Group Photo.
Facing fears of the Corona Virus reaching us, a small group decided we would go caving at Warrens Cave before we are all stuck inside. Warrens is Florida’s longest cave at 4.5 miles. Because of the many long small passages, it has gotten a terrible reputation of shredding cavers to hamburger (which it can do). This is NOT a beginner cave. However, if you have experience, know Single Rope Technique (SRT), how to navigate tight squeezes, and have a good cannoning technique, it’s a nice cave to visit.
Warrens has been known about since the 1830’s. Warrens Cave is on old maps as a stage coach stop, so passers-by could feel the cool air coming out of the ground. It has also had tragedy with a few deaths over the years by people falling in the entrance. Warrens Cave is currently gated, managed, and cared for by the National Speological Society (NSS), with assistance from the Florida Speological Society (FSS), Entrance is granted for recreation and scientific study for NSS members only.
Today, we spent a little time cleaning up the property, and headed underground.
Warrens Cave is now a preserve owned by the National Speological Society (NSS). Bill Oldacre was responsible for this, so upon his death we installed a nice plaque to honor him at the cave site.
Carlos climbing down into the beautiful sink.
Kick’en up some dirt at the Speak Easy.
There is a gate at the bottom of the sink to protect the cave and also to
prevent anyone from falling down the large vertical pit on the other side.
Warrens has never been known for a large bat population, but just in case
the door has a small hole (resembling a speakeasy) to let bats through.
The gate also keeps detritus from going in the cave, which has to be removed
before opening the gate.
This was Brit’s second vertical drop, and she did outstanding.
This was Ben’s ki-zillionth drop, Ben did great also.
A look from the bottom of the drop. In total, the drop is about 60 feet. Once at the bottom, you have 300 feet of walking passage, then you have to climb up about 40 feet to get to the remainder of the cave.
Sofia completing the first squeeze. Sofia does a lot of international caving, mainly in Columbia where the caves are very large. This was a bit different for her.
Once you get a little ways back it is nice to look around at the walls. Warrens does not have any major formations but many of the fossils are covered in calcite, making them shine and glisten.
An example of the walls of Warrens.
The Sand Room.
The Sand Room is a good resting point. You can see everyone needed a rest. The box and large water bottles are for emergencies and back exploration. To get to the back of this cave requires a 14-16 hour commitment. You can see even reaching the Sand Room requires a LOT of energy.
Of course once in, you have to get out. Dave demonstrates the best way to pass through the Red Streak squeeze. It is called the Red Streak because it is about 150 feet and takes a bit of DNA every time you pass through.
Another type of sporting passage in Warrens Cave.
There are also big areas in Warrens. The large wooden beam was brought back here to help navigate a pit (not seen). There are three levels to the cave.
The photographer makes it in a photo…YEY! (Photo by Soofia Oggioni)
If this cave (or any cave) looks fun to you, please contact the Florida Speological Society (FSS), right on this very website (CONTACT), or Email: fss_cavers@yahoogroups.com
Attend a meeting, get on a beginning cave trip. If you like caving, go on another trip. Get EXPERIENCE and be SAFE. Getting involved with a Caving Grotto, such as the FSS, is the best way to truly enjoy the wonders that the underground has to offer. We all love the outdoors, the environment, and being underground.
Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures.
Story and Photo’s by Philip Walker