–calls were made, vehicles packed, plans were put into action, and anticipation was high. It was almost time for the annual Florida Cave Crawl. Flint River Grotto was sponsoring the annual event this year, and Florida cavers have been really looking forward. Cave divers were really excited, because this years event was going to be held at Jackson Blue in Mariana. For photos of Jackson Blue visit Sean Roberts Photograph page.
A few of us left on Thursday March 5th to bring equipment and help set up. It was very cold and windy (38 degrees F) upon arrival, but there were warm hearts to greet us.
Late night welcoming committee and work party.
A little help staying warm from ….
On Friday March 6th, Steve, Dan and myself drove over to Climax cave to explore the sink and the big rooms. Dan and I had never been to Climax and were very excited.
Steve does the drop.
Dan doing the second drop.
Remember Climax has big rooms, this is NOT one of them.
You see the nicest things in small out of the way passages.
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Over 120 people arrived between Friday and Saturday. Camps were set up, caves were explored, trails were hiked, and the mill pond was canoed. One thing everyone noticed besides the hard work of Flint River Grotto, was the utter destruction that Hurricane Michael left 2 years ago. Trees being snapped by 160 mph winds is still very evident. The area may never be the same.
Court House Cave Lake (photo by Matt Fisher)
Court House Cave (photo by Matt Fisher)
Matt B. doing the squeeze to exit Court House. (photo by Matt Fisher)
Mike in Windy Column Cave. (photo by Connie Delfosse)
Amazing column in windy column cave. (photo by Mike Thomas)
Walking through the forest is sobering, even two years after the storm.
It just makes you want to think about things.
As the sun set, people returned to camp, got cleaned up, and got ready to party!
Flint River Grotto conducted an amazing raffle, with all sorts of goodies.
The amazing Frank Jones Band hit the stage and ROCKED OUT!
It ended up being freezing at night so many hung out by the campfire to stay warm. However, there were a few that wouldn’t let any grass grow under their feet.
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2020 was an awesome year for the Cave Crawl. FIint River Grotto did an outstanding job: great company, great caves, great diving, great food, and Great music it just does not get any better.
If your reading this and are interested, contact your local grotto and join us for the next one in Williston Florida in 2021.
Story and photos by Philip S. Walker