[Texascavers] Anthony Bourdain goes caving in Jamaica..
http://anthony-bourdain-blog.travelchannel.com/2007/12/notes-from-the-road.html#more wotta wimp! T. http://home.infionline.net/~tbsamsel/ - Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com
RE: [Texascavers] Anthony Bourdain goes caving in Jamaica..
Still a great show, though! We watched two that we had on DVR just last night. I'll let y'all know when the Jamaica episode airs. The new season starts tonight on the Travel Channel. Check you local listings, but, I believe it's 10 eastern/ 9 central. Later, Mark An A.B. Fan -Original Message- From: Ted Samsel [mailto:tbsam...@infionline.net] Sent: Monday, January 07, 2008 6:30 AM To: texascavers@texascavers.com Subject: [Texascavers] Anthony Bourdain goes caving in Jamaica.. http://anthony-bourdain-blog.travelchannel.com/2007/12/notes-from-the-ro ad.html#more wotta wimp! T. http://home.infionline.net/~tbsamsel/ - Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com - Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com
[Texascavers] OT - chupacabras
Chupacabras are rumored to go deeper into caves than bats, and some alledge that they have been found to sump dive into undiscovered passages. Some even claim their favorite hide-out is beyond the sump in Joya de Salas. Other witnesses said they swim out of the Nacimiento Rio Sabinas? Someone could tag a few and set up a trap at the swimming hole. This could prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the 2 caves are connected. Since Chupacabras have gills, they can stay underwater for their entire life-cycle if necessary. And they are said to swim as good as penquins. David Locklear - Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com
[Texascavers] a potential cave trip deep into Veracruz
There has been some talk lately on the mexican listserve, of planning a big group trip to a pit called El Popoca, in Veracruz. This pit is number one on my list of caves to see, and has been since 1987. That was when I saw a video some French cavers making the virgin descent. Several years ago, the area had a incident with a hiker ( from Mexico City ) that was kidnapped and killed in front of his hiking friends by a group of masked banditos. I sort of lost interest after that. Anyways, the renewed interest seems to be that there is now a Mexican caver living in the nearby town of Zongolica and other cavers living within a few hours drive. Sounds like a good trip to try to get on. The pit is only about 250 feet deep and 200 feet around, but has a river dropping into it.The passage below is borehole, thru rapids and boulders, but sumps within a few hundred feet. Has anybody on CaveTex seen it, or been in it? David Locklear - Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com
[Texascavers] poster/map lamination
I would like to laminate some large posters and maps (4 by 8 feet, for example) and FedEx/Kinko's will do it for me for $3 per square foot. Has anyone out there found a cheaper/better commercial alternative? Thanks, Diana * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Diana R. Tomchick Associate Professor University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Department of Biochemistry 5323 Harry Hines Blvd. Rm. ND10.214B Dallas, TX 75390-8816, U.S.A. Email: diana.tomch...@utsouthwestern.edu 214-645-6383 (phone) 214-645-6353 (fax) - Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com
RE: [Texascavers] Rabbit Ears
Very informative and I stand somewhat corrected on the issue of antennas. To wit: What About My Analog TV? Will It Still Work? After February 17, 2009, you will be able to receive and view over-the-air digital programming with an analog TV only by purchasing a digital-to-analog set-top converter box. Between January 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009, all U.S. households will be able to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the future purchase of eligible digital-to-analog converter boxes. Eligible converter boxes are for the conversion of over-the-air digital television signals, and therefore are not intended for analog TVs connected to a paid provider such as cable or satellite TV service. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is administering the coupon program. For more information, visit the NTIA website at www.dtv2009.gov. The Commission’s DTV website, www.dtv.gov, also provides information for consumers on the upcoming digital-to-analog converter box coupon program. More detailed information regarding NTIA’s coupon program, what digital-to-analog converter boxes will be eligible, where and when they may be purchased, and the related costs involved will be provided by the Commission and NTIA as the commencement of the coupon program on January 1, 2008, approaches. If I Already Have an Antenna, Do I Need a New One to View the Digital Signals? A special antenna generally is not needed to receive digital signals. You may have antenna issues, however, if your current antenna does not receive UHF signals (channels 14 and above) well, because most DTV stations are on UHF channels. In such a case, you may need a new antenna or to add a UHF section to your existing antenna system. This equipment should be available at most bricks-and-mortar and Internet consumer electronics retailers. Date: Sat, 5 Jan 2008 18:22:26 -0600 From: caveman2...@embarqmail.com To: power_lou...@hotmail.com CC: gi...@worldnet.att.net; texascavers@texascavers.com Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Rabbit Ears Follow this link. http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/digitaltv.html It states that a UHF antenna should be sufficient. Of course this is a .gov website and probably should be viewed with skepticism. Corky Louise Power wrote: You guys (not just you, Gill) are not getting it. The broadcast of analog TV signals will be no more as of March 1, 2009. Your rabbit ears will be useless. It's not the frequencies, it's the fact that it will be broadcast digitally. As Mark Minton said: It is a different set of frequencies, *_but it is also digital rather than analogue, which is the important change. Your old rabbit ears would be useless._* ** For additional information, see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_television Date: Fri, 4 Jan 2008 20:21:52 -0500 To: texascavers@texascavers.com From: gi...@worldnet.att.net Subject: [Texascavers] Rabbit Ears At 05:54 PM 1/4/2008, Minton, Mark wrote:Don Cooper said:I'm wondering if my old rabbit ears will work with digital - as I understand its a different set of frequenciesIt is a different set of frequencies, but it is also digitalrather than analogue, which is the important change. Your oldrabbit ears would be useless. You gotta have some kinda antenna. I'm guessing that if the frequencies are different, they will be a whole lot shorter. That means all ya gotta do is chop your rabbit ears off a to be a lot shorter also. --Ediger - Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1209 - Release Date: 1/4/2008 12:05 PM
[Texascavers] Not cave related but certainly a rush
Watch till the end http://www.nike.com/nikeacg/index-cz.html#sweetspot9 Mark Passerby, Cavediggers.com
Re: [Texascavers] Not cave related but certainly a rush
Rock-skiing a 60 degree incline is frickin suicidal.It is regular suicidal even when there is snow covering the rocks. I was certain he was going to plaster that rock wall with his face. What he needs to do now ( to impress me ) is to ski down from Precipico, with all that Lechuguilla. Some copy-cat may get the idea to rock-ski in a cave somewhere such as the breakdown slope in Palmito. I remember when people used to think grass-skiing on roller-skis was an extreme sport. David Locklear - Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com
[Texascavers] interesting internet information
I predict the internet will become a popular place to seek out information. For example, Check out these cool web-site links below: http://www.wikihow.com/Survive-in-a-Cave http://www.wikihow.com/Find-a-Cave http://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Snow-Cave http://www.wikihow.com/Tie-a-Swiss-Seat-Rappel-Harness http://www.wikihow.com/Belay-for-Rock-Climbing - Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com
Re: [Texascavers] interesting internet information
A day late and a dollar short, I fear. T. -Original Message- From: David Locklear dlocklea...@gmail.com Sent: Jan 7, 2008 1:33 PM To: Texas Cavers texascavers@texascavers.com, greater_houston_grotto greater_houston_gro...@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Texascavers] interesting internet information I predict the internet will become a popular place to seek out information. For example, Check out these cool web-site links below: http://www.wikihow.com/Survive-in-a-Cave http://www.wikihow.com/Find-a-Cave http://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Snow-Cave http://www.wikihow.com/Tie-a-Swiss-Seat-Rappel-Harness http://www.wikihow.com/Belay-for-Rock-Climbing - Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com http://home.infionline.net/~tbsamsel/ - Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com
Re: [Texascavers] interesting internet information
Really the best part of the Survive-in-a-Cave for me is the warning not to drink water you know to be contaminated. I mean really is an internet warning really going to make someone who'd do that think twice about it? Matt Turner It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. - Aristotle Empty pockets never held anyone back.Only empty heads and empty hearts can do that.- Norman Vincent Peale - Original Message From: David Locklear dlocklea...@gmail.com To: Texas Cavers texascavers@texascavers.com; greater_houston_grotto greater_houston_gro...@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, January 7, 2008 12:33:38 PM Subject: [Texascavers] interesting internet information I predict the internet will become a popular place to seek out information. For example, Check out these cool web-site links below: http://www.wikihow.com/Survive-in-a-Cave http://www.wikihow.com/Find-a-Cave http://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Snow-Cave http://www.wikihow.com/Tie-a-Swiss-Seat-Rappel-Harness http://www.wikihow.com/Belay-for-Rock-Climbing - Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping
[Texascavers] OT - computer news and Vista
I haven't heard much news about Windows Vista lately, which is surprising, since the holidays are over now and we are into a new year. But if you do buy Vista, here is a message that you might get: http://regmedia.co.uk/2007/11/29/vista_error_message.jpg I am not going to buy Vista in 2008. I may buy a copy of XP if they release a Service Pack 3, but not if it cost $ 300. David Locklear - Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com
[Texascavers] link for Spanish caving listserv
I can't remember how you subscribe to the spanish caving listserve. I think you just e-mail this address below: iztaxochitla-subscr...@yahoogrupos.com.mx It is more active than CaveTex I think, and it covers caves all over Central and South America, but most post appear to originate out of Mexico City ( los espeleo-chilangos ). There is very little off-topic posting and I think it is moderated. But there is a lot of hello, how are you, etc. It is an interesting list and many of the posters have been on it for years. And it is a great way to practice reading caving related topics in Spanish. I think the moderator will correct your Spanish and re-post it for you. David Locklear - Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com
[Texascavers] Cave critters
Porcupines are common in the caves of southeast Asia. I have seen them in Mulu and in Thailand, and have often seen their tracks fairly far back. Let's not forget that Deer cave in Mulu was called that because when Tom Harrison (Mr. Cool, look him up) first discovered the cave it was frequented by real S ambar stags. Certain caves in central America are inhabited by Paca (Cuniculus paca), better know as Tepesquintle in Mexico or Gibnut in Belize. I have often written about how tasty they are. Some caves are obviously often visited since they leave well traveled trails deep underground, but only in certain caves. Damned if I know why? In such circumstances I have searched for stored food material but have found none. Jaguars often den in caves too, plus they hang around such places in search of Gibnuts! Sleaze **Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape. http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp0030002489
RE: [Texascavers] Cave critters
When I was still caving with the Rice Speleological Society, a bunch of us, including Jon Everage, went caving on a ranch out of Copperas Cove. While we were getting ready to go, the rancher asked us if we knew of a way to get rid of a porky that was eating up his wood fenceposts. Jon told the rancher that he'd shoot the porky if he could find him, so the rancher pointed at a porky cave (burrow) and said He's in there. Jon took a pistol and crawled down into the porky cave and in a few minutes, we heard a loud pop. A couple of minutes later, Jon scootched out of the burrow towing the porky along with him--an ugly beast! (the porky, not Jon)--and Jon shaking his head. Apparently he hadn't really thought this out--firing a pistol in the close confines of a porky burrow. Took him a few days to get his hearing back completely.Thus add to the legend that is Jon Everage. And, BTW, if they haven't faded out after lo these many years, I still have slides of the whole episode. From: BMorgan994@aol.comDate: Mon, 7 Jan 2008 17:27:31 -0500To: texascavers@texascavers.comSubject: [Texascavers] Cave critters Porcupines are common in the caves of southeast Asia. I have seen them in Mulu and in Thailand, and have often seen their tracks fairly far back. Let's not forget that Deer cave in Mulu was called that because when Tom Harrison (Mr. Cool, look him up) first discovered the cave it was frequented by real Sambar stags. Certain caves in central America are inhabited by Paca (Cuniculus paca), better know as Tepesquintle in Mexico or Gibnut in Belize. I have often written about how tasty they are. Some caves are obviously often visited since they leave well traveled trails deep underground, but only in certain caves. Damned if I know why? In such circumstances I have searched for stored food material but have found none. Jaguars often den in caves too, plus they hang around such places in search of Gibnuts! Sleaze Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape in the new year.
RE: [Texascavers] Cave critters
Sleaze, Before this string dies I thought of one other mammal that frequents caves on a somewhat regular basis but probably not much past the daylight zones of caves with fairly large entrances. Some years ago on one of the numerous trips which I made to a particular favorite cave we viewed this animal. We were walking up the slope to Frio Bat Cave and just when the large drive-in entrance came into view, the largest Javelina that I have ever seen (and I have seen a few) came running out of the entrance and headed down hill into the brush. I assume that it was rooting around for insects or the occasional dead bat. Javelinas are my favorite critter and once while bird hunting on a large ranch on the Rio Grande, south of Sanderson, we spooked a small heard and as a young baby ran by I was able to grab it. I had thoughts of how cool it would be to raise a pet Javelina but when I picked it up and looked at its belly, the many dozens of fleas made me quickly put it down to join its mother. While on this same ranch, Clyde Smith, the ranch foreman, took us by horse and mule a couple of miles down a ravine to the Rio Grande's edge. Except for the ravine, the ranch's riverfront is bordered by cliffs maybe 500 feet high and it is desert country. The sandy riverbank had a thick growth of cane and amongst the cane was an adult mountain lion that had recently died with its foot in a trap. Clyde said that during the previous seven years this was the seventh lion that they had caught. Keep in mind that this was around 1970 and since then there has been a greater proliferation of mountain lions and bears in Texas. Shortly after this trip, Clyde mailed me a Sanderson newspaper clipping with a picture of a black bear (probably from Mexico) that had been caught in the same trap. Fritz, the nostalgia king. _ From: bmorgan...@aol.com [mailto:bmorgan...@aol.com] Sent: Monday, January 07, 2008 4:28 PM To: texascavers@texascavers.com Subject: [Texascavers] Cave critters Porcupines are common in the caves of southeast Asia. I have seen them in Mulu and in Thailand, and have often seen their tracks fairly far back. Let's not forget that Deer cave in Mulu was called that because when Tom Harrison (Mr. Cool, look him up) first discovered the cave it was frequented by real Sambar stags. Certain caves in central America are inhabited by Paca (Cuniculus paca), better know as Tepesquintle in Mexico or Gibnut in Belize. I have often written about how tasty they are. Some caves are obviously often visited since they leave well traveled trails deep underground, but only in certain caves. Damned if I know why? In such circumstances I have searched for stored food material but have found none. Jaguars often den in caves too, plus they hang around such places in search of Gibnuts! Sleaze _ Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp0030002489 in the new year.
RE: [Texascavers] Cave critters
Louis, Again, the Texas Speleological Survey is ready and able to help you preserve and conserve your slides and memories of your caving events. Tales of the Peacock Caver are especially welcome. Ron _ From: Louise Power [mailto:power_lou...@hotmail.com] Sent: Monday, January 07, 2008 6:04 PM To: bmorgan...@aol.com; texascavers@texascavers.com Subject: RE: [Texascavers] Cave critters When I was still caving with the Rice Speleological Society, a bunch of us, including Jon Everage, went caving on a ranch out of Copperas Cove. While we were getting ready to go, the rancher asked us if we knew of a way to get rid of a porky that was eating up his wood fenceposts. Jon told the rancher that he'd shoot the porky if he could find him, so the rancher pointed at a porky cave (burrow) and said He's in there. Jon took a pistol and crawled down into the porky cave and in a few minutes, we heard a loud pop. A couple of minutes later, Jon scootched out of the burrow towing the porky along with him--an ugly beast! (the porky, not Jon)--and Jon shaking his head. Apparently he hadn't really thought this out--firing a pistol in the close confines of a porky burrow. Took him a few days to get his hearing back completely. Thus add to the legend that is Jon Everage. And, BTW, if they haven't faded out after lo these many years, I still have slides of the whole episode. http://gfx1.hotmail.com/mail/w2/emoticons/snail.gif _ From: bmorgan...@aol.com List-Post: texascavers@texascavers.com Date: Mon, 7 Jan 2008 17:27:31 -0500 To: texascavers@texascavers.com Subject: [Texascavers] Cave critters Porcupines are common in the caves of southeast Asia. I have seen them in Mulu and in Thailand, and have often seen their tracks fairly far back. Let's not forget that Deer cave in Mulu was called that because when Tom Harrison (Mr. Cool, look him up) first discovered the cave it was frequented by real Sambar stags. Certain caves in central America are inhabited by Paca (Cuniculus paca), better know as Tepesquintle in Mexico or Gibnut in Belize. I have often written about how tasty they are. Some caves are obviously often visited since they leave well traveled trails deep underground, but only in certain caves. Damned if I know why? In such circumstances I have searched for stored food material but have found none. Jaguars often den in caves too, plus they hang around such places in search of Gibnuts! Sleaze _ Start the year off right. Easy http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp0030002489 ways to stay in shape in the new year.
RE: [Texascavers] bats cats and mice
Nancy, Two caving parties on which I have been have reported encountering a porcupine within the cave. They seem to prefer caves for their lodging. Fritz -Original Message- From: Nancy Weaver [mailto:nan...@io.com] Sent: Saturday, January 05, 2008 3:50 PM To: Texascavers@texascavers.com Subject: [Texascavers] bats cats and mice someone mentioned to me a trivial pursuit question regarding what mammal lives in caves? the answer of course is bats . . . which got me to wondering if bats habitually live any further into a cave than the bears, cats etc which use caves as dens. I've personally seen evidence of mice thriving way past the light zone and a climb or two down . . . Nancy - Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com - Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com
RE: [Texascavers] bats cats and mice
A very small cave at CBSPark has a small little cave named after such that has porcupine's in it quite often. Fritz Holt fh...@townandcountryins.com wrote: Nancy, Two caving parties on which I have been have reported encountering a porcupine within the cave. They seem to prefer caves for their lodging. Fritz -Original Message- From: Nancy Weaver [mailto:nan...@io.com] Sent: Saturday, January 05, 2008 3:50 PM To: Texascavers@texascavers.com Subject: [Texascavers] bats cats and mice someone mentioned to me a trivial pursuit question regarding what mammal lives in caves? the answer of course is bats . . . which got me to wondering if bats habitually live any further into a cave than the bears, cats etc which use caves as dens. I've personally seen evidence of mice thriving way past the light zone and a climb or two down . . . Nancy - Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com - Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com - Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.
[Texascavers] the further adventures of guy noir, subterranean investigator
It was the dregs of December. That time when days are short and rich food and lavish drink become an ordeal rather than a treat. One cold windy grey cabin feverish afternoon I wrestled on layers of stained torn clothes and called - Guy Noir, subterranean investigator. Get me outta here before I shoot the next chocolate santa. Within minutes we were stomping thru the brush in the Hays Travis frontera, crowbar and camera at the ready, hammer and survey trappings in pack. The plan was to map and photog a nifty pit cave we had found and explored in the fall, and to check the several unpromising leads. While Guy sketched the entrance, I tossed loose rocks off to the side. The more I tossed, the more loose ones there were. It kept me warm. Then I slid feet first down a body shaped diagonal tube with a serious vision obscuring bend in the middle, right about the time my legs were dangling in freefall. Some kinetic body memory reminded my flailing feet to connect with the widely separated left and right perches. We both agreed it was easier this time. Though my rock dispersal seemed to remind all the grit and pebbles in the slide about gravity and they came on in too. The first room was just big enough for two people to stand up in - if one of them chose to be impaled by rock blades in the vicinity of the dirt floor dig leads. Once again Guy licked his pencil to record this beauty for posterity and I poked a head. First I poked it along the floor, ruling out one hole that led to a 2-foot diameter cavity. The next one looked more promising - a bit of highly restricted bashing removed the conglomerate obstruction so we could slither into a 7x9 foot dome. Just about as big as the original room. Scritch scritch scritch went the sketcher, so next I poked my head into the big lead - another body sized pit that appeared to go nowhere . . . but in the interest of thoroughness, I lay on the ledge, eased my body forward into the pit headfirst and watched my lamp plunk off my helmet and onto the floor, several feet out of reach. My light fell off, I'm leaning further into the pit, hold my ankles, I hollered and started wriggling forward until most of my body was upside down with a nice reassuring grip on my feet. Still couldnt reach the light so I yelled for the crowbar which was passed over my back til it reached my hand. With that I fished the light off the floor and let out a shriek, which fortunately caused the restraining grip to tighten reflexively rather than let go. Giant Green Frogs are leaping at my face, I screamed. In disbelief and relief because when something in a pit leaps at my face, frog is not my first thought. Of course it was a bit awkward as I was still dangling headfirst arms stuck out front, headlamp swinging from a crowbar and stirring up the frogs who really had no other space to jump except into that inhabited by my face. Guy, who had no idea what was happening, really clamped down and started reeling me backwards and upwards. I continued to gabble about emerald green frogs and insisted that Guy take a peek. He ducked his head into the pit and said No frogs, it doesnt go, with undertones of Why on earth did you think it might, what did you think you were doing. We continued 10 feet or so into the main room and came up to the edge of the next pit, this one a comfortable chimneyable or cable laddery ( take your pick) size: 15 feet deep. By gum, the first descender was leapt at again, this time around the ankles, by a pack of blotchy camo frogs, shades of tan and brown and grey. The second descender once again saw no amphibians, they having hopped back to where ever they hang when no cavers are about. We dutifully measured taped and floated this room as well, squirmed our way up and out into a leaden grey evening, sense of accomplishment (and frogs) putting smiles in our hearts. Even now, in the post new year slump, I get a nice frisson thinking of my gangly green tree frogs, wishing them a prosperous colony. Nancy - Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com
RE: [Texascavers] the further adventures of guy noir, subterranean investigator
Nancy and other cave explorers: The Texas Speleological Survey would like to know about caves in Texas that you explore, map and photograph. The TSA of course would like articles. You can find the cave and karst form on the internet at: http://www.utexas.edu/tmm/sponsored_sites/tss/tssdatareportform.htm Hard copies are always nice and can be mailed to the office or given to a TSS director when you see them. A list of directors is on the web site. Ron -Original Message- From: Nancy Weaver [mailto:nan...@io.com] Sent: Monday, January 07, 2008 10:54 AM To: Texascavers@texascavers.com Subject: [Texascavers] the further adventures of guy noir, subterranean investigator It was the dregs of December. That time when days are short and rich food and lavish drink become an ordeal rather than a treat. One cold windy grey cabin feverish afternoon I wrestled on layers of stained torn clothes and called - Guy Noir, subterranean investigator. Get me outta here before I shoot the next chocolate santa. Within minutes we were stomping thru the brush in the Hays Travis frontera, crowbar and camera at the ready, hammer and survey trappings in pack. The plan was to map and photog a nifty pit cave we had found and explored in the fall, and to check the several unpromising leads. While Guy sketched the entrance, I tossed loose rocks off to the side. The more I tossed, the more loose ones there were. It kept me warm. Then I slid feet first down a body shaped diagonal tube with a serious vision obscuring bend in the middle, right about the time my legs were dangling in freefall. Some kinetic body memory reminded my flailing feet to connect with the widely separated left and right perches. We both agreed it was easier this time. Though my rock dispersal seemed to remind all the grit and pebbles in the slide about gravity and they came on in too. The first room was just big enough for two people to stand up in - if one of them chose to be impaled by rock blades in the vicinity of the dirt floor dig leads. Once again Guy licked his pencil to record this beauty for posterity and I poked a head. First I poked it along the floor, ruling out one hole that led to a 2-foot diameter cavity. The next one looked more promising - a bit of highly restricted bashing removed the conglomerate obstruction so we could slither into a 7x9 foot dome. Just about as big as the original room. Scritch scritch scritch went the sketcher, so next I poked my head into the big lead - another body sized pit that appeared to go nowhere . . . but in the interest of thoroughness, I lay on the ledge, eased my body forward into the pit headfirst and watched my lamp plunk off my helmet and onto the floor, several feet out of reach. My light fell off, I'm leaning further into the pit, hold my ankles, I hollered and started wriggling forward until most of my body was upside down with a nice reassuring grip on my feet. Still couldnt reach the light so I yelled for the crowbar which was passed over my back til it reached my hand. With that I fished the light off the floor and let out a shriek, which fortunately caused the restraining grip to tighten reflexively rather than let go. Giant Green Frogs are leaping at my face, I screamed. In disbelief and relief because when something in a pit leaps at my face, frog is not my first thought. Of course it was a bit awkward as I was still dangling headfirst arms stuck out front, headlamp swinging from a crowbar and stirring up the frogs who really had no other space to jump except into that inhabited by my face. Guy, who had no idea what was happening, really clamped down and started reeling me backwards and upwards. I continued to gabble about emerald green frogs and insisted that Guy take a peek. He ducked his head into the pit and said No frogs, it doesnt go, with undertones of Why on earth did you think it might, what did you think you were doing. We continued 10 feet or so into the main room and came up to the edge of the next pit, this one a comfortable chimneyable or cable laddery ( take your pick) size: 15 feet deep. By gum, the first descender was leapt at again, this time around the ankles, by a pack of blotchy camo frogs, shades of tan and brown and grey. The second descender once again saw no amphibians, they having hopped back to where ever they hang when no cavers are about. We dutifully measured taped and floated this room as well, squirmed our way up and out into a leaden grey evening, sense of accomplishment (and frogs) putting smiles in our hearts. Even now, in the post new year slump, I get a nice frisson thinking of my gangly green tree frogs, wishing them a prosperous colony. Nancy - Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail:
[Texascavers] Re: the further adventures of guy noir, subterranean investigator
It was the dregs of December... Great writing, Nancy! That was a treat! Alex - Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com
[Texascavers] caving in austin
Howdy y'all I'm gonna be in Austin the last weekend of this month cause a good friend from Utah is coming, I was wondering if someone in the area could show us a cave or two in or around ATX (beginner caves, for she's never caved before) please contact me off list thanks in advance Nico
[Texascavers] odd request, maybe you can help, esp. Austinites
I find it difficult to ask people to go out of their way for me, but here goes. As you may know, Charley is overseas and I am alone. I am very ill with the flu since yesterday. My temp is hovering about 101.5 with a fever reducer. I have your typical body aches, a sore throat, and minor sniffles. I'm not very good at this sick stuff. I am oh so very out of the way - 30 miles SE of Austin. If anyone is able to come out and visit me for the next few days, please write and let me know if you can come AM or PM. I need some help getting food cooked for eating, making sure I've taken my remedies and am drinking water, and keeping the house from exploding into chaos, and to just make sure I'm okay. I'm very listless, and busy feeling like crap, so I'm having a hard time doing these things myself. If I don't get better in a few days, or my temperature becomes uncontrollable, my midwife has requested I take myself to the emergency room, and I'm not in much shape for driving. Not to alarm you, but to suggest that might be on the list of duties. It would be a calm trip, and probably won't happen, but I'll feel better knowing the option exists each day. Simple human contact would be very nice, although I promise it doesn't have to be very close contact. I'm not sleeping much, so any time of day is fine. Please don't expect me to be a very charming hostest. Just feed me and pat me on the head and call me a 'poor dear'. Please only offer to help if this causes you no hardship and you are able and willing. Those who are just brave or have had flu vaccination, and those without immunity challenges already and without children at home or other tender folks that you might expose, are ideal. I promise we will be careful about your health and I won't be offended if you use a 10-ft pole and wash your hands constantly. I may also request a few simple items from the store, if you're coming out, so knowing when you're coming and how to reach you would also be great. You will have my deepest gratitude. Please do write if you can come, or call me (only call me if you can come, please, not just to talk, for my throat is quite sore, although I definately appreciate the sentiment) 512-422-2788 so that I can organize it a little so I don't end up throwing a party or wasting someone's time. I can also send you excellent directions. I promise to reward you somehow once I'm able to move again! I like baking cookings and helping in return and such. If you simply write to offer sympathy, but can't come out, you also have my gratitude, but please understand I won't be able to respond for the timebeing because writting this just about wiped me out. now i feel weird! back to bed, thanks. Kara Savvas Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ - Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com
[Texascavers] cave critters
Fritz: You aren’t the only crazy man I’ve ever known to grab a javelina. On my second trip up the Bladen branch of the Monkey river I had the misfortune to have hired a bunch of worthless bums from Mango creek to serve as porters. Erlin was the worst, a 6'6 leering sneering teenage homeboy. He was the most accomplished thief in the village, and so was looked up to by the others. My standing orders are always to stay at least a mile behind me, so you can well imagine the opportunities for mischief. They followed the trail Arturo and I cut. As they went through the jungle they swilled the rum and ate the food they were supposed to be carrying, some of it they hid under rocks to pick up on the way home. When we finally got to base camp on a tributary pouring off the Maya mountains we were all so exhausted that we fixed a simple meal and crashed. Very early (an unheard of and suspicious circumstance with Belizeans!) I heard Erlin and the men get up to leave, I offered them food for the journey back but they insisted they needed nothing and quickly hurried off. Shortly thereafter Arturo and I discovered that all the food was gone. We were Spamless! The next morning I was snoozing in my tent when I awoke to the sound of distant small arms fire. Suddenly Arturo appeared and urgently whispered, Missa Boose! Missa Boos! Wake up, the pigs are here!” I climbed out of my tent to behold an enormous boar Warrie on the river terrace just above and behind me, about twenty feet away. Now you must know that there are two kinds of such piggies, the Javelina, which the Bushwoogians call the Peccari, and the Warrie. The Peccari is a small triangular blackish creature with a whitish collar, a hideous stench, and an even worse disposition. The entire front half of the animal is mouth. They run in small herds and have small territories. The Warrie is much larger, has a whitish beard, runs in herds of a hundred or more, and is nomadic. They are even meaner than Peccaries and are greatly feared in folklore. It is said that they gobble up hapless hunters. I blinked at the enormous boar as it looked at me with it’s little piggy eyes. From behind him came the sound of gunfire, Pow! Powpow! Pow! The herd was eating “Warrie cohune” nuts. The Cohune is a gigantic palm tree native to Belize that is the salvation of the country. Anyone with any industry can build a shelter with the leaves, the nuts serve wildlife, and everything about it is good. The name cohune has now come to mean any palm, even the dread spine palm. Astrocaryum mexicanum is an elegant small understory palm about twenty feet tall. The beautiful dark green leaves and every other part of the plant are entirely covered with horrible needle like spines up to three inches long, but far sharper than any needle. They slide into your flesh with the greatest of ease then shatter like glass. Where these palms live no one ever goes barefoot. Where these palms live no one ever grabs a branch to steady himself. I am terrified of them! The nuts of these palms are delicious miniature coconuts covered with the most horrible spines imaginable. It is impossible to even pick one up. Nevertheless, the huge herd of Warrie, perhaps eighty of them, were cracking them like candy! ‘Turo said, “Hurry to the bend in the river and take a snap! They will cross there!” I prefer a leisurely breakfast so my boots weren’t even properly tied on, but I grabbed my camera and crossed the dry stream bed to the floodplain beyond. My first thought was to find a tree to climb, but everywhere I looked there was nothing but spine palms. As predicted the herd thundered across the dry stream bed straight at me. I had to decide between the warries or the spine palms. It was an easy choice, I just stood there! They poured around me in a great stream, oblivious to my presence. Arturo ran up with the gun and eagerly begged permission to shoot (I had banned hunting), reminding me of our stolen food. That was an easy decision too! With the boom the pigs went crazy, running in all directions and leaving their little piggies behind. Where was the badass boar? Turo yelled “ grab one! but that didn’t seem prudent. He grabbed one anyway and Mom attacked. As she went for his ankles he booted her in the snoot so she turned and ran. I petitioned for the little piggy’s life and made Arturo let him go, for his big brother was laying in a pool of blood. We spent a whole day eating pig and swapping lies. Every day thereafter as we pushed further back into the wilderness we left the carcass over a smokey fire to keep the flies off. That pig was good for a three week trip! Sleazeweazel **Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape. http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp0030002489
[Texascavers] POSTOJNA JAMA
In the 1979, I was in Europe and traveled along the Dalmatian Coast through what was then Yugoslava (now Slovenia) on my way to Greece. During that portion of the trip, I had the priviledge of going through Postojna Jama which, at 20,570 m long , is the longest cave system in the country. The beautiful wild Pivka River roars through it and the cave is wonderfully decorated. During the tour the guide told our group a story that during WWII, the Germans headquartered in the nearby castle and stored their ammunition in the entry way of the cave. The story further went that partisans came into the cave through another entrance and blew up the ammunition causing a fire which caused the limestone to heat and crack. He even pointed out what he purported to be said cracks. To date, I've never found verification of this story. Has anyone else been there and heard the story. Does anyone know whether or not it is true. If you have information on this, please let me know. Louise
[Texascavers] RE: POSTOJNA JAMA
Louise Power said: During the tour the guide told our group a story that during WWII, the Germans headquartered in the nearby castle and stored their ammunition in the entry way of the cave. The story further went that partisans came into the cave through another entrance and blew up the ammunition causing a fire which caused the limestone to heat and crack. He even pointed out what he purported to be said cracks. To date, I've never found verification of this story. Has anyone else been there and heard the story. Does anyone know whether or not it is true. If you have information on this, please let me know. According to the book Cave Guide to Slovenia, Vol. 1, The Classical Karst Caves by Ian Bishop (1997), p. 56: The entrance includes a piece of the history of the cave, the ceiling and walls are heavily blackened as a result of a raid on 23rd April 1941 by members of the sabotage group of the Vojko Brigade who destroyed a petrol dump belonging to the occupying forces. That's all it says. Nothing about explosives or rock being cracked. However I'm sure the rock would have cracked under those circumstances. I have seen surface limestone cracked and broken after a forest fire has passed through in Mexico. A similar account is given in The Postojna Caves and other Tourist Caves in Slovenia by Francè Habe (1979), p. 35: The 1866 entrance partly introduces us to the past history of the caves. A marble plaque has been erected at the beginning of the right-hand wall with the following inscription: Here, on the 23rd April 1944, the sabotage group of the Vojko Brigade destroyed a petrol dump belonging to the occupying forces. Again there is no further discussion of the incident. The dates differ, so I suspect one is a typo, but it is likely that it was gasoline rather than explosives that were set off. Mark Minton
