Cleaning up caves is fun but cleaning up caves with friends is a blast. If you are interested in meeting some wonderful people and joining a group that loves our lands and natural resources come on out and meet us!

Starting off the new year with a wonderful election and meeting. Climbing is always a lot of fun. If your interested in being a member and enjoying the company of fellow cavers and outdoor enthusiasts come on out to a meeting. 

When you were a kid, did you ever dig for buried treasure in the backyard? If you did, can you remember that expectant, nervous feeling in the pit of your stomach as the shovelfuls of dirt piled up beside you? Continue Reading

Mike Thomas in exploration mode. (Photo by Philip Walker)

Florida Cave Cavort 2017

Once a year cavers through-out Florida gather for fun and festivities. This year the Florida Cave Cavort was held on Jerry and Shirl’s Farm in Williston Florida, during the first weekend in March.

Out of the 120 cavers in attendance, many cavers were old friends, but this year there were some historical cavers and new cavers. We all like the geological, recreational, and scenic values of caves. However, it is friendships within the caving community that makes Caving truly Great! Every time Florida cavers get together new friends are made as well as old friends getting reacquainted. Cavers may be a little strange, but they are the best people and it’s always a wonderful experience to get-together for a weekend.

This year was awesome!  There were cave, dive, and kayak trips. Plus, the new rappel tower and zip lines.  The entire Johnson family prepared and served an absolutely outstanding meal for all, with Jerry providing the best smoked meat ever.

We want to thank the exceptional band and sponsors who helped out making this years Cave Cavort such an amazing event:

• Music by Capt Jon Semmes with “Singing River Tours”

• Dive gear from Ocala Dive Center

• Dinners from Woodys BBQ

• Coolers, Calender’s, and trinkets from Runaway Trailers

• Gift baskets from Starbucks

• Cave gear from SCCi

Mike and Emma enter Jerry’s Cave with the cave cat. (Photo by Philip Walker)

The Cave Cat didn’t venture very far fearing the chilly water. (photo by Philip Walker)

The Flint River Grotto Camping Area. (Photo by Dennis Carney)

Bill Birdsall attempting to dance with the Atyeo’s “People Down by the River.” (Photo by Philip Walker)

Tina Finds Hitch-Hiker Cave. (Photo by Tina Willis)

The Chert monster is soon to devour the poor little spider in Tucks Cave. (Photo by Tina Willis)

Climbing out of Tucks Cave. (Photo by Tina Willis)

The Gang exits Whitecliff Cave. (Photo by ???…Damn memory)

The Carney family and friends head into Brain Fungus Cave. (Photo by Dennis Carney)

Getting low and wet in James Cave. (photo by Dennis Carney)

Well the pyramid marks the spot. The Grand Entrance of Ocala Caverns. (Photo by Dennis Carney)

The bridge in the New Section of Ocala Caverns. (Photo by Dennis Carney)

A Special Plaque For a Special Couple

Jerry Johnson started with the FSS in 1961, and has been an active member ever since. Jerry has contributed to cave discovery, exploration, and survey–most notably Warrens, Briar, and Glory Hole Blowing Cave. Jerry has been a contributing board member for the last 30 years with 2 tours as President, 5 tours as secretary, and 20 tours as treasurer. Jerry has also chaired the Board of Governors for the NSS.

Jerry and Shirl have been pinnacles of strength for the FSS. In addition to their wonderful guidance, they have hosted meetings, parties and Cavorts out at their farm for years. The FSS is really like a big family with Jerry and Shirl being our cave parents.

Below is a picture of a plaque given to Jerry and Shirl. The plaque is an ancient cypress logged over 130 years ago. The log broke free and sank into the depths of the Ocklawaha river. Through the years the rivers tanics have soaked deep into the core of the wood.  The ancient log was found and recovered 50 years ago. The beautiful wood has only been used for very special plaques since its recovery. This plaque, given to the Johnsons by the members of the FSS, is the very last piece of that ancient special log.

Jerry Johnson holding the “Thank you” Plaque. (Photo by Mike Thomas)

Warming the toes by the Sunday morning Campfire.

Story by Philip Walker

Here are a few pictures of the 2017 Cave Cavort preparation work days. Go right to the bottom to see the rappelling tower pictures and zip line movie.

Workday #1: November 8, 2016. Workers came out to do preliminary cleaning of unused areas, conduct a little fence repair, and do general maintenance.

(Photos by Jeremy Atyeo)

Mike inspects the fence and brush.

The Gang cleans up.

The gang piles brush after cutting.

Chuck gives Jerry’s ass a little attention.

Steve works on the fence.

Workday #2: December 21, 2016 was the second workday. The goal was to trim some trees, finish the tower, and build the fire-ring.

(Photos by Jon Singley)

Kitty watching her little toes while using some big trimmers?

Rocks are brought in for the fire-ring.

Bill trims the trees.

Steve works on the tower while modeling for Home Dept.

Bernice feeds the troops with her wonderful Bistro.

Workday #3: January 22, 2017.  Goals were to rig the zip lines, have electric and plumbing worked on, and finish up on small repairs.

(Photos by Jeremy Atyeo)

James and Jerry prepare the zip line kit.

Electric is installed and working.

Mike and Dave discuss the zip line placement.

Chuck and James ready the cable.

Bill and Mike hang the zip line.

Workday #4: February 12, 2017. Goals were to burn the dried brush, bring in firewood, work on finishing touches and of course…test out the zip lines.

(Photos by Phil Walker)

James wets the area around the proposed brush burn.

Bill inspects the shower house. The shower house is in Great Shape, thanks to Tony.

Burning some brush, and being safe about it.

Horses hanging out by the fire-ring.

This horse is ‘re-tired’.

The rappelling tower all ready to go.

Select the video to see the zip line in action. Make sure you have your sound on!

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.

On February 27th, 2016 an unnamed master organizer set up a get-together at the White-Cliff Cave property. The day was planned for cavers old and new to just hang out. Burgers and Dogs were cooked, food was devoured, and people went caving. There were several generations of cavers, some had been caving since the mid 1960’s and some were brand new. The newest cavers were all under 10 years old.  It was nice to watch the children playing and behaving so well. They kicked a ball around, conversed like young adults, and invented a game with an old can and  sticks. No one needed electronics or games. It is refreshing to have people young and old simply enjoying Life.

There were three separate trips into White-Cliff. No life was observed inside the cave (besides cavers). Water was observed in the pool, but seemed fairly low. The main purpose of the trips was to introduce some folks to caving, and have a nice time.

Aboveground photos by Chris, Underground photos by Joe Fretwell. Story by Philip Walker

Lunch is served.

Some great eat’ens from the grill.

Walking to the quarry.

Down the Hatch.

Getting ready to climb down into the slot.

A stranger at the other end of the tunnel.

Not even Steve can hide from the camera. How did you get in there anyway?

It is always nice when people get together–stories are told, new friends are met, and ideas are shared. It is even better when groups get together. Barry Luther loves the outdoors and getting people to enjoy the outdoors. Barry is a Friend of San Felasco and also a member of the FSS. He thought it would be great to unite the two groups together. Barry first organized an FSS hike in the backwoods of San Felasco and then organized the Friends of San Felasco to tour Warrens Cave.

The FSS members that toured San Felasco in late October had a fantastic time, and are still talking about it. The entire San Felasco area is beautiful due to the hard work and dedication of the group that maintains the preserve. The FSS was very excited but a little nervous about taking the San Felasco group inside Warrens Cave. The FSS wanted to reciprocate and show off  the underground wonders of what lies under Florida. However, Warrens Cave is not a beginner cave. The National Speleological Society (NSS) committee that oversees the Warrens Cave preserve is adamant about the safety of everyone on the property and the property itself. As everyone found there was no reason to worry. Every member of the group that went in the cave also had safety and conservation at the top of their minds. It was like every member had been doing this their entire lives.

Some cavers were happy with a tour of the Chicken Grotto, Some made the drop and caved up to the Cashew Squeeze. There was a small group that went thru the Cashew Squeeze and explored the seldom traveled Right and Left Branch. Many people never even went into the cave, but simply stayed topside enjoying the day by Warrens sink. Everyone had a wonderful day being together outdoors in nature.

Thanks to our good friends over at San Felasco.

Story by Philip Walker    Photo’s by Kyle Ulmer

The plaque still looks good commemorating Bill Oldacre for all his dedication and hard work to the NSS owned Warrens Cave Preserve.

Groups gather and chat in the brisk morning air.

James and Mike making some series plans. If Mike had one more pair of glasses he may make a spectacle out of himself.

Relics of the past: the old first aid and survival kit. Not really sure what the hammer is for.

Reece looks pretty happy after making the climb.

Taking a photo moment in one of the many passages in Warrens Cave.

Kyle our photographer gets his photo taken coming out of the Cashew Squeeze.

Joe sees the light . Don’t go toward the light Joe!

Joe goes off climbing toward the light at the end of the tunnel.

Taking the shape of a Cashew, Reece happily emerges from the squeeze.

Testing out that brand new climbing gear.

Kitty welcomes cavers from the underworld with much needed water and food. We found that Horseradish and French Onion Dip is a requirement of every party.

How long does an event take place before it is traditional?

During the month of September the Florida Speleological Society (FSS) members have a traditional climb practice and party at Bill’s house.  This event probably started as  preparation for the group traveling North to the Fall TAG Cave-in (traditionally) in October.  However, no one really knows when it started.  The tradition may have started when Bill was the long reigning president of the FSS back in the mid-1990’s, which is when Bill and Lisa purchased their lovely home.

On Saturday, September 19, 2015  FSS members met for the 29th year (+/- a year or two) in Bill’s backyard. Years of hard work are displayed in the beautiful lush gardens. Ropes dangled from ancient oaks 70 feet in the air. Climbers dangled from the ropes: practicing rusty climbing skills, fine-tuning equipment, doing change-overs, trying new gear, or even climbing for the first time.  Others chatted in the background, relaxed with a beverage and told stories of old times. Children played and entertained themselves on the backyard swing.  What ever people were doing–they were having a great time.  That is why every September we have a traditional party at Bill’s house.

Practice makes perfect.

A first time climber having a blast.

Bill with climber high overhead.

Skills being passed from generation to generation.

Climbing after the sun high in the trees.

When entering a vertical entrance of a cave by a rope one must know their gear proficiently, which is why we practice in trees. One is completely alone on the rope descending into unknown darkness, sometimes cold and often wet. A single rope is the lifeline into and out of the cave.  Climbing is fun but can also be dangerous. knowing your equipment and your limits reduces danger and increases the safety margin expeditiously.  Before ever attempting to enter a vertical cave, know your equipment well, know how to descend, how to climb, and how to switch from decent to climb mode (or vice versa) while on rope. Climbing in trees in fun but also a good way to train and gain knowledge keeping caving safe.

Story and photos by Philip Walker

When work, life, and spring rains get you down–call up some friends and go caving. That is exactly what Mike and Kitty did.

Most of the time when the Florida Speleological Society (FSS) goes to the Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia (TAG) area, it is fall. Spring rain adds another demention to caving. We would only go to caves that had no chance of flooding. Our first cave was Howard’s Waterfall, which has an upper passage that stays dry and a lower passage that takes the water. After checking the weather, we felt reassured with only sprinkles in the forecast. The entrance way was indeed dry. However, water was dripping heavily from almost every formation with puddles throughout the cave. We spent 3.5 hours exploring the entire upper passage back to the register room. At the end of the trip we were quite surprised–it sounded like a train was rolling through the the cave entrance. Water was pouring into the entrance and cascading down into the lower passages. We crawled through a stream passage now a foot deep to get out.  No one in the group had ever seen the elusive Howard’s waterfall at the entrance before. It was a spectacular visit!

We aired on the side of caution the entire trip but were still able to visit: Tumbling Rock, Signal Light Pit, Cedar Ridge Crystal Cave, and Kara, in addition to Howard’s Waterfall. We attempted Bluff River but felt we didn’t want to take a chance once we saw how much water was flowing inside the entrance. We also stopped by Lim Rock, not expecting to cave, but wanting to see what the normally dry  entrance looked like.

It was a great time seeing what caves do best–take on water.

Story by Philip Walker

A small creature watched from behind the rocks.

Taking an easy stroll through Howard’s waterfall.

A NOT so easy stroll.

A healthy, solitary Tri-Colored Bat (Perimyotis subflavus) covered with condensation.

The back of Howard’s Waterfall.

The Elephants Foot in Tumbling Rock Cave.

Tumbling Rock passages can be very large.

Taking a break on the breakdown pile–Isn’t that what you are supposed to do?

Looking at the normally dry entrance to Lim Rock Blowing Cave.

A nice easy drop into Signal Light Pit.

Exploring the Kewl Room at Kara’s Kave.

Another stunning view of Kara’s. Notice the person at the top climbing out.

Stopping by Sauta Cave for the evening Bat Flight.

We did not expect to see much of a Bat flight at Sauta with all the rain. However, bats did indeed take flight. We watched bats dart into steady streams of falling water, one by one, for a quick drink before venturing out for the evening hunt.