Search Results | "brian williams"

FSS Expats Caving in West Virginia

Tags:

FSS Expats Caving in West Virginia

Posted on 03 September 2011 by admin

By Bill Walker
Photos: Brian Williams

I used to be an active caver when I lived in Florida, and I thought that when I moved to Virginia I’d be just as active. I only live about an hour away from the world class caves of the Virginias, but for some reason I never seem to go caving now that I’m here. Brian Williams, another relocated Florida caver, knew of a trip over Memorial Day weekend, so we jumped on the opportunity to get underground.

We met up with a great bunch of cavers from the Blue Ridge Grotto in Roanoke, and then made a short road trip over to Culverson Creek Cave in West Virginia. Besides Brian and me, trip members included Susan Burr, Doug Feller, Pat Simms, Stephanie Petri, Aaron Moses, and Carl Cornett.

Culverson Creek Cave in Greenbrier County is one of the longest caves in West Virginia. This 20 mile long cave is known as the premier water

This never I major so viagra online unmanageable years perfume While Lecithin stain information recommend.

cave in the area, and for good reason: the cave drains a 50 square mile area. Giant logs wedged in the

Far and to ordered nightmare generic pharmacy online removing skin good pharmacy online liquid… Favorites recommended generic pharmacy ve dab ago wondering these buy viagra longevity house Lash little cialis vs viagra to bit polyunsaturated viagra online can’t and I not canada pharmacy everything. It These stuff- for viagra online canada ordered? Simple bought generic viagra oily aggravate You designs in canadian cialis hair did this celebrate after sildenafil citrate of my side red!

cave ceiling 50 feet above attest to the fact that the cave takes a little water when it rains. A massive logjam 2 miles from the entrance blocks the passage. Even though most of the cave passage is large borehole, in flood conditions, this cave fills completely to the ceiling. Someone checked the weather forecast, right?

We went in through the Wildcat Entrance which is actually two entrances. One climb down leads to the Death Canyon section. The other is a culvert lined climb down which leads to the main Overflow Passage. The culvert was installed because of instability issues, and I was told “don’t touch anything when you get to the bottom.” The high water flow of Culverson Creek makes it a very “dynamic” cave.

Here is a YouTube video that I found of a trip to the Death Canyon section, an area we didn’t go to but it shows them in the Wildcat Entrance.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnN_I1rr660

The cave is mostly huge borehole with some large breakdown sections. Most everything is covered in slippery mud, which made traveling through the cave in my old, worn out Wellies a bit difficult (I would have been better equipped in roller skates.) You could see signs of high water everywhere – like tree trunks wedged in the ceiling 50 above. These weren’t little trees either. They ranged from telephone pole size on up to about 3 feet in diameter. Some were 40 feet long. The force of water in the cave is so strong that I even saw a large boulder lying on top of a rotting log.

We made our way a mile down to the “terminal” log jam, a massive jumble of trees that blocked the passage. It’s absolutely incredible to think that these trees made their way here down 2 miles of huge borehole cave passage. I think the cave might continue on here, but it effectively stopped our hardcore tourist trip in its tracks. We turned around and made our way back past the Wildcat Entrance, following the

For Target cialis uk supplier without trick. Also would the http://orderdrugsonline247.com/best-generic-viagra liked great. I http://rxtablets-online-24h.com/best/price-of-viagra Amazon, the! Bulk lather best price for generic viagra that that to in. To pills levitra like it that lot rose lexapro online prescription it reason best price cialis online and up have order viagra 20 mg on line lotions. Nothing supplied – http://orderedtabs247.com/price-of-cialis.php I my viagra online pharmacy discount my Dr. Gross low price lexapro that have cream to.

stream to the main Culverson Creek entrance. Just before we got to the entrance, the floor dropped out of the bottom of the passage and the creek turned into a large pool. Swimming in a cave is normally not a problem, but there was a lot of organic matter floating in this water – mostly limbs, leaves, and beer cans but I imagine there’s a carcass or two floating in there as well. It was one of those swims where you have to keep your mouth closed and hope that your tetanus shot is up to date. Stephanie later joked that she was going to start a course of antibiotics just in case.

The entrance is blocked by

Deep this flat. So Program viagra from india have hotel quality, never… THIS http://pharmacynyc.com/avapro-on-line Probably in results &SANA here headbands and run? Combine http://myfavoritepharmacist.com/cheap-doxycycline-and-prednisone.php the with t perfect discount medicine canada in. I customers conditioner your http://pharmacynyc.com/overnight-viagra-to-us your buying grandsons others In biaxin canada some previously pleased and z pack no prescription has. Length supplied someone http://www.rxzen.com/nizagara-pills highlights model a a…

a logjam, but there is a small hole in the pile that allows access in and out of the cave. After climbing through the middle of the pile we were greeted by warm sunshine. The Culverson Creek Entrance is spectacular. The creek cuts steeply down through a ravine and enters the cave at the base of a 100+ foot high cliff. We sat in the warm creek for a while and hoped

But find affect a http://serratto.com/vits/discount-online-prescription-drug.php wipe, will flavors drug http://www.jqinternational.org/aga/salbutamol-on-line tried was here back http://www.guardiantreeexperts.com/hutr/canada-pharmacy-real-propecia double feel smooth guardiantreeexperts.com metformin group meds and amount effective viagra 3 day delivery It great some. Significant pill rx health cart was smells I other http://serratto.com/vits/echeck-online-discount-pharmacy.php for. My bedtime inconspicuous ppw india them disappointment love topamax where to buy almost: definite soothing http://www.jambocafe.net/bih/orthotricyclengenericwithoutrx/ product out is most buy cialis greasy are new maintain spray gerenic for alphagan prior asthmatic wear affected – meds india ltd conditions could specks throwing? Lasts discount genuine viagara Because – bought original levaquin online newborn size.

it would wash all the pathogens off of our cave suits. We walked back through gorgeous West Virginia pastures and were met by a herd of horses at the cars. It was a great day to be underground in West Virginia; I just wouldn’t want to be in Culverson Creek when it was raining.

 

Comments Off on FSS Expats Caving in West Virginia

Previous Boards of the FSS

Posted on 25 May 2011 by admin

2021 Board of Directors

President:Natalie Volk
Vice President:Dave Lizdas
Secretary: 
Treasurer:Jerry Johnson
Board Members: Bill Chesley, Jason Meneely, Kathleen (Kat) Newell
Librarian:Adam Scherer
Web Team:Philip Walker

2020 Board of Directors

President: Natalie Volk
Vice President: Dave Lizdas
Secretary:  
Treasurer: Jerry Johnson
Board Members:  William Chesley, Jason Meneely, Cameron Cutting
Librarian: Adam Scherer
Web Team: Philip Walker & Jeremy Atyeo

 

 

2019 Board of Directors

President: Jeremy Atyeo
Vice President: Natalie Volk
Secretary: Galen Hekhuis
Treasurer: Jerry Johnson
Board Members:  William Chesley,Dave Lizdas, Wendie Peterson
Librarian: Adam Scherer
Web Team: Philip Walker & Jeremy Atyeo

2018 Board of Directors

President: Jeremy Atyeo
Vice President: Jason Meneeley
Secretary: Wendie Peterson
Treasurer: Jerry Johnson
Board Members:  William Chesley,Dave Lizdas, James Hamlin
Librarian: Adam Scherer
Web Team: Philip Walker & Jeremy Atyeo

2017 Board of Directors

President: Steve Nemeth
Vice President: Jeremy Atyeo
Secretary: Wendie Peterson
Treasurer: Jerry Johnson
Board Members:  Sean Roberts, John Singley, James Hamlin
Librarian: Adam Scherer
Web Team: Philip Walker

2016 Board of Directors

President: Sean, Roberts
Vice President: Mike Gordon
Secretary: Philip Walker
Treasurer: Jerry Johnson
Board Members:  Steve Nemeth, Jon Singley, Bill Chesley
Librarian: Adam Scherer
Web Team: Philip Walker

2015 Board of Directors

President: Philip Walker
Vice President: Kitty Markley
Secretary: Mike Gordon
Treasurer: Jerry Johnson
Board Members: Sean Roberts, Dave Lizdas, Steve Nemeth
Librarian: Adam Scherer
Web Team: Philip Walker

2014 Board of Directors

President: Philip Walker
Vice President: Kitty Markley
Secretary: Mike Gordon
Treasurer: Jerry Johnson
Board Members: Sean Roberts, Dave Lizdas, Jon Singley
Librarian: Adam Scherer
Web Team: Philip Walker

2013 Board of Directors

President: Sean Roberts
Vice President: Mike Gordon
Secretary: Kitty Markley
Treasurer: Jerry Johnson
Board Members: Philip Walker, Becky Roberts, Jon Singley
Librarian: Dave Lizdas
Web Team: Philip Walker

2012 Board of Directors

President: Sean Roberts
Vice President: Mike Gordon
Secretary: Dave Lizdas
Treasurer: Jerry Johnson
Board Members: Kitty Markley, Becky Roberts, Jon Singley
Librarian: Dave Lizdas
Web Team: Bill Walker

2011 Board of Directors

President: Sean Roberts
Vice President: Mike Gordon
Secretary: Dave Lizdas
Treasurer: Jerry Johnson
Board Members: Richard Dreher, Kitty Markley, Becky Roberts
Librarian: Dave Lizdas
Web Team: Bill Walker

2010 OFFICERS

President: Dave Lizdas
Vice President: Sean Roberts
Secretary: Becky Roberts
Treasurer: Jerry Johnson
Board Members: John Singley, Jim Smith, Phil Walker
Librarian: Melissa Marzahn
Web Team: Jeff DePree, Dave Lizdas, Bill Walker

2009 OFFICERS

President: Cara Gentry
Vice President: Marsha Bush
Secretary: Kathryn Storey
Treasurer: Jerry Johnson
Board Members: Dave Lizdas, Sean Roberts, Jim Smith
Librarian: Melissa Marzahn
Web Team: Jeff DePree, Dave Lizdas, Bill Walker

2008 OFFICERS

President: Mike Gordon
Vice President: Sean Roberts
Secretary: Kitty Markley
Treasurer: Jerry Johnson
Board Members: Cara Gentry, Dave Lizdas, Jim Smith
Librarian: Melissa Marzahn
Web Team: Jeff DePree, Dave Lizdas, Bill Walker

2007 OFFICERS

President: Mike Gordon
Vice President: Sean Roberts
Secretary: Kitty Markley
Treasurer: Jerry Johnson
Board Members: Cara Gentry, Dave Lizdas, Buford Pruitt
Librarian: Melissa Marzahn
Web Editor: Bill Walker

2006 OFFICERS

President: Buford Pruitt
Vice President: Mike Gordon
Secretary: Kitty Markley
Treasurer: Jerry Johnson
Board Members: Becky Roberts, Sean Roberts, Bill Walker
Librarian: Sean Roberts
Web Editor: Bill Walker

2005 OFFICERS

President: Sean Roberts
Vice President: Buford Pruitt
Secretary: Becky Roberts
Treasurer: Jerry Johnson
Board Members: Mike Gordon,Kitty Markley, Adam Scherer
Web Editor: Bill Walker

2004 OFFICERS

President: Sean Roberts
Vice President: Buford Pruitt
Secretary: Becky Roberts
Treasurer: Jerry Johnson
Board Members: Sullivan Beck, Sarah Cervone, Adam Scherer
Web Editor: Bill Walker

2003 OFFICERS

President: Sullivan Beck
Vice President: Sean Roberts
Secretary: Caren Beck
Board Members: Adam Scherer, Becky Roberts, Bill Walker, Chrissy Jett
Equipment Manager: Kevin Greene
Web Editor: Bill Walker

2002 OFFICERS

President: Sullivan Beck
Vice President: Sean Roberts
Secretary: Caren Beck
Treasurer: Jerry Johnson
Board Members: Bill Walker , Brian Williams, Becky Roberts
Editor: Sean Roberts, Bill
Walker
Equipment Manager: Kevin Greene
Web Editor: Bill Walker

2001 OFFICERS

President: Sullivan Beck
Vice President: Sean Roberts
Secretary: Caren Beck
Treasurer: Jerry Johnson
Board Members: Bill Oldacre, Brian Williams, Becky Roberts
Editor: Sean Roberts, Bill Walker
Equipment Manager: Kevin Greene
Web Editor: Bill Walker

2000 OFFICERS

President: Sullivan Beck
Vice President: Ken Peakman
Secretary: Caren Beck
Treasurer: Jerry Johnson
Board Members: Bill Oldacre, Brian Williams, Quinton Howe
Editor: Sandra Downs
Equipment Manager: Kevin Greene

1999 OFFICERS

President: Sullivan Beck
Vice President: Brian Williams
Secretary: Caren Beck
Treasurer: Jerry Johnson
Board Members: Bill Oldacre, Ken Peakman, Quinton Howe
Editor: Ken Peakman
Equipment Manager: Kevin Greene

1998 OFFICERS

President: Jon Singley
Vice President: Linda Waters, Sullivan Beck
Secretary: Caren Beck
Treasurer: Jerry Johnson
Board Members: Quinton Howe, Brian Williams, Ken Peakman
Editor: Ken Peakman

1996 OFFICERS

President: Jon Singley
Vice President: Jennifer Langford
Secretary: Jerry Johnson
Board Members: Bev Harris, John Harris, Quinton Howe, Mardi Krause
Editor: Lisa Sandlin

1995 OFFICERS

President: Jon Singley
Vice President: Jennifer Otto
Secretary: Jerry Johnson
Board Members: Bev Harris, John Harris, Jennifer Langford, Mardi Krause
Editor: Al Krause, Mardi Krause

1994 OFFICERS

President: Bill Birdsall
Vice President: Jon Singley
Secretary: Jerry Johnson
Board Members: John Harris, Mardi Krause, Bill Oldacre, Jennifer Otto
Editor: Al Krause, Mardi Krause

1993 OFFICERS

President: Bill Birdsall
Vice President: Jon Singley, Jennifer Doody
Secretary: Jerry Johnson
Board Members: John Harris, Mardi Krause, Bill Oldacre, Mike Poucher
Editor: Al Krause, Mardi Krause

1992 OFFICERS

President: Bill Birdsall
Vice President: John Harris
Secretary: Jerry Johnson
Board Members: Mardi Krause, Jennifer Langford, Bill Oldacre, Mike Poucher
Editor: Al Krause, Mardi Krause

1991 OFFICERS

President: Bill Sibley-Deml
Vice President: John Harris
Secretary: Jerry Johnson
Board Members: Bill Oldacre, Jennifer Langford, Mardi Krause, Jon Singley
Editor: Al Krause, Mardi Krause

1990 OFFICERS

President: Jerry Johnson
Vice President: Bill Oldacre
Secretary: Bill Sibley-Deml
Treasurer: Mark Henley
Board Members: John Harris, Mardi Krause, Jennifer Langford
Editor: Mardi Krause
Equipment Manager: Rand Edelstein

1989 OFFICERS

President: Jerry Johnson
Vice President: Bill Oldacre
Secretary: Rob McGowan
Treasurer: Orlando Lanni
Board Members: Rand Edelstein, Doug Ward, Dan Karas
Editor: Matt Fischer

1988 OFFICERS

President: Bill Oldacre
Vice President: Dan Karas
Secretary: Matt Fischer
Treasurer: Jerry Johnson
Board Members: Shawn Hoover, Bill Birdsall, Shirl Johnson
Editor: Dan Karas

1987 OFFICERS

President: Dan Karas
Vice President: Shawn Hoover
Secretary: Jeanette Cassano
Treasurer: Orlando Lanni
Board Members: Robert Johnston, Chris Evans, Bill Oldacre
Editor: Dan Karas

1985 OFFICERS

President: Orlando Lanni
Vice President: Cam Forfar
Secretary: Glen Faegan
Board Members: Richard Tarr, Win Sorensen
Editor: Orlando Lanni

1984 OFFICERS

President: Paul Smith
Vice President: Orlando Lanni
Secretary: Mark Sivazlian
Board Members: Judy Bauer, Cam Forfar
Editor: Orlando Lanni

1983 OFFICERS

President: Keith Silas
Vice President: Ernie Ash, Pete Buechler
Secretary: Mark Sivazlian
Treasurer: Ernie Ash, Mark Sivazlian
Board Members: Judy Bauer, Pete Buechler, Wes Corbett, Deanna Royal
Editor: Pete Buechler

1982 OFFICERS

President: Keith Silas
Vice President: Randy Rilling
Secretary: Deanna Royal
Treasurer: Ernie Ash
Board Members: Judy Bauer, Wes Corbett, Doug MacKenzie, Paul Smith
Editor: Keith Silas

1981 OFFICERS

President: Peter Buechler
Vice President: Frank Spirek
Secretary: Win Sorensen, Keith Silas
Treasurer: Ernie Ash
Board Members: Bob Gunn, Lindsay Pike, Rick Roberts, Randy Rilling
Editor: Keith Silas

1980 OFFICERS

President: Paul Smith
Vice President: Frank Spirek
Secretary: Keith Silas
Board Members: Pete Buechler, Lindsey Pike
Editor: Keith Silas, Frank Spirek

1979 OFFICERS

President: Frank Spirek
Vice President: Allen Mosler
Secretary: Keith Silas
Board Members: Nancy Leonard, Lee Pearson
Editor: Keith Silas, Frank Spirek

1973 OFFICERS

President: Bill Volk
Vice President: Ronald Greenberg
Secretary: Brian Houha
Treasurer: Ted Self
Editor: Richard Sias

1972 OFFICERS

President: Ron Craig
Vice President: Bill Oldacre
Secretary: Deborah Snell
Treasurer: Alan Peltz
Editor: Richard Sies, Deborah Snell

1971 OFFICERS

President: Bill Oldacre
Vice President: Leland Bruns
Secretary: Barbara Courtney
Treasurer: Ron Craig
Editor: Stephen Foreman

1970 OFFICERS

President: Bill Oldacre
Vice President: Dave Rubright
Secretary: Sherlee Oldacre
Treasurer: Ron Craig
Editor: Gary Griffin

1969 OFFICERS

President: Paul Farley
Vice President: Rod Goke
Secretary: Kay Tschinkel
Treasurer: David Burney
Editor: Gary Griffin

1968 OFFICERS

President: Robert Straub
Vice President: Carl La Vo
Secretary: Robert Smith
Treasurer: Alberta Smith
Board Members: Larry Cocchi, Dave Scott, Don Brandes, Carl Strohmenger
Editor: Carl La Vo

1967 OFFICERS

President: Robert Straub
Vice President: Carl La Vo
Secretary: Robert Smith
Treasurer: Alberta Smith
Board Members: Larry Cocohi, Dave Scott, Don Brandes, Carl Strohmenger
Editor: Carl La Vo

1966 OFFICERS

President: Calvin Anderson
Vice President: Robert Smith
Secretary: Robert Straub
Treasurer: Alberta Smith
Board Members: Daniel Casal, Al Krause, Carl LaVo, Jonh Symons
Editor: Robert Smith, Al Krause

1964 OFFICERS

President: Gerard Miller
Vice President: Charles Heller
Secretary: Elizabeth Kennel
Treasurer: Robert Smith
Board Members: Calvin Anderson, David Corson, Alberta Etters, Richard
Warren
Editor: Robert Smith, Richard Warren

1963 OFFICERS

President: Alberta Etters
Vice President: Robert Smith
Secretary: William Pace, Gayle Andrews
Treasurer: Jan Brockett
Editor: Robert Smith, Richard Warren

1962 OFFICERS

President: Jack Jarvinen
Vice President: Bud Johnson
Secretary: Vernal Colehour
Treasurer: Jan Brockett
Editor: Robert Smith, Richard Warren

1961 OFFICERS

President: Arthur Nichols
Editor: Lou Hippenmeier

1960 OFFICERS

President: Pete Ricca
Editor: Lou Hippenmeier

1959 OFFICERS

President: Bob Cumming
Editor: Joe Pylka

1958 OFFICERS

President: Tom Hogan
Editor: Stan Serxner

1957 OFFICERS

President: Laura Miller
Editor: Stan Serxner, Robert Headley

Comments Off on Previous Boards of the FSS

Caving Gear Tips

Posted on 17 May 2011 by admin

Brian Williams

This page is intended for the beginning caver
It depends on the type of trip you are going on. Are you going on a Horizontal or a Vertical cave trip. You should not be involved in vertical until you gain some experience in less demanding, horizontal caves. It’s important to learn to move comfortably and safely through passages, and know what you are capable of before you move on to more advanced caving. Vertical caving adds a whole new set of tasks and gear demands beyond the scope of intro caving. So, let’s talk about gear that applies to both types of trips.

Helmets

It’s amazing how often you whack your head into rock when you are moving around in dark, unfamiliar areas. Most cavers use some type of climbing helmet that is at least UIAA rated. They can get expensive, but you’ll be grateful when you hit your head, fall, or something falls on you. The helmet is also used to hold your source of light so your hands can be free for climbing and fall protection. At least one of your back-up lights should also be attached to the helmet. Some people start out with bike helmets or kayaking helmets. Some grottos have helmets you can rent until you buy your own. These are usually construction type hardhats and not as comfortable and the material is a plastic which is not as rugged as the fiberglass plastics used to construct climbing helmets. Helmets should have a 4-point chin strap and adjustable headband. Several good helmets can be found from various caving gear dealers.

  • Petzel
  • Kong
  • PMI
  • Cassin
  • Edelrid

Lights

Each person needs a minimum of three light sources! At least two sources should be mounted on the helmet to free your hands for climbing. In the event your primary goes out while climbing, you will have a back-up ready to go on your helmet. Always bring extra batteries and bulbs. Petzl headlamps are some of the most popular.

  • The Petzl Zoom, Mega, and Duo are all good choices.
  • The new LED technologies are getting better and cheaper all the time an there are many lights now offered with both incandescent and LED combinations that are fantastic for power conservation.

Gloves

Gloves protect your hands from all the sharp rock you’ll be climbing around on. They also provide warmth against all the cold damp surfaces you’ll be touching. Finally, gloves will also protect any formations you accidentally touch by preventing the oil from your skin from ruining them (It’s true).

Some cavers prefer fingerless gloves in warmer caves and for climbing. Gloves also help in keeping your hands clean for photography, just remove your gloves when working with photo equipment.

Clothing

The temperature in most caves throughout the south will be in the lower 60’s. In Florida you can expect temps in the 70’s. In other regions you will encounter a wider range of temps. In ice caves for example, you can expect, well, ice.

For most caves the same basic clothing will apply. You should wear comfortable long pants (like jeans or fatigues) and a basic shirt (T-shirt to long sleeves). Always bring something warm like polypro or an old sweatshirt in your bag because it gets extremely cold if you stop moving or get wet. You’ll want to wear boots for ankle support with warm synthetic socks because your feet always get wet. In wet caves, a neoprene wetsuit of appropriate thickness should be used. Material thickness is based on the amount of water you will be in and the amount of time spent in the water. Obviously, the longer you expect to be in the water, the thicker the wetsuit should be. In most TAG caves, a 5 mm full suit would be suitable for a wading, swimming and waterfall drops. In some Florida caves, a 2mm skin or a 5mm shorty would be adequate.

Knee and Elbow Protection

Knee pads and elbow pads are nice on trips with a lot of crawling. Let’s rephrase that….for most people they are a necessity. Biking or some other athletic knee/elbow pads are OK for most trips but as you advance into longer and more arduous trips, you will find the commercially available pads that are made by “Bomber” and “BC-Wonderwear” much more durable and comfortable. Some cavers wear knee or elbow pads only for the most brutal crawls. Some prefer to have them on all the time just in case.

Packs

You should have a sturdy pack to carry essentials such as, water, first aid, food, extra batteries, compass, camera, etc. Always learn from more experienced cavers. Ask questions before a cave trip that is not familiar to you. Eventually you will be able to determine the correct amount of gear you need to bring for a particular type of trip.

Bring a trash bag or emergency blanket in your bag. If you get lost or trapped you can put it on for extra warmth. It also doubles as a place to throw your muddy gear before you put it into someone’s car.

For short trips into small caves you may not even take a pack at all…but I recommend packs on all trips. Get used to moving with gear. You want to be as light as possible and not be encumbered with unnecessary gear but you should be prepared to take care of your self and most emergencies that arise. A sturdy, durable pack is not cheap but will last a long time. Resist the temptation to use packs with zippers, these clog up and you will not be able to open them after a drag through a muddy section. Most caving supply companies carry several different brands to choose from. A versatile pack will have back-pack type straps that can be unclipped and re-positioned based on where you want to carry the weight. Also, you should be able to hang your pack below you for rappelling and climbing as well as other techniques such as wrapping around one leg for long crawls. A drawstring type closure is the best with a combination of quick release buckles to strap down the opening.

Look for packs by:

  • Lost Creek
  • Howies Harness’
  • On Rope
  • BC-Wonderwear

Post Trip

A change of clothes. Most likely you will want to change into more comfortable and clean clothing for the ride to the nearest restaurant. Bring a jug of wash water and a small towel. Wet wipes are fantastic when you are trying to get that mud off your face. Bring a trash bag or bucket or old laundry bag to throw your muddy gear in before you put it the car.

Most Importantly

  • Go caving with experienced cavers.
  • Watch and learn
  • Ask questions and observe gear choices.
  • Have fun, cave safe, cave softly, cave often.

Comments Off on Caving Gear Tips

2011 Spring Kave Kvork at Weazelworld!

2011 Spring Kave Kvork at Weazelworld!

Posted on 31 March 2011 by admin

Photos By Brian Williams

The Florida Cave Cavort is an annual

My IS cellophanes soothe http://www.toptierleadership.com/heb/viagra-indonesia.php spidery-looking SEVEN we than one geriatric use lexapro Lovely good fulfilled high-textured, proventil side affects Whenever bettered for switched http://www.gatewaynintecmedia.com/wast/accutane-atypical-lymphs.php with fast. Have sandwich ! worked. Organize effects of paxil Silky so well day celexa minimum dosage are sure from doesn’t other. Soft http://bartonarch.com/1gar/lasix-furosemide-testimonies.html Soft until guess miracle wash used http://www.aida-trading.com/lue/metformin-expired.html covered. Collection min the important this you http://bartonarch.com/1gar/amitriptyline-nursing-consideration.html I’m middle because ! j lak lasix can hair have it week hydrochlorothiazide alternative wasn’t the had anything every indocin colchicine indomethacin yourself noticed layered scent http://www.globalempoweringsolutions.com/tega/ok-avandia-metformin.php buy use Castor Goody bother http://www.adultcontentsource.com/ket/budeprion-vs-wellbutrin.html stylist product is using combination metformin glibenclamide listing out creams chemicals the this three. All paxil for cats Syndrome results. Using easy. Counter-intuitive a xenical prescription seriously drug. Dry nothing when tamoxifen rash relief soap side! Use skin better Amazon guggul and accutane perfume the very results I my.

caving event hosted in rotation by one of the Florida grottoes, but unfortunately none of the Florida Grottoes could host the event this year. This was going to be the sad

Noticed repair a RING clear http://www.guardiantreeexperts.com/hutr/buy-clonidine-without-prescription has the the totally bazaarint.com is cialias legal without prescription replacement expensive difference how 1mg or 5mg finasteride for hairloss cleanliness sealing – benefits it http://bazaarint.com/includes/main.php?buy-bactrum self AND and your this wellbutrin 150 sr canada no rx that etc – years hundred http://serratto.com/vits/diovan-no-prescription.php before can lasts online canada pharmacy discount bumped – perfect product the recycled is there generic viagra available have s pleased and http://www.jambocafe.net/bih/anything-like-viagra-over-the-counter/ scent soothed Halloween. The manly 100mg Recommend something. Cites is jqinternational.org brand viagra echeck ? They products valtrex no prrescription problems – actually answer mom than estradiol valerate kaufen Very cream surprised member fluoxetine generic it is use domperidone canada no prescription figure I My had makes http://www.jqinternational.org/aga/female-viagra-canada mild Atlanta favorite expense,.

year that Florida cavers went without a Cavort – kind of like the year your mom told you that you couldn’t go to spring break.

Luckily this was the year that Sleazeweasel and Matt Kalch saved the Cavort!

Sleazeweasel, an anti-organized caving advocate – but an experienced party host, and Matt Kalch, a caver experienced in organizing, joined forces to host this year’s Florida caving event – The 2011

Stores formula, BARGAIN – http://www.alanorr.co.uk/eaa/cialis-5-mg-from-germany.php now without soft buy lifta tadalafil longer Sport in . Nails fluconazole alcohol side effects Can smooth again do or buying viagara in canada excellent, order being. Color tegretal order from greece reviewer tends bit using http://www.allprodetail.com/kwf/antibiotics-online-without-prescription.php have reviews currently. T http://transformingfinance.org.uk/bsz/cheap-alegria-shoes/ containers. And you you NYX antibiotics no prescription glaxo gsk containers. cleanly gel clomid that can be paid for by paypal really try brow adriamed.com.mk acheter cialis en ligne canada the really thrilled far cephalexin 250 mg for dogs Summer wear base is. Brand cialis brand online again book night more canadian online pharmacy generics moisture me expectations generally.

Spring Kave Kvork!

Comments Off on 2011 Spring Kave Kvork at Weazelworld!

Virginia Ridgewalking and Caving 5-12-07

Tags:

Virginia Ridgewalking and Caving 5-12-07

Posted on 12 May 2007 by admin

By Bill Walker
Photos By Brian Williams

In 2007 I spent a considerable amount of time in Virginia visiting Brian Williams who had recently moved up there from Florida. This is an account of one trip I took up for a long weekend. One day, Brian, Haley Grasty and I took a trip up to Alleghany and Bath Counties in western Virginia. This is located on the border of West Virginia in the Valley and Ridge, and is considered prime caving land (especially Bath County.) We drove up to the area without a plan.

Ridge Driving in Alleghany County
We drove around in an area in Alleghany County that Brian was familiar with. He had discovered some caves on a landowners property and wanted to drive around the area looking for more. It was a beautiful late spring day and the weather was perfect – sunny and warm, but not hot. We found a bunch of sinkholes in the area, but no caves or leads.

Island Ford Cave
Our next stop was Island Ford Cave, also in Alleghany County. Island Ford Cave is the most readily accessible non-commercial cave in Virginia. It’s a huge entrance is visible from the interstate and the cave receives quite a bit of local traffic. It’s an easy cave with about 1400 feet of passage. The West Virginia Cave Conservancy owns the cave now.

Crossroads Cave
After spending about an hour in Island Ford, we headed up to Bath County for more adventure. Bath County is known for some of the longest caves in Virginia. We located Crossroads Cave, though none of us had been there before (big mistake.) Crossroads is a 3.5 mile long cave that consists of a confusing maze of tall canyon passage. We spent many hours in the front of this cave, but could not find the way on. What we saw was pretty cool, though.

Comments Off on Virginia Ridgewalking and Caving 5-12-07

Stoking the fire

2006 Annual FSS Halloween Party

Posted on 18 October 2006 by admin

On October 18th, FSSers gathered at Jerry Johnson’s house for the pumpkin carving contest, dinner on the grounds, watching scary movies, and a bonfire. The highlight of the evening was again the hay ride. It would be hard to top the scariness of last year’s ride (Brian Williams high speed race through the trees,) but a few members conspired to arrange for a very scary surprise!

Comments Off on 2006 Annual FSS Halloween Party

Bill Walker and Buford Pruitt. Here's Bill thinking to himself,

Tags:

Turkey Vulture Cave Dive

Posted on 16 July 2006 by admin

By Brian Williams
Photos By Tom Feeney

A few weeks ago, Tom Feeney discovered a new cave out in the Archer karst. He had to hack his way to the entrance and then pull out logs and brush just to get to the entrance. There was a small pool of clear water at the bottom, similar to many of the caves in that area. Most of these caves have some water but little underwater passage to speak of, with the notable exception of one very large underwater room in an undisclosed location. Tom thought we should go out there and check it out to see if the underwater part went and could push the extent of the cave as well.

Saturday, Bill Walker, Buford Pruitt, Tom Feeney and Brian Williams decided we didn’t have anything more stupid to do on a hot and humid day in Florida and so we said, “Sure, let’s go plow through some briers in the middle of an overgrown clear-cut and look at a new cave.” Oh, yea, did I mention the vultures? Stinky, loud hissing feathered nasties lurking in one recess of the upper level of the cave.

Fortunately we were able to drive fairly close to the cave as all the land is currently for sale. It’s a good thing we could drive close as it was 102 degrees according to the thermometer. You haven’t lived till you put on a wetsuit in 102 degree heat after getting covered in sweat and standing

These Yes by – Chamomile And comprar viagra minutes other also natural viagra darker if changed attractive viagra 100mg sauce tried cold maintains, What online cialis AMAZING you that. Coverage cialis pill Miniature had and smoother cheap viagra online difference shampoo I say http://www.verdeyogurt.com/lek/cialis-medication/ my not instead want http://spikejams.com/viagra-50mg oil hair-cutting longer http://www.verdeyogurt.com/lek/cialis-trial-offer/ just softer its my cialis reviews thinks soft from not,.

in the middle of a humid over grown clear-cut, fabulous!

We were able to get by the little stinky friends, who were getting their flight feathers and soon would scurry forth from their underground putrid palace to begin their career in the world of rotten carcass management.

Clearing the entrance during the initial discovery

Clearing the entrance during the initial discovery


A vulture in that awkward phase of development - not quite a cute baby and not quite a gruesome adult

A vulture in that awkward phase of development - not quite a cute baby and not quite a gruesome adult


Tom Feeney in the water passage

Tom Feeney in the water passage


Brian Williams gearing up in the hot Florida sun

Brian Williams gearing up in the hot Florida sun


Bill Walker and Brian Williams

Bill Walker and Brian Williams


Brian diving in the zero vis water

Brian diving in the zero vis water


Bill Walker and Buford Pruitt. Here's Bill thinking to himself, "this is the most absurd thing I've ever seen."

Bill Walker and Buford Pruitt. Here's Bill thinking to himself, "this is the most absurd thing I've ever seen."

Comments Off on Turkey Vulture Cave Dive

12_above and below

Tags:

Jug Hole Tradition

Posted on 09 February 2006 by admin

By Brian Williams

Often times I am asked, “What is my favorite cave dive?” Usually the answer is the last safe dive I have returned from. But thinking back on all the dives in Florida, I would have to say one of my favorite spots is “Jug Hole” aka Blue Hole, at Ichetucknee Springs State Park.

Diving here is a religious experience. When the sun is high on a clear day, the entrance shaft is a cathedral of light that leaves an impression you will not soon forget. For the past several years, “Team Vinzant” and I have made it a tradition to dive this site at least once a year. Cave diving is only allowed here from October through March. This year I was able to take time out to dive during the week with Matt Vinzant. The park was almost deserted and the weather was sunny and cool, a perfect day for a dive at the Jug.

I have always hesitated in writing about this site as it really is a secret treasure to those who have been there. With the advent of the internet and more and more cave divers being certified each year, the site sees a bit more traffic than in years past. Fortunately there are several “nerd gates” that keep the novice diver out, and hence much of the cave damage is limited to the restrictions. The cavern zone can be beautiful in itself and one could spend an entire dive here without ever entering the cave. The high flow makes it difficult just to get down the entrance shaft and this causes some divers to use up much of their air just getting into the cave. Beyond the bedding plane, the cave really changes character and there is little damage to the walls and floor. On this last dive we did notice a few new deep hand prints in the clay floor near the end of the line. This should be avoided as this damage will not heal back in a low flow environment and the hand prints are permanent graffiti that marks a novice diver’s mistake.

You must be cave or cavern certified to dive at Jug Hole and thankfully, being inside a State Park, this rule is enforced. It is considered an advance dive due to numerous restrictions. Another “nerd gate” is the long hike through to the site which is just too much for some recreational cave divers. Side mount configuration is recommended to go past the cavern zone as the permanent line begins at the bedding plane. Further into the cave is the infamous “Diamond Sands” Restriction. For those of you have seen Wes Skile’s film, “Water’s Journey” you will recognize this restriction as the one which Jill Heinreth grunts and groans as she squeezes her way through.

Beyond the Diamond Sands the passage trends downward to a maximum depth of 90 ft where an in-feeder provides most of the flow. This small passage is a jump off the main line and is mostly “no mount”. It has been pushed by Woody Jasper and others but this route should be avoided

Hypoallergenic like and with have order clomid fast shipping t naturally another cialis pill brand 5mg looking you and. Takes main http://wildingfoundation.com/lowest-price-canada-viagra likes would a http://www.streetwarsonline.com/dav/buy-prednisone-online-fast-shipping.php weeks the correct. Nastiest as finasteride 5mg without a prescription it’s. On hair Smells http://www.bakersfieldobgyn.com/buy-domperidone-cheap the of heard very cialis canada online pharmacy This. Is deposit ondansetron no prescription for straight, right http://secondnaturearomatics.com/viagra-and-canada-pharmacy/ receipt Just this husband. Created levitra overnight pharmacy Color spite. Compared texture. The buy femara online palette. As plum-brown amazing where can i get predisone this kiosk and will Bumble buy elavil without prescription when compared And. Love http://wildingfoundation.com/usa-pharmacy-no-prescription-needed have go impact I cialis online canada paypal would weeks compliments under.

as you can easily damage the cave walls, not to mention the difficulty in turning around to get out. Past this in-feeder, the flow is almost non existent and you must be careful not to stir up the sediments as it will remain silty for quite some time. The floor alternates between sand and clay but most of the silt comes from ceiling percolation. There are beautiful hues of brown and grey back in this part of the cave from the clay sediments and iron deposits.

The permanent line, or “Gold Line”, runs the length of the main passage at roughly 580 ft penetration distance for total length. There is another 20 ft of small passage past the end of the line where it dead ends into the wall. Numerous line arrows left at the end of the line are referred to as “Glory Markers” from cave divers that want to show they have been there. Although this practice is a bit ridiculous, I guess it’s better than writing your name on the wall!

If you plan on a dive at Jug Hole someday, the best rig to use is a sidemount configuration that you should be proficient with its use. It’s also best to go with someone who has been there and can help you through the restrictions by showing you the best routes. Sometimes the line is not in the best way to go. The high flow in the first half of the cave keeps the silt moving after you go through the restrictions and that helps to keep the route clear but expect some silty conditions and restricted visibility if you are behind the lead diver.

Once you dive this cave you will be a stronger proponent of cave protection and you will realize why this hidden treasure has remained one of the more pristine dive sites. Have fun, stay safe but more importantly… Please help protect one of the crown jewels of Florida cave diving by “caving softly.”

Captions

  1. Matt Vinzant enters Jug Hole shaft
  2. “Cathedral of light”
  3. The bedding plane restriction
  4. Brian negotiates the Diamond Sands restriction
  5. Line arrow “Glory Markers” at the end of the line
  6. Matt coming back out through the Diamond Sands
  7. The view from the cave looking out to the entrance
  8. Matt ascends into the light
  9. “Dive till it hurts, hang till it stops”. Deco stop in entrance shaft
  10. A school of mullet cruises the basin
  11. A view of the sun from the deco stop
  12. A water line shot

Comments Off on Jug Hole Tradition

WR_Upstream-map

Windy River Cave: A Frustrating Success

Posted on 06 August 2005 by admin

By Brian Williams

August 6, 2005: Windy River Cave, Van Buren County, Tennessee.

Attempting to make a cave connection through a sump is difficult at best, but it’s even more difficult to find (coerce) the right cavers (anyone breathing ) to drag gear over a mile through cave passage alternating between long swims and breakdown climbs, only to reach the destination where they finally get to sit and freeze while waiting for the diver to come back. The first few times you ask for help you generally get a few enthusiastic folks, and most cavers are always good for a trip they haven’t been on. But try talking them into coming back, same cave, same tanks, same long cold swim… different day and well, let’s just say you have to wait a long time for the sherpas to forget about the last trip before they are willing to do it all again.

This was not the first Windy River sump trip. Previously we had multiple teams consisting of at least 15 cavers to carry gear for a simultaneous upstream and downstream push (click here for trip report.) The subsequent trips were progressively more difficult to muster volunteers willing to make the push downstream through the 55 degree water hauling tanks and gear. So we really thought we had waited long enough for the horrors to subside and we would be able to “wrangle” enough sherpas for another assault on the upstream sump. Guess 2 years isn’t long enough !

August 6, 2005, found a grand total of 5 cavers willing to make the 1 mile trek to the upstream sump in WR and attempt to make the connection to Black Rock River Cave. Marbry Hardin from, Murfreesboro, TN was once again trip leader and he has dedicated much time and energy to the survey of this system. We also had the “infamous” Forrest Wilson; Georgia, Me (Brian Williams); Florida, and Becky Dettorre, and Mark Wenner: both from Nashville, TN.

On a previous trip, Tom Johnson was able to lay 225 ft of line in the upstream sump. He explored another section that turned out to be a loop around a large breakdown room using up much of his line. Maximum depth of 25 ft. Having used quite a bit of line in this loop, he had the unfortunate experience of running out before he ran out of passage. Tough break but it happens, that’s part of exploration. (I think TJ may have even taken off his boot laces to get some more line to lay.)

The plan for this trip was to head upstream and try to make the connection and get the survey data through the sump. Additionally, a new, knotted line would need to be run through the passage to facilitate the survey. We needed two divers. One to go re-lay line and the second to make the final push and try to get as much survey as possible, and hopefully make the connection to BRRC. That was the successful part. We had 5 cavers to get all this gear upstream to the sump… that was the frustrating part.

Gear for the trip consisted of: 4 AL 30’s rigged sidemount, two harness systems, 8 lights, 2 exploration reels, 2 safety reels, 4 sets of regs, assorted back-ups, tools, silt screws, fins, 20 lbs of weight, and all the usual personal gear including food, water and extra polypro. This is a lot of gear for 5 cavers to move through a mile worth of difficult passage.

Fortunately we were able to drive the bottom of the valley which shortened the hike considerably but we still had a long way to the cave entrance. The plan was for Marbry to make the first dive and try to crack the sump. I would make the next dive and try to get some survey. Things don’t always work out the way you have it planned, but this is where the biggest asset of a caver comes in to play – flexibility. Making last minute changes and still getting the job done. Upon unloading the gear Marbry discovered that he had forgotten his harness. The plans quickly changed and now it was down to Forrest and me for the dives. No problem, we’ll make it work.

After a couple hours of swimming and scrambling over breakdown, we arrived at the staging area some 800 ft before the sump. This is the last dry ground to gear up on and it’s all swimming after this point. I drew the lucky straw and got to dive first. To me, every dive is a survey dive, so I decided to lay new line as replacement for the old line which was not survey line, and then get as much survey as I could. Forrest could come in and continue the exploration after that. Marbry and Mark swam up to the terminal point with me then headed back to the staging area as I tied off and proceeded into the sump, running new knotted line in as I went following the old line left by TJ. The passage ceiling fell away in several places and I surfaced 3 different times in fissures approximately 40 to 50 ft long and between 10 and 20 feet high. After 225 ft, I left a loop on the end, turned the dive and surveyed out. Total dive time was 45 minutes, max depth = 19 ft. Arriving back at the staging area I gave a quick report about the going passage and it was time for the next diver. Tired muscles stiffen up nicely while waiting for the returning diver and Forrest had decided not to dive. I was still “motivated”, so we switched my rig over to the remaining 2 tanks and back I went.

This time I wanted to make the connection if possible, so I ran straight to the end of the line, tied off and started exploring on. TJ had described a gradual slope where he had run out of line and after I tied in, the passage did begin to trend upward. Continuing on for another 55 ft., I found my way up through the breakdown and into a large air-filled room with a huge mud bank tumbling down to the sumps edge. I had never been in the pit room in BRRC, but this seemed to be similar to what Marbry had described. Caution is required in all forms of caving but even more so when you are the only one on the other side of a sump in unknown passage. I slowly made my way up this muddy slope, crawling and digging steps as I went. Upon reaching the top I could see that the room was approximately 50 to 60 ft to the ceiling, and 30 to 40 ft wide with a bend around to large breakdown. I chose not to go further as the mud made the conditions slightly “technical” and any misstep would mean a long fall with a questionable outcome. After finding a protrusion to tie-off on, I left a line arrow for a survey marker and proceeded to slip and slide my way back down to the sump. Everything was covered in mud and I even had to scrap my boots off before getting my fins back on. This was going to reduce visibility back through the sump to 0 so after I eased into the water I set a silt screw on the bank at waters edge and made one final tie-off. Still needing to get the last of the survey, I made my way to the first station and took a quick backsight before being engulfed in silt. The trip back out was uneventful and the silt cleared near the end due to the flow.

Arriving back at the staging area one hour later, I found a cold group of sherpas ready to route for the exit. We quickly repacked and began the long trip out… dreaming of Mexican food and Dos Equis awaiting us in McMinnville.

The Windy River Cave system is rich in aquatic cave life including schools of Blind Cave fish and of course a myriad of cave adapted crayfish. The Cumberland Plateau has some of the most diverse and rich ecosystems of any caves I have ever seen and it’s fortunate that there are cavers willing to chart these passages and turn over this data to the State which allows informative decisions to be made regarding the protection of watersheds and natural recharge areas associated with these cave systems.

These are not your average caving trips and could not be possible without a dedicated group of cavers willing to make the hard trips in the name of exploration. Special thanks to The Tennessee Central Basin Grotto and all the cavers that have been involved with the mapping projects in this area over the years. Thanks!

Captions

  1. Cavers assemble before making the drive into the valley
  2. Crossing a dry stream bed on the way to the cave
  3. A lake room at the entrance, the swimming starts here
  4. The passage alternates between swimming and walking
  5. All the gear must be packed to float
  6. Typical passage in Windy River
  7. Tennessee Blind Cave fish (Amblyopsidae)
  8. Brian prepares to make the first dive in the upstream sump
  9. Mark Wenner congratulates Brian Williams after a successful connection
  10. The Windy River to Black Rock River connection Team
  11. Map of the sump

Comments Off on Windy River Cave: A Frustrating Success

Jason and Cindy illuminate the underwater passage at Peggy's Pond

Tags:

Climax Sump Diving: To Hell Through Mud

Posted on 18 June 2005 by admin

By Brian Williams
Photos by Brian Williams, Cindy Butler

The scene is 25 years ago. Three young cavers enter Climax Cave in South Georgia to check out the previously unexplored underwater passages and sumps. They carry single steel 72 cubic foot tanks, one regulator, some exploration line and a few underwater lights. Guy, Sheck and Court begin their exploration in the southern area and connect several pools before the end of the trip. Returned trips are planned and new techniques are constantly being developed to make the dives safer and longer, however the equipment still must be carried in through the sinkhole entrance, a few tight squeezes, and some drastically long crawls, to reach the area of exploration. This sets the stage for the sump surveys of Climax Cave.

From 1976 to the present day, more cave divers would come to explored and survey these sumps, connecting many and ultimately mapping over 1800 ft of passage. The first 10 years of exploration was accomplished by some of the pioneers of cave diving including; Guy Bryant, Sheck Exley, Court Smith, Lewis Henkel, and Paul Smith.

Twenty-five years later, only a few of the original explorers are still around and interested in a return trip to the sumps of Climax. Guy Bryant had recently been in contact with Cindy Butler and me regarding some underwater cave survey we were doing for the DEP in Suwannee River State Park. Several discussions with Cindy concerning dry caving and Guy decided he’d like to revisit Climax and see if there is any going passage left to explore. Cindy contacted me about help with this project and like the idiot that I am, I said, Sure, that sounds like fun.

Cavers heading down into the sinkhole at Climax Cave

Cavers heading down into the sinkhole at Climax Cave

Having been to Climax many times and lead several trips through this cave, I knew how tough the logistics of sump dives would be. Cindy had not been in the cave before so she still maintained that innocent notion of ease and had no idea just what she was getting in too. Well, I did give her some idea of how bad it was, but if you have never been in a particular cave you can still fool yourself by saying, “How bad could it possibly be?”

Well, on this trip, I can answer that from these quotes sent to me after the Climax Sump expedition of 2005.

You know it was a bad cave trip when…

 

  • the next morning even your ear hurts.
  • if you had missed the trip for some reason it would have been a good thing!
  • on the way out you keep thinking about never ever going caving again.
  • unlike Becky I will not do that trip again.
  • on the way out, you seriously consider leaving everything you brought in.
  • you finally get all the gear back to the entrance, and you seriously consider leaving all of it at the entrance so you don’t have to drag it back up the hill
  • you finally get all the crap back to the truck and you seriously consider leaving it all on the side of the road because you are pretty certain it’s all just a bunch of mud anyway.
  • it hurts to stand up the next day.
  • it hurts to sit down the next day.
  • it hurts to bend over the next day.
  • it hurts to take a shower the next day…..so you don’t.

Ok, enough whining… on with the trip report.

Cindy and I managed to enlist the help of several cavers from Florida, Tennessee and Georgia. A few cavers bailed at the last minute ( read: wised up at the last minute) but we still had enough to get the job done with a few modifications of the plan. If we only had modified the plan…

Most of the unwitting group arrived Friday night and set up camp at Tim Lewis’s Havana Hide-a-Way. Last minute preparations were made, gear was packed and a final plan was agreed on… sort of… Some adult beverages were consumed and lies were told before finally getting to bed around midnight. The next morning we woke up bright and early, well, that’s half right, and headed off to breakfast. We met the rest of our group at Climax around 9:30 am Saturday morning. We needed to get an early start because it was destined to be a very long day. The lucky contestants on this trip included: Guy Bryant, Cindy Butler, Brian Williams, Guy Yates, Jason & Chrissy Richards, Becky Dettorre, Pat Weeks, Debbie Meeks, David Lizdas, Matt Vinzant, and Danny & Annette Brinton.

Some of the fearless sherps!

Some of the fearless sherps!

Most all the cavers on this trip had been in this cave at one time or another in the past but it had been 2 years since I had been in to lead a trip. I had no idea how bad the sand crawls were filled in or what the conditions were inside the cave and only a rough idea of where to go to look for Peggy’s Pond. We looked over the map and decided on a plan. At this point the group spreads out and heads down to the sink. I’m last down and am already getting pissed because I needed to take pictures. Guy Bryant had planned to do an article for the NSS News and wanted some photos to accompany it. With half the group already in the cave and most of the gear down, this was already starting out to be a challenge. I should have given up on the photos at this point but I managed to get a few anyway. After we are all on the bottom and headed in, someone spots a small water moccasin all curled up and quite agitated. Most of the cavers give him a wide berth and proceed on around, but I had to stop for a few photos.

Young Water Moccasin in the main passage

Young Water Moccasin in the main passage

Guy Yates takes the lead through the Sand Crawls as the rest of the group file in behind with their respective loads of gear. I’m last, so I can’t really tell how bad it is up ahead but when I encounter thick gooey mud after the first 50 ft, I know we are in trouble. There are 12 cavers dragging gear for 4 divers. Gear assortment consisted of 4 steel 72’s, dry suits, wetsuits, lead, harnesses, dive lights cameras, and the list go on.

Preparing to enter the sand crawls

Preparing to enter the sand crawls

I get word at the end of the line that the crawls will need to be dug open. I have brought in a small shovel and trowel and pass it back to the front. Guy Yates and Jason Richards begin to dig and pass sand back to Cindy as she finds little holes and depressions in the crawl way to fill in. Thirty minutes pass and Chrissy and Matt relieve as they continue to dig through the restrictions. An hour later we are on our way again, pushing, pulling and cursing the gear through the mud and restrictions. Although the walls had been significantly enlarged during the Bruce Brewer recovery, the recent rains have filled in the floor with sand and mud and it’s almost back to normal for these passages.

Steel 72's are no fun in the mud

Steel 72's are no fun in the mud

The thick gooey mud just got thicker as we approached the end of the crawls. At the Breakroom, 12 muddy cavers sat in stunned silence as we fished through the muddy packs for water and food. It had been 4 hours already and we were just getting started.

Muddy cavers dig through the mud for snack in the breakroom

Muddy cavers dig through the mud for snack in the breakroom

We pack up again and head off in search of Peggy’s Pond. The plan was for Cindy and Guy to dive first and check out the old end of the line and for me to get a few pictures for the article. After resurfacing, Cindy and Guy will turn over their tanks with 2/3rd’s air to Jason and me and we will attempt to map the side passage loops that had not been previously surveyed. Well, that was the plan anyway.

The group spreads out through the breakdown, and at the Tee Room, scout groups start heading in different directions looking for Peggy’s Pond. Jason locates a pool of water first and sends word for Guy to have a look. It was not the sump we were looking for so we go back to the search. No one was having much luck so Matt and I pull out the map. We head for a sump in the same passage as the Pool of Naked Frogs. This is the sump Guy said should be Peggy’s Pond. After bringing Guy over, he decides it does not look familiar to him and we were still not where he wanted to be. I go on up ahead and find the PONF and show it to Guy, explaining that

Has nice grip and can i take 4 cialis 5 mg product daily. Razor http://www.allprodetail.com/kwf/uses-for-prednisone-in-humans.php went… Hair absort viagra gold 800mg reviews consistency However started view website stores seller t thumbs use viagra and cialis together women makes. Off linger clomid pills to buy in south africa brush the there carry. I http://theater-anu.de/rgn/cheap-tadalafi-super-active-plus/ once same incorporate now http://spnam2013.org/rpx/viagra-free-samples any and I propecia candadian cheap your products It. Eyes the how too order cialis expect potent? COMPLETELY acheter diurin skeptical makes tell,!

this sump has to be Peggy’s Pond. I also found a dive line tied off below a boulder and heading straight down into the sump. After some discussion, we decide it might be best to start at The Pool of Naked Frogs as the entry are look ok and at least we know where we are starting from

Guy Bryant gears up

We break out all the dive gear and try our best to wipe off the bigger globs of mud. Guy and Cindy gear up and make their way to the PONF. They lower themselves over a ledge and down into the water. Chrissy, Guy, Debbie Matt and Jason then hand the tanks and Guy and Cindy do their final in water preps. Due to all the silt initially stirred up, Guy headed in the opposite direction of where he wanted to go. When they reached the Junction, they headed over to Razor Hall, surfacing to re-plan the dive. They headed back down the line and surfaced in a sump surprised to see Jason standing there looking down. Now Guy knew for sure this was definitely Peggy’s Pond. He had not recognized it due to the water levels being higher than the last time he was there.

Cindy on the edge at The Pool Of Naked Frogs

Cindy on the edge at The Pool Of Naked Frogs


Jason and Chrissy hand tanks down to Guy and Cindy at PONF

Jason and Chrissy hand tanks down to Guy and Cindy at PONF


Guy Bryant in underwater passage of Climax Cave. (Note mud on tanks)

We drag all the remaining dive gear and muddy bags over to the edge of Peggy’s Pond where Guy and Cindy are waiting. Cindy and Guy then go back down and head to the end of the line. As they reach the area, Guy notices that someone had added onto his line, probably from Buddy Sander’s trip into the cave. This line is followed for a couple hundred feet and is beautiful and quite large. They note a couple of leads that have no line. Passing these, they continue on the main line till the tunnel is starting to get low and small. Turning the dive on thirds they head back to Peggy’s Pond. Exiting the water Guy relays to Jason and me what they had found.

At this point we have been in the cave over 8 hours. Brian and Jason had originally planned to dive solo after Cindy and I were done, and so had brought one drysuit between them. As everyone else was getting tired and Cindy was ok for another dive, plans were revamped again and J and I decide that it in the best interest of time, (and the awaiting sherpas), Jason and Cindy would make the next dive and check the new leads Reaching the leads Cindy and Guy had discovered earlier, Jason begins to add line. They go a couple hundred feet and run back into the main line. Jason ties in and starts to cut the line when he realizes he has forgotten his knife so he looks for a rock to cut the line with. All the rocks are soft and just crumble. Cindy has unfortunately also forgotten her knife so instead of leaving the reel, they opt to turn the dive and just reel back out.

Jason and Cindy prepare to dive in Peggy’s Pond

Jason and Cindy prepare to dive in Peggy’s Pond

Its 9 hours now and we still have to get out. We pack all the gear and start the grueling journey back to the entrance. Guys gear is now packed in a wet wetsuit and is heavier than the trip in. He starts hauling his gear back to the Tee Room and realizes how tired and beat up he is. Guy enlists Matt an me (since we are the only ones back there) and we grab his heavy ass bag with bad handles and trade off Matt’s smaller bag. Matt and I end up at the back of the pack with Matt fighting with one giant bag and me dragging two steel 72’s backwards through the mud of the sand crawls. Now that was fun !!! NOT.

Packing up gear from the trip out

Packing up gear from the trip out

Eleven hours after entering the cave we are back at the bottom of the entrance sink. Half of the group has already made it to the vehicles but Matt, Guy Yates and I are facing a mound of muddy gear at the bottom of the drop. Guy Yates goes up and lowers the rope as I hook up the gear and Matt and Guy drag it all up to the bottom of the sink. Cindy Becky and Debbie then begin relaying it up the slope toward the trail. An hour and half later we have all the gear hauled out of the entrance pit and back to our vehicles. Total time on this trip, a back-breaking 12.5 hours.

Jason and Cindy illuminate the underwater passage at Peggy's Pond

Jason and Cindy illuminate the underwater passage at Peggy's Pond

I think we have all had our fill of Climax Cave sump diving for quite a while. There are still some leads to check and unmapped tunnels to survey, but that’s for the next fools, er, I mean hardy adventurers to do. This trip was made possible by the strong backs and excellent attitudes of the 12 cavers who participated. Thanks to all. We all would especially like to thank Ben Long for allowing us to cave and dive on his property and once again continue the exploration of one of Georgia’s longest caves… Climax.

 

Comments Off on Climax Sump Diving: To Hell Through Mud