Re: [Texascavers] NSS Headquarters Commission
Excellent work by the hdqrs committee. I vote for Indian Cave. Preston in western KY - - Original Message - From: R D Milhollin rdmilhol...@yahoo.com To: Texascavers List texascavers@texascavers.com Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2011 12:48 PM Subject: [Texascavers] NSS Headquarters Commission Forwarded from the VAR list. Carol Tiderman is an NSS director. Hello Cavers, The discussion regarding the future location of the NSS Headquarters is getting serious. I believe that the new Headquarters will not only enhance the services to the membership but will facilitate public outreach and, hopefully, public funding of our activities to preserve conserve caves, karst their contents. It's important that you let the Directors and NSS Executives know what you want. Please do not hesitate to contact them (and me) and let us know how you feel. We're coming up on the next BOG Meeting the first weekend in April, in Albuquerque... and any specific comments you send will help with this contentious issue. b...@caves.org Locations the HQ Commission is looking at: Huntsville, Alabama 1. Cahaba Shrine Temple 2. University Office Park Mammoth Cave, Kentucky Area 3. Indian Cave 4. Cedar Hill 5. I-65 Interchange at Cave City Exit Bowling Green, Kentucky 6. Lost River Cave All the info you may (or may not) wish to know ... http://caves.org/commission/hq/files/Download/ReportToBOGApril2011.pdf Thanks Carol Tiderman NSS 10604 OS, FE, RL - 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] Conservation Workshop at Cave Without a Name
A Cave Conservation and Restoration Workshop will be held at Cave Without a Name on April 9 and10th. I am helping coordinate registration, and wanted to remind all that this will be in two weeks. We need the names of those interested in attending to verify numbers. Cave damage, whether unintentional or malicious in nature, degrades the beauty of the underground world. Some damage can be undone through restoration and repair. Join Cave Conservation Specialists Jim Werker and Val Hildrith Werker in a two day workshop focusing on conservation, restoration and speleothem repair. Learn do-no-harm techniques and experience hands-on satisfaction as you see previously hidden areas of beauty re-emerge. Cave Restoration Workshop Details . Check in at 9am Saturday at CWAN . Workshop hours - 9:30 to 5pm Saturday, 9am to noon Sunday . Camping available on site . Please bring any clean restoration tools you have (new sponges, buckets, scrub brushes, vinyl or latex gloves, knee pads, spray bottles, restoration sprayers, plastic or nylon scrapers for mud on flowstone . Please observe WNS decontamination procedures on all personal and resto gear . Workshop limited to first 25 people For more information call me (210 699 1388), or email me at this email or at lindacaveworks...@gmail.com Suggested donation: $10 Thanks, and looking forward to TSA Spring Convention! It looks great! Linda
Re: [Texascavers] Conservation Workshop at Cave Without a Name
Folks should be aware that Cave Without a Name has marketed this workshop to the general public as well. News paper article, email blasts etc. So, while Val and Jim give a first class resto workshop and I've always learned tons, you could be learning next to someone who has never been underground before. Seems odd to me... Cheers! Joe On Fri, Mar 25, 2011 at 10:14 AM, Linda Palit lkpa...@sbcglobal.net wrote: A Cave Conservation and Restoration Workshop will be held at Cave Without a Name on April 9 and10th. I am helping coordinate registration, and wanted to remind all that this will be in two weeks. We need the names of those interested in attending to verify numbers. Cave damage, whether unintentional or malicious in nature, degrades the beauty of the underground world. Some damage can be undone through restoration and repair. Join Cave Conservation Specialists Jim Werker and Val Hildrith Werker in a two day workshop focusing on conservation, restoration and speleothem repair. Learn do-no-harm techniques and experience hands-on satisfaction as you see previously hidden areas of beauty re-emerge. Cave Restoration Workshop Details · Check in at 9am Saturday at CWAN · Workshop hours – 9:30 to 5pm Saturday, 9am to noon Sunday · Camping available on site · Please bring any clean restoration tools you have (new sponges, buckets, scrub brushes, vinyl or latex gloves, knee pads, spray bottles, restoration sprayers, plastic or nylon scrapers for mud on flowstone · Please observe WNS decontamination procedures on all personal and resto gear · Workshop limited to first 25 people For more information call me (210 699 1388), or email me at this email or at lindacaveworks...@gmail.com Suggested donation: $10 Thanks, and looking forward to TSA Spring Convention! It looks great! Linda - Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com
[Texascavers] UT Grotto Meeting Wed March 30
You are cordially invited to attend the Underground Texas Grotto meeting on March 30, 2011 The meeting is on Wednesday from 7:45 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. University of Texas Campus in 2.48 Painter Hall NOTE: THE ROOM NUMBER CHANGE to 2.48 PAI http://www.utexas.edu/maps/main/buildings/pai.html Ernie Garza will be presenting Proyecto Sierra Mazateca. Ernie defiantly challenged the Drug Cartel violence and blazed on down to Oaxaca for some Caving over Christmas break. Come check out his tales of adventure while viewing his spectacular photography. For information on Underground Texas Grotto activities, please see www.utgrotto.orgAll of our information including officer contact info, trips reports, new caver training, event calendar, and posting links to beginner trips or vertical rope training are available. Before the meetings, we sometimes meet at Sao Paulo www.saopaulos.net for a happy hour special. This area is the best place to park and meet folks walking over to the meeting. Then after the official meeting, we continue with the decades long tradition to reconvene for burgers, beer, and tall tales of caving at Posse East. www.posse-east.com The UT Grotto needs you, the caver with photos and a story to share about your adventures, scientific research, or something else really cool. Contact Gary Sincerely, Gary Franklin UT Grotto Vice Chair Program Organizer v...@utgrotto.org Ernie Garza txwo...@texas.net
[Texascavers] looking for NSS News, October 1958 (and possibly July 1958)
Howdy, Anybody have a copy of these that I could take a look at? (Looking for the articles on O-9 Well in there.) Cheers, David - 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] looking for NSS News, October 1958 (and possibly July 1958)
That predates my collection by 8 or 9 years. Aren't they digitized in the NSS Library? --Ediger On Fri, Mar 25, 2011 at 2:18 PM, David Ochel li...@ochel.net wrote: Howdy, Anybody have a copy of these that I could take a look at? (Looking for the articles on O-9 Well in there.) Cheers, David - 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] looking for NSS News, October 1958 (and possibly July 1958)
We can check the TSS library next time we are up that way unless you want to schedule a special trip. Ron -Original Message- From: David Ochel [mailto:li...@ochel.net] Sent: Friday, March 25, 2011 2:18 PM To: Cave Tex Subject: [Texascavers] looking for NSS News, October 1958 (and possibly July 1958) Howdy, Anybody have a copy of these that I could take a look at? (Looking for the articles on O-9 Well in there.) Cheers, David - 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] T Minus One Week! - Saturday, April 2nd at Fort Clark Springs, Brackettville, TX
It's only ONE WEEK until the best spring caving convention in Texas! The weather looks great! http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/USTX0145 The swimming hole looks excellent, the talks and food will be awesome, the location is spectacular, and the TCMA auction will be a hoot and hosted by the best looking game show host since Bob Barker, our own Jim Crash Kennedy, assisted by his bevy of caving beauties! Just a few reminders, updates, and detritus from the weekend for y'all: 1.) One new item has been added to the agenda for the riveting and always exciting TSA Spring Business Meeting (immediately after the talks Saturday at ~4:40: 2011 Spring Business Meeting, Spring Convention at Fort Clark Springs, TX, Saturday, April 2nd, 2011, Texas Speleological Association Agenda * Welcome and Introductions * Chairman's Report * Vice Chairman's Report * Secretary's Report - Minutes of 2011 Winter Business Meeting held at the TSS Offices on the UT Campus, Sunday, January 23rd, 2011 * Treasurers Report * TSA Projects - Jim Kennedy * Gov't Canyon - Marvin Miller * Colorado Bend State Park - Crash * Longhorn Cavern Project (On hold - TPWD Approval) - Mark Alman * Inner Space Caverns Project (Starting in September) - Gerry Geletzke Mark Alman * Hill Country State Natural Area Devils River - Rob Bissett and Joe Ranzau * Future Project Ideas * Standing Committee Reports o TSA Website - Butch Fralia o Membership Chair - Ryan Monjaras o Conservation Committee - Open and Jim Kennedy (WNS Update) o Safety and Techniques - David Ochel o Publications - Mark Alman * The TEXAS CAVER and status of online access to back issues. o TSA Store - Lee Jay Graves * Old Business o The 100th trip of the Government Canyon Karst Survey Celebration, Saturday, March 5th * New Business o TSA Brochure o Membership Drive o Membership Directory Constitution Change (New Item) o The Constitution states: The Treasurer prepares a budget for the fiscal year, maintains the membership database, and insures the database is available electronically to the membership. The key word is electronically. And it later states: The Membership Committee shall consist of the Database Manager, the TSA Secretary, the TSA Treasurer, a representative of the Publications Committee, and other appointed members. b. The committee will develop data to be made available to TSA officers, committees, member organizations, affiliated organizations, and members for conducting caving business. The committee insures the membership database is published annually and is not made available to the general public. These two statements seem conflicting and publishing a Members Directory is a small expense in the large scheme of things but, nevertheless, still a waste of money. The TSA Board of Officers is recommending that the red line above be deleted from the Constitution and the Members Directory be made available electronically in the Members Area of the TSA webpage. * Announcements? * End of Meeting (Let's eat!) 2.) The Kickapoo Caverns trips will be Sunday, April 3rd. Please meet at the gate to Kickapoo State Park at 10 AM and, after the TCMA meeting, at 11 AM. Cost is the standard TPWD entry fee of $3 per adult (12 YO and older). Kids can cave for free. Fee will be waived if you have a Gold Passport. Must furnish #. The main room and Wishing Well areas will be open for visitation. The Helectite Room and Graffiti Room are off limits, as is Stuart Bat Cave. We will be collecting the fee at Registration and you must sign a waiver form for you and yours there, as well. Do not miss this opportunity to visit one of the state's largest and most impressive caves (one of my favorites!) and behold the grandest and most photographed set of columns in the state! This is very easily accessible cave and is an excellent one for cavers, young, old, new, and armchair! 3.) From Ellie: TSA Spring Convention is almost here! You are invited to join the Texas Speleological Society and fellow Texas cavers for a relaxing weekend in the unique oasis and National Register Historic District of Fort Clark Springs. The TSA, founded in 1956, has been bringing Texas cavers together for over 50 years. Meet fellow cavers and project leaders from around the state. This is a great chance to get involved with ongoing projects and create future caving opportunities for all. Registration has increased
[Texascavers] TCMA Members Meeting at TSA Convention
Hi all, This is a reminder that there will be a TCMA Members Meeting on Sunday morning at the TSA Spring Convention. All members (and even nonmembers) are welcome to attend. This is your chance to find out what TCMA is up to and offer your input on the organization. One of the biggest things going on at the meeting is discussion and voting on the revised bylaws for the TCMA. Please visit, http://tcmacaves.org/bylaws/ where you can see the current bylaws, the proposed bylaws presented at the last TCR which were voted down, and the bylaws revisions that will be discussed voted on next weekend. There is also a document that summarizes the changes between our current bylaws and the new proposed bylaws. Thanks! Allan - 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] Re: NSS Headquarters opinions
David, you are right. You were highly opinionated on this one. The idea is to locate the new NSS office in a high traffic caving area and in the USA that is the Mammoth Cave corridor. Personally, I like the Indian Cave site. Preston, 65 miles west of MaCa. - Original Message - From: David dlocklea...@gmail.com To: Cavers Texas texascavers@texascavers.com Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2011 1:59 PM Subject: [Texascavers] Re: NSS Headquarters opinions This is a highly opinionated post based on knowing absolutely zero about the problem: - 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] NSS Headquarters Commission
Excellent work by the hdqrs committee. I vote for Indian Cave. Preston in western KY - - Original Message - From: R D Milhollin rdmilhol...@yahoo.com To: Texascavers List texascavers@texascavers.com Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2011 12:48 PM Subject: [Texascavers] NSS Headquarters Commission Forwarded from the VAR list. Carol Tiderman is an NSS director. Hello Cavers, The discussion regarding the future location of the NSS Headquarters is getting serious. I believe that the new Headquarters will not only enhance the services to the membership but will facilitate public outreach and, hopefully, public funding of our activities to preserve conserve caves, karst their contents. It's important that you let the Directors and NSS Executives know what you want. Please do not hesitate to contact them (and me) and let us know how you feel. We're coming up on the next BOG Meeting the first weekend in April, in Albuquerque... and any specific comments you send will help with this contentious issue. b...@caves.org Locations the HQ Commission is looking at: Huntsville, Alabama 1. Cahaba Shrine Temple 2. University Office Park Mammoth Cave, Kentucky Area 3. Indian Cave 4. Cedar Hill 5. I-65 Interchange at Cave City Exit Bowling Green, Kentucky 6. Lost River Cave All the info you may (or may not) wish to know ... http://caves.org/commission/hq/files/Download/ReportToBOGApril2011.pdf Thanks Carol Tiderman NSS 10604 OS, FE, RL - 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] Conservation Workshop at Cave Without a Name
A Cave Conservation and Restoration Workshop will be held at Cave Without a Name on April 9 and10th. I am helping coordinate registration, and wanted to remind all that this will be in two weeks. We need the names of those interested in attending to verify numbers. Cave damage, whether unintentional or malicious in nature, degrades the beauty of the underground world. Some damage can be undone through restoration and repair. Join Cave Conservation Specialists Jim Werker and Val Hildrith Werker in a two day workshop focusing on conservation, restoration and speleothem repair. Learn do-no-harm techniques and experience hands-on satisfaction as you see previously hidden areas of beauty re-emerge. Cave Restoration Workshop Details . Check in at 9am Saturday at CWAN . Workshop hours - 9:30 to 5pm Saturday, 9am to noon Sunday . Camping available on site . Please bring any clean restoration tools you have (new sponges, buckets, scrub brushes, vinyl or latex gloves, knee pads, spray bottles, restoration sprayers, plastic or nylon scrapers for mud on flowstone . Please observe WNS decontamination procedures on all personal and resto gear . Workshop limited to first 25 people For more information call me (210 699 1388), or email me at this email or at lindacaveworks...@gmail.com Suggested donation: $10 Thanks, and looking forward to TSA Spring Convention! It looks great! Linda
Re: [Texascavers] Conservation Workshop at Cave Without a Name
Folks should be aware that Cave Without a Name has marketed this workshop to the general public as well. News paper article, email blasts etc. So, while Val and Jim give a first class resto workshop and I've always learned tons, you could be learning next to someone who has never been underground before. Seems odd to me... Cheers! Joe On Fri, Mar 25, 2011 at 10:14 AM, Linda Palit lkpa...@sbcglobal.net wrote: A Cave Conservation and Restoration Workshop will be held at Cave Without a Name on April 9 and10th. I am helping coordinate registration, and wanted to remind all that this will be in two weeks. We need the names of those interested in attending to verify numbers. Cave damage, whether unintentional or malicious in nature, degrades the beauty of the underground world. Some damage can be undone through restoration and repair. Join Cave Conservation Specialists Jim Werker and Val Hildrith Werker in a two day workshop focusing on conservation, restoration and speleothem repair. Learn do-no-harm techniques and experience hands-on satisfaction as you see previously hidden areas of beauty re-emerge. Cave Restoration Workshop Details · Check in at 9am Saturday at CWAN · Workshop hours – 9:30 to 5pm Saturday, 9am to noon Sunday · Camping available on site · Please bring any clean restoration tools you have (new sponges, buckets, scrub brushes, vinyl or latex gloves, knee pads, spray bottles, restoration sprayers, plastic or nylon scrapers for mud on flowstone · Please observe WNS decontamination procedures on all personal and resto gear · Workshop limited to first 25 people For more information call me (210 699 1388), or email me at this email or at lindacaveworks...@gmail.com Suggested donation: $10 Thanks, and looking forward to TSA Spring Convention! It looks great! Linda - Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com
[Texascavers] UT Grotto Meeting Wed March 30
You are cordially invited to attend the Underground Texas Grotto meeting on March 30, 2011 The meeting is on Wednesday from 7:45 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. University of Texas Campus in 2.48 Painter Hall NOTE: THE ROOM NUMBER CHANGE to 2.48 PAI http://www.utexas.edu/maps/main/buildings/pai.html Ernie Garza will be presenting Proyecto Sierra Mazateca. Ernie defiantly challenged the Drug Cartel violence and blazed on down to Oaxaca for some Caving over Christmas break. Come check out his tales of adventure while viewing his spectacular photography. For information on Underground Texas Grotto activities, please see www.utgrotto.orgAll of our information including officer contact info, trips reports, new caver training, event calendar, and posting links to beginner trips or vertical rope training are available. Before the meetings, we sometimes meet at Sao Paulo www.saopaulos.net for a happy hour special. This area is the best place to park and meet folks walking over to the meeting. Then after the official meeting, we continue with the decades long tradition to reconvene for burgers, beer, and tall tales of caving at Posse East. www.posse-east.com The UT Grotto needs you, the caver with photos and a story to share about your adventures, scientific research, or something else really cool. Contact Gary Sincerely, Gary Franklin UT Grotto Vice Chair Program Organizer v...@utgrotto.org Ernie Garza txwo...@texas.net
[Texascavers] NSS HQ Position -- BOG candidate
HQ Position -- My understanding is that the very competent and experienced NSS HQ Commission has whittled their list to 6 potential sites in 2 states (plus a do-nothing option) for discussion at the April BOG meeting in Albuquerque. They will make their site recommendation at the Convention in Glenwood Springs. I have so far followed the NSS HQ process from a distance, as none of the locations suggested include far west Texas, where it might best serve me and the other 3 NSS members here. However, that has to be the outcome of the HQ project – how will any of the sites best serve our membership in the era of virtual books, instant social media and recurring ecological nightmares. I work on capital projects professionally (state park type) and did contact the HQ Commission chair, John Scheltens, several months ago concerning a key construction assumption being used in the NSS study. I recently worked on a preliminary feasibility study for a 6500 ft2 (7800 ft2 gross) visitor center on the Franklin Mountains State Park. Our consultant, Museumscapes of Dallas, estimated that the building only (excluding fees, site work, exhibits) would be in the range of $275 to 325 per ft2. This is significantly higher than the $135 per ft2 assumed in the NSS new construction study and I questioned John about this. He explained that this figure was derived from local engineering/construction sources. In the areas in which the HQ is proposed, these are all relatively low construction cost. He suggested that I might find similar cost estimates here for El Paso. I do note that some of the sites under evaluation by the NSS contain existing buildings which might be purchased and remodeled to meet NSS HQ needs. The costs there should be less than new construction but the end result will still be an older building with some upgrades. Anyway, capital projects are always a concern due to some likelihood of significant cost overruns. That applies to any of the sites under consideration. They will require super project management personnel to ride herd on architects, contractors and their sub-contractors to make the building happen. And my preference on a site for an NSS HQ -- Let the HQ Commission complete their mission, listen to the NSS membership and identify the option (do-nothing is on the table) which would offer the best service to present (and encourages future) NSS members . Then, I can become an advocate. John Moses, NSS 7009 CM El Paso 2011 BOG candidate ps See some of you in Brackettville at the Spring TSA Groupon#8482 Official Site 1 ridiculously huge coupon a day. Get 50-90% off your city#39;s best! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3131/4d8cdb515447546d744st01vuc - Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com
[Texascavers] looking for NSS News, October 1958 (and possibly July 1958)
Howdy, Anybody have a copy of these that I could take a look at? (Looking for the articles on O-9 Well in there.) Cheers, David - 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] looking for NSS News, October 1958 (and possibly July 1958)
That predates my collection by 8 or 9 years. Aren't they digitized in the NSS Library? --Ediger On Fri, Mar 25, 2011 at 2:18 PM, David Ochel li...@ochel.net wrote: Howdy, Anybody have a copy of these that I could take a look at? (Looking for the articles on O-9 Well in there.) Cheers, David - 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] looking for NSS News, October 1958 (and possibly July 1958)
We can check the TSS library next time we are up that way unless you want to schedule a special trip. Ron -Original Message- From: David Ochel [mailto:li...@ochel.net] Sent: Friday, March 25, 2011 2:18 PM To: Cave Tex Subject: [Texascavers] looking for NSS News, October 1958 (and possibly July 1958) Howdy, Anybody have a copy of these that I could take a look at? (Looking for the articles on O-9 Well in there.) Cheers, David - 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] T Minus One Week! - Saturday, April 2nd at Fort Clark Springs, Brackettville, TX
It's only ONE WEEK until the best spring caving convention in Texas! The weather looks great! http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/USTX0145 The swimming hole looks excellent, the talks and food will be awesome, the location is spectacular, and the TCMA auction will be a hoot and hosted by the best looking game show host since Bob Barker, our own Jim Crash Kennedy, assisted by his bevy of caving beauties! Just a few reminders, updates, and detritus from the weekend for y'all: 1.) One new item has been added to the agenda for the riveting and always exciting TSA Spring Business Meeting (immediately after the talks Saturday at ~4:40: 2011 Spring Business Meeting, Spring Convention at Fort Clark Springs, TX, Saturday, April 2nd, 2011, Texas Speleological Association Agenda * Welcome and Introductions * Chairman's Report * Vice Chairman's Report * Secretary's Report - Minutes of 2011 Winter Business Meeting held at the TSS Offices on the UT Campus, Sunday, January 23rd, 2011 * Treasurers Report * TSA Projects - Jim Kennedy * Gov't Canyon - Marvin Miller * Colorado Bend State Park - Crash * Longhorn Cavern Project (On hold - TPWD Approval) - Mark Alman * Inner Space Caverns Project (Starting in September) - Gerry Geletzke Mark Alman * Hill Country State Natural Area Devils River - Rob Bissett and Joe Ranzau * Future Project Ideas * Standing Committee Reports o TSA Website - Butch Fralia o Membership Chair - Ryan Monjaras o Conservation Committee - Open and Jim Kennedy (WNS Update) o Safety and Techniques - David Ochel o Publications - Mark Alman * The TEXAS CAVER and status of online access to back issues. o TSA Store - Lee Jay Graves * Old Business o The 100th trip of the Government Canyon Karst Survey Celebration, Saturday, March 5th * New Business o TSA Brochure o Membership Drive o Membership Directory Constitution Change (New Item) o The Constitution states: The Treasurer prepares a budget for the fiscal year, maintains the membership database, and insures the database is available electronically to the membership. The key word is electronically. And it later states: The Membership Committee shall consist of the Database Manager, the TSA Secretary, the TSA Treasurer, a representative of the Publications Committee, and other appointed members. b. The committee will develop data to be made available to TSA officers, committees, member organizations, affiliated organizations, and members for conducting caving business. The committee insures the membership database is published annually and is not made available to the general public. These two statements seem conflicting and publishing a Members Directory is a small expense in the large scheme of things but, nevertheless, still a waste of money. The TSA Board of Officers is recommending that the red line above be deleted from the Constitution and the Members Directory be made available electronically in the Members Area of the TSA webpage. * Announcements? * End of Meeting (Let's eat!) 2.) The Kickapoo Caverns trips will be Sunday, April 3rd. Please meet at the gate to Kickapoo State Park at 10 AM and, after the TCMA meeting, at 11 AM. Cost is the standard TPWD entry fee of $3 per adult (12 YO and older). Kids can cave for free. Fee will be waived if you have a Gold Passport. Must furnish #. The main room and Wishing Well areas will be open for visitation. The Helectite Room and Graffiti Room are off limits, as is Stuart Bat Cave. We will be collecting the fee at Registration and you must sign a waiver form for you and yours there, as well. Do not miss this opportunity to visit one of the state's largest and most impressive caves (one of my favorites!) and behold the grandest and most photographed set of columns in the state! This is very easily accessible cave and is an excellent one for cavers, young, old, new, and armchair! 3.) From Ellie: TSA Spring Convention is almost here! You are invited to join the Texas Speleological Society and fellow Texas cavers for a relaxing weekend in the unique oasis and National Register Historic District of Fort Clark Springs. The TSA, founded in 1956, has been bringing Texas cavers together for over 50 years. Meet fellow cavers and project leaders from around the state. This is a great chance to get involved with ongoing projects and create future caving opportunities for all. Registration has increased
[Texascavers] TCMA Members Meeting at TSA Convention
Hi all, This is a reminder that there will be a TCMA Members Meeting on Sunday morning at the TSA Spring Convention. All members (and even nonmembers) are welcome to attend. This is your chance to find out what TCMA is up to and offer your input on the organization. One of the biggest things going on at the meeting is discussion and voting on the revised bylaws for the TCMA. Please visit, http://tcmacaves.org/bylaws/ where you can see the current bylaws, the proposed bylaws presented at the last TCR which were voted down, and the bylaws revisions that will be discussed voted on next weekend. There is also a document that summarizes the changes between our current bylaws and the new proposed bylaws. Thanks! Allan - Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com
texascavers Digest 25 Mar 2011 14:38:14 -0000 Issue 1273
texascavers Digest 25 Mar 2011 14:38:14 - Issue 1273 Topics (messages 17427 through 17436): Found on Craigslist: 1966 Dodge Power Wagon 4x4, 1 ton Dully - $2500 (Lakeway,78734) 17427 by: Dale Barnard Punkin Cave trip report, 18-20 March 17428 by: Jim Kennedy correction and Big Announcement! 17429 by: Jim Kennedy 17430 by: germanyj.aol.com Punkin 17431 by: dlocklear01.gmail.com Re: [SWR] Lincoln national forest cave tech position 17432 by: Diana Tomchick Texas Site Confirms Pre-Clovis Settlement of the Americas 17433 by: Diana Tomchick Re: NSS Headquarters Commission 17434 by: Preston Forsythe Re: NSS Headquarters opinions 17435 by: Preston Forsythe T Minus One Week! - Saturday, April 2nd at Fort Clark Springs, Brackettville, TX 17436 by: Mark.Alman.L-3com.com Administrivia: To subscribe to the digest, e-mail: texascavers-digest-subscr...@texascavers.com To unsubscribe from the digest, e-mail: texascavers-digest-unsubscr...@texascavers.com To post to the list, e-mail: texascavers@texascavers.com -- ---BeginMessage--- http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/2282831618.html ---End Message--- ---BeginMessage--- Punkin Cave Survey Expedition #15, 18-20 March 2011 reported by Jim Crash Kennedy, expedition leader [For general background on Punkin Cave and previous survey expeditions, please refer to past postings on CaveTex. Feel free to re-distribute or print in caving publications with appropriate credit.] Introduction: Punkin Cave lies near the tiny community of Carta Valley in Edwards County, Texas, and is currently the 14th longest cave in the state. It is rapidly growing due to the dedicated efforts of a fairly small group of cavers. We estimate that at least 1km passages remain unsurveyed, which, when eventually completed, will place the cave firmly in the top 10 list of longest caves in Texas. That is not bad for a long-neglected cave previously thought to just be a large entrance room and some crawls! Following is a brief report of the most recent trip. After the wildly successful multi-day survey trip this past winter (28 December through 1 January), it was clear to me that the massive 5-6 team survey expeditions were no longer as effective as smaller trips with people intimately familiar with certain parts of the cave. I planned this trip for a maximum of 12 surveyors, but in the end only had 10. This worked out fine, with three teams tackling different areas of the cave, mopping up leads, and surveying into virgin passage. I would still like to plan another multi-day expedition, and am currently looking at the Easter weekend. The March expedition was made up of 5 Punkin Cave veterans and 5 cavers new to the project, a nice mix. We saw 3 species of bats hibernating in the cave, tri-colored bats (Perimyotis subflavus), cave myotis (Myotis velifer), and Townsends big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii). I estimate probably 400-500 cave myotis, a few dozen big-eared bats, and upwards of a thousand or so trikes in the entire cave during the winter months. As everyone was arriving Friday evening, I led a short trip to Deep Cave to the Forest of Columns and Helictite Room. We got there right at dusk, and briefly admired the bat emergence before rushing through the cave. We got to see at least one tri-colored bat and a black scorpion up close before exiting. Joining me were Yaz Avila, Lydia Hernandez, and Aubri Jenson. The next morning we got up, had a fabulous breakfast, and broke into survey teams. The first team, TEAM SUPERSTITION, went back to some leads left since 2006 near the beginning of Superstition Maze. Some of these were obvious leads, unsurveyed and passed up by many teams over the years heading deeper into the cave. Matt Zappitello, a veteran of many Superstition surveys, ably led the team to various leads, interpreting the old survey notes and setting stations. David Ochel admirably sketched this complicated section, and Aubri Jenson logged time with the Suuntos. There are still more leads to map in this area, and everyone on the team indicated that they want to return some day. They put in an eight-hour day, and made 21 survey shots, gaining an additional 61.11m of passage (average of 2.91m per shot). The second team, TEAM WEST MAZE, headed off to the large and growing section of cave on the western side of the Entrance Room. Team leader Lee Jay Graves has been working in this part of the cave for about 4 trips now, and continues to discover large rooms and a butt-load of passages. This time he was assisted by Justin Shaw in his first time at keeping survey book in Punkin, and Galen Falgout and Angela Edwards scouting and setting stations. It was the first Punkin survey trip for all three. They placed 23 stations in a remarkable 10 hour
Re: [Texascavers] NSS Headquarters Commission
Excellent work by the hdqrs committee. I vote for Indian Cave. Preston in western KY - - Original Message - From: R D Milhollin rdmilhol...@yahoo.com To: Texascavers List texascavers@texascavers.com Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2011 12:48 PM Subject: [Texascavers] NSS Headquarters Commission Forwarded from the VAR list. Carol Tiderman is an NSS director. Hello Cavers, The discussion regarding the future location of the NSS Headquarters is getting serious. I believe that the new Headquarters will not only enhance the services to the membership but will facilitate public outreach and, hopefully, public funding of our activities to preserve conserve caves, karst their contents. It's important that you let the Directors and NSS Executives know what you want. Please do not hesitate to contact them (and me) and let us know how you feel. We're coming up on the next BOG Meeting the first weekend in April, in Albuquerque... and any specific comments you send will help with this contentious issue. b...@caves.org Locations the HQ Commission is looking at: Huntsville, Alabama 1. Cahaba Shrine Temple 2. University Office Park Mammoth Cave, Kentucky Area 3. Indian Cave 4. Cedar Hill 5. I-65 Interchange at Cave City Exit Bowling Green, Kentucky 6. Lost River Cave All the info you may (or may not) wish to know ... http://caves.org/commission/hq/files/Download/ReportToBOGApril2011.pdf Thanks Carol Tiderman NSS 10604 OS, FE, RL - 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] Conservation Workshop at Cave Without a Name
A Cave Conservation and Restoration Workshop will be held at Cave Without a Name on April 9 and10th. I am helping coordinate registration, and wanted to remind all that this will be in two weeks. We need the names of those interested in attending to verify numbers. Cave damage, whether unintentional or malicious in nature, degrades the beauty of the underground world. Some damage can be undone through restoration and repair. Join Cave Conservation Specialists Jim Werker and Val Hildrith Werker in a two day workshop focusing on conservation, restoration and speleothem repair. Learn do-no-harm techniques and experience hands-on satisfaction as you see previously hidden areas of beauty re-emerge. Cave Restoration Workshop Details . Check in at 9am Saturday at CWAN . Workshop hours - 9:30 to 5pm Saturday, 9am to noon Sunday . Camping available on site . Please bring any clean restoration tools you have (new sponges, buckets, scrub brushes, vinyl or latex gloves, knee pads, spray bottles, restoration sprayers, plastic or nylon scrapers for mud on flowstone . Please observe WNS decontamination procedures on all personal and resto gear . Workshop limited to first 25 people For more information call me (210 699 1388), or email me at this email or at lindacaveworks...@gmail.com Suggested donation: $10 Thanks, and looking forward to TSA Spring Convention! It looks great! Linda
Re: [Texascavers] Conservation Workshop at Cave Without a Name
Folks should be aware that Cave Without a Name has marketed this workshop to the general public as well. News paper article, email blasts etc. So, while Val and Jim give a first class resto workshop and I've always learned tons, you could be learning next to someone who has never been underground before. Seems odd to me... Cheers! Joe On Fri, Mar 25, 2011 at 10:14 AM, Linda Palit lkpa...@sbcglobal.net wrote: A Cave Conservation and Restoration Workshop will be held at Cave Without a Name on April 9 and10th. I am helping coordinate registration, and wanted to remind all that this will be in two weeks. We need the names of those interested in attending to verify numbers. Cave damage, whether unintentional or malicious in nature, degrades the beauty of the underground world. Some damage can be undone through restoration and repair. Join Cave Conservation Specialists Jim Werker and Val Hildrith Werker in a two day workshop focusing on conservation, restoration and speleothem repair. Learn do-no-harm techniques and experience hands-on satisfaction as you see previously hidden areas of beauty re-emerge. Cave Restoration Workshop Details · Check in at 9am Saturday at CWAN · Workshop hours – 9:30 to 5pm Saturday, 9am to noon Sunday · Camping available on site · Please bring any clean restoration tools you have (new sponges, buckets, scrub brushes, vinyl or latex gloves, knee pads, spray bottles, restoration sprayers, plastic or nylon scrapers for mud on flowstone · Please observe WNS decontamination procedures on all personal and resto gear · Workshop limited to first 25 people For more information call me (210 699 1388), or email me at this email or at lindacaveworks...@gmail.com Suggested donation: $10 Thanks, and looking forward to TSA Spring Convention! It looks great! Linda - Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com
[Texascavers] UT Grotto Meeting Wed March 30
You are cordially invited to attend the Underground Texas Grotto meeting on March 30, 2011 The meeting is on Wednesday from 7:45 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. University of Texas Campus in 2.48 Painter Hall NOTE: THE ROOM NUMBER CHANGE to 2.48 PAI http://www.utexas.edu/maps/main/buildings/pai.html Ernie Garza will be presenting Proyecto Sierra Mazateca. Ernie defiantly challenged the Drug Cartel violence and blazed on down to Oaxaca for some Caving over Christmas break. Come check out his tales of adventure while viewing his spectacular photography. For information on Underground Texas Grotto activities, please see www.utgrotto.orgAll of our information including officer contact info, trips reports, new caver training, event calendar, and posting links to beginner trips or vertical rope training are available. Before the meetings, we sometimes meet at Sao Paulo www.saopaulos.net for a happy hour special. This area is the best place to park and meet folks walking over to the meeting. Then after the official meeting, we continue with the decades long tradition to reconvene for burgers, beer, and tall tales of caving at Posse East. www.posse-east.com The UT Grotto needs you, the caver with photos and a story to share about your adventures, scientific research, or something else really cool. Contact Gary Sincerely, Gary Franklin UT Grotto Vice Chair Program Organizer v...@utgrotto.org Ernie Garza txwo...@texas.net
[Texascavers] NSS HQ Position -- BOG candidate
HQ Position -- My understanding is that the very competent and experienced NSS HQ Commission has whittled their list to 6 potential sites in 2 states (plus a do-nothing option) for discussion at the April BOG meeting in Albuquerque. They will make their site recommendation at the Convention in Glenwood Springs. I have so far followed the NSS HQ process from a distance, as none of the locations suggested include far west Texas, where it might best serve me and the other 3 NSS members here. However, that has to be the outcome of the HQ project – how will any of the sites best serve our membership in the era of virtual books, instant social media and recurring ecological nightmares. I work on capital projects professionally (state park type) and did contact the HQ Commission chair, John Scheltens, several months ago concerning a key construction assumption being used in the NSS study. I recently worked on a preliminary feasibility study for a 6500 ft2 (7800 ft2 gross) visitor center on the Franklin Mountains State Park. Our consultant, Museumscapes of Dallas, estimated that the building only (excluding fees, site work, exhibits) would be in the range of $275 to 325 per ft2. This is significantly higher than the $135 per ft2 assumed in the NSS new construction study and I questioned John about this. He explained that this figure was derived from local engineering/construction sources. In the areas in which the HQ is proposed, these are all relatively low construction cost. He suggested that I might find similar cost estimates here for El Paso. I do note that some of the sites under evaluation by the NSS contain existing buildings which might be purchased and remodeled to meet NSS HQ needs. The costs there should be less than new construction but the end result will still be an older building with some upgrades. Anyway, capital projects are always a concern due to some likelihood of significant cost overruns. That applies to any of the sites under consideration. They will require super project management personnel to ride herd on architects, contractors and their sub-contractors to make the building happen. And my preference on a site for an NSS HQ -- Let the HQ Commission complete their mission, listen to the NSS membership and identify the option (do-nothing is on the table) which would offer the best service to present (and encourages future) NSS members . Then, I can become an advocate. John Moses, NSS 7009 CM El Paso 2011 BOG candidate ps See some of you in Brackettville at the Spring TSA Groupon#8482 Official Site 1 ridiculously huge coupon a day. Get 50-90% off your city#39;s best! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3131/4d8cdb515447546d744st01vuc - Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com
[Texascavers] looking for NSS News, October 1958 (and possibly July 1958)
Howdy, Anybody have a copy of these that I could take a look at? (Looking for the articles on O-9 Well in there.) Cheers, David - 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] looking for NSS News, October 1958 (and possibly July 1958)
That predates my collection by 8 or 9 years. Aren't they digitized in the NSS Library? --Ediger On Fri, Mar 25, 2011 at 2:18 PM, David Ochel li...@ochel.net wrote: Howdy, Anybody have a copy of these that I could take a look at? (Looking for the articles on O-9 Well in there.) Cheers, David - 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] looking for NSS News, October 1958 (and possibly July 1958)
We can check the TSS library next time we are up that way unless you want to schedule a special trip. Ron -Original Message- From: David Ochel [mailto:li...@ochel.net] Sent: Friday, March 25, 2011 2:18 PM To: Cave Tex Subject: [Texascavers] looking for NSS News, October 1958 (and possibly July 1958) Howdy, Anybody have a copy of these that I could take a look at? (Looking for the articles on O-9 Well in there.) Cheers, David - 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] T Minus One Week! - Saturday, April 2nd at Fort Clark Springs, Brackettville, TX
It's only ONE WEEK until the best spring caving convention in Texas! The weather looks great! http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/USTX0145 The swimming hole looks excellent, the talks and food will be awesome, the location is spectacular, and the TCMA auction will be a hoot and hosted by the best looking game show host since Bob Barker, our own Jim Crash Kennedy, assisted by his bevy of caving beauties! Just a few reminders, updates, and detritus from the weekend for y'all: 1.) One new item has been added to the agenda for the riveting and always exciting TSA Spring Business Meeting (immediately after the talks Saturday at ~4:40: 2011 Spring Business Meeting, Spring Convention at Fort Clark Springs, TX, Saturday, April 2nd, 2011, Texas Speleological Association Agenda * Welcome and Introductions * Chairman's Report * Vice Chairman's Report * Secretary's Report - Minutes of 2011 Winter Business Meeting held at the TSS Offices on the UT Campus, Sunday, January 23rd, 2011 * Treasurers Report * TSA Projects - Jim Kennedy * Gov't Canyon - Marvin Miller * Colorado Bend State Park - Crash * Longhorn Cavern Project (On hold - TPWD Approval) - Mark Alman * Inner Space Caverns Project (Starting in September) - Gerry Geletzke Mark Alman * Hill Country State Natural Area Devils River - Rob Bissett and Joe Ranzau * Future Project Ideas * Standing Committee Reports o TSA Website - Butch Fralia o Membership Chair - Ryan Monjaras o Conservation Committee - Open and Jim Kennedy (WNS Update) o Safety and Techniques - David Ochel o Publications - Mark Alman * The TEXAS CAVER and status of online access to back issues. o TSA Store - Lee Jay Graves * Old Business o The 100th trip of the Government Canyon Karst Survey Celebration, Saturday, March 5th * New Business o TSA Brochure o Membership Drive o Membership Directory Constitution Change (New Item) o The Constitution states: The Treasurer prepares a budget for the fiscal year, maintains the membership database, and insures the database is available electronically to the membership. The key word is electronically. And it later states: The Membership Committee shall consist of the Database Manager, the TSA Secretary, the TSA Treasurer, a representative of the Publications Committee, and other appointed members. b. The committee will develop data to be made available to TSA officers, committees, member organizations, affiliated organizations, and members for conducting caving business. The committee insures the membership database is published annually and is not made available to the general public. These two statements seem conflicting and publishing a Members Directory is a small expense in the large scheme of things but, nevertheless, still a waste of money. The TSA Board of Officers is recommending that the red line above be deleted from the Constitution and the Members Directory be made available electronically in the Members Area of the TSA webpage. * Announcements? * End of Meeting (Let's eat!) 2.) The Kickapoo Caverns trips will be Sunday, April 3rd. Please meet at the gate to Kickapoo State Park at 10 AM and, after the TCMA meeting, at 11 AM. Cost is the standard TPWD entry fee of $3 per adult (12 YO and older). Kids can cave for free. Fee will be waived if you have a Gold Passport. Must furnish #. The main room and Wishing Well areas will be open for visitation. The Helectite Room and Graffiti Room are off limits, as is Stuart Bat Cave. We will be collecting the fee at Registration and you must sign a waiver form for you and yours there, as well. Do not miss this opportunity to visit one of the state's largest and most impressive caves (one of my favorites!) and behold the grandest and most photographed set of columns in the state! This is very easily accessible cave and is an excellent one for cavers, young, old, new, and armchair! 3.) From Ellie: TSA Spring Convention is almost here! You are invited to join the Texas Speleological Society and fellow Texas cavers for a relaxing weekend in the unique oasis and National Register Historic District of Fort Clark Springs. The TSA, founded in 1956, has been bringing Texas cavers together for over 50 years. Meet fellow cavers and project leaders from around the state. This is a great chance to get involved with ongoing projects and create future caving opportunities for all. Registration has increased
[Texascavers] TCMA Members Meeting at TSA Convention
Hi all, This is a reminder that there will be a TCMA Members Meeting on Sunday morning at the TSA Spring Convention. All members (and even nonmembers) are welcome to attend. This is your chance to find out what TCMA is up to and offer your input on the organization. One of the biggest things going on at the meeting is discussion and voting on the revised bylaws for the TCMA. Please visit, http://tcmacaves.org/bylaws/ where you can see the current bylaws, the proposed bylaws presented at the last TCR which were voted down, and the bylaws revisions that will be discussed voted on next weekend. There is also a document that summarizes the changes between our current bylaws and the new proposed bylaws. Thanks! Allan - Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com
texascavers Digest 25 Mar 2011 14:38:14 -0000 Issue 1273
texascavers Digest 25 Mar 2011 14:38:14 - Issue 1273 Topics (messages 17427 through 17436): Found on Craigslist: 1966 Dodge Power Wagon 4x4, 1 ton Dully - $2500 (Lakeway,78734) 17427 by: Dale Barnard Punkin Cave trip report, 18-20 March 17428 by: Jim Kennedy correction and Big Announcement! 17429 by: Jim Kennedy 17430 by: germanyj.aol.com Punkin 17431 by: dlocklear01.gmail.com Re: [SWR] Lincoln national forest cave tech position 17432 by: Diana Tomchick Texas Site Confirms Pre-Clovis Settlement of the Americas 17433 by: Diana Tomchick Re: NSS Headquarters Commission 17434 by: Preston Forsythe Re: NSS Headquarters opinions 17435 by: Preston Forsythe T Minus One Week! - Saturday, April 2nd at Fort Clark Springs, Brackettville, TX 17436 by: Mark.Alman.L-3com.com Administrivia: To subscribe to the digest, e-mail: texascavers-digest-subscr...@texascavers.com To unsubscribe from the digest, e-mail: texascavers-digest-unsubscr...@texascavers.com To post to the list, e-mail: texascavers@texascavers.com -- ---BeginMessage--- http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/2282831618.html ---End Message--- ---BeginMessage--- Punkin Cave Survey Expedition #15, 18-20 March 2011 reported by Jim Crash Kennedy, expedition leader [For general background on Punkin Cave and previous survey expeditions, please refer to past postings on CaveTex. Feel free to re-distribute or print in caving publications with appropriate credit.] Introduction: Punkin Cave lies near the tiny community of Carta Valley in Edwards County, Texas, and is currently the 14th longest cave in the state. It is rapidly growing due to the dedicated efforts of a fairly small group of cavers. We estimate that at least 1km passages remain unsurveyed, which, when eventually completed, will place the cave firmly in the top 10 list of longest caves in Texas. That is not bad for a long-neglected cave previously thought to just be a large entrance room and some crawls! Following is a brief report of the most recent trip. After the wildly successful multi-day survey trip this past winter (28 December through 1 January), it was clear to me that the massive 5-6 team survey expeditions were no longer as effective as smaller trips with people intimately familiar with certain parts of the cave. I planned this trip for a maximum of 12 surveyors, but in the end only had 10. This worked out fine, with three teams tackling different areas of the cave, mopping up leads, and surveying into virgin passage. I would still like to plan another multi-day expedition, and am currently looking at the Easter weekend. The March expedition was made up of 5 Punkin Cave veterans and 5 cavers new to the project, a nice mix. We saw 3 species of bats hibernating in the cave, tri-colored bats (Perimyotis subflavus), cave myotis (Myotis velifer), and Townsends big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii). I estimate probably 400-500 cave myotis, a few dozen big-eared bats, and upwards of a thousand or so trikes in the entire cave during the winter months. As everyone was arriving Friday evening, I led a short trip to Deep Cave to the Forest of Columns and Helictite Room. We got there right at dusk, and briefly admired the bat emergence before rushing through the cave. We got to see at least one tri-colored bat and a black scorpion up close before exiting. Joining me were Yaz Avila, Lydia Hernandez, and Aubri Jenson. The next morning we got up, had a fabulous breakfast, and broke into survey teams. The first team, TEAM SUPERSTITION, went back to some leads left since 2006 near the beginning of Superstition Maze. Some of these were obvious leads, unsurveyed and passed up by many teams over the years heading deeper into the cave. Matt Zappitello, a veteran of many Superstition surveys, ably led the team to various leads, interpreting the old survey notes and setting stations. David Ochel admirably sketched this complicated section, and Aubri Jenson logged time with the Suuntos. There are still more leads to map in this area, and everyone on the team indicated that they want to return some day. They put in an eight-hour day, and made 21 survey shots, gaining an additional 61.11m of passage (average of 2.91m per shot). The second team, TEAM WEST MAZE, headed off to the large and growing section of cave on the western side of the Entrance Room. Team leader Lee Jay Graves has been working in this part of the cave for about 4 trips now, and continues to discover large rooms and a butt-load of passages. This time he was assisted by Justin Shaw in his first time at keeping survey book in Punkin, and Galen Falgout and Angela Edwards scouting and setting stations. It was the first Punkin survey trip for all three. They placed 23 stations in a remarkable 10 hour
Re: [Texascavers] Re: NSS Headquarters opinions
David, you are right. You were highly opinionated on this one. The idea is to locate the new NSS office in a high traffic caving area and in the USA that is the Mammoth Cave corridor. Personally, I like the Indian Cave site. Preston, 65 miles west of MaCa. - Original Message - From: David dlocklea...@gmail.com To: Cavers Texas texascavers@texascavers.com Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2011 1:59 PM Subject: [Texascavers] Re: NSS Headquarters opinions This is a highly opinionated post based on knowing absolutely zero about the problem: - Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com
