Skies were clear and sunny, with a slight breeze out of the east on April Fool’s Day 2023. FSS President J. Fletcher set up a morning work day for the group, with an afternoon exploration of Catacombs Cave. No one was really sure if we would get underground–it was April Fools Day.

After working in the hot sun and getting a bit of lunch and hydration, everyone was looking forward to the cool waters below ground, provided we could all get through the tiny awkward entrance gate. The timing was perfect. The water levels had dropped, and bat maternity season would start in a couple of days. Which means the cave would be closed, so the bats can do their thing.

This was the first time anyone had been in this cave in two years due to the water levels being very high in Florida. They have now dropped to almost record lows. This allowed us to access passages not seen in many years, but it is an environmental worry, with the Florida heat starting to turn up.

Thanks to Nicole Marti, Kat Newell, and Fletcher for providing pictures.