Re: [Texascavers] REI wild caving trip in Statesman

[Chris Lafferty via Texascavers]

It’s not often that I add my two cents to these discussions, but in this
case it’s worth mentioning an interested person could do much worse than
paying for a guided caving trip through the REI Outdoor School. I think
it’s a great thing that REI is endorsing these trips and raising caving
awareness. Those who get hooked can then track down a local grotto with
simply a quick internet search. Heck, I got hooked after a few trips
through Enchanted Rock cave with a few friends, fewer flashlights, and a
few cellphones for additional light. And I’ve known others who have become
active cavers following guided “wild” caving trips at commercial caves.


REI is a well-known company who advocates for the same values of
preservation and enjoyment of nature that cavers endorse. They lend a sense
of legitimacy that frankly, I don’t think the NSS and the local grottos
receive from the general public. Those in the know, i.e. cavers, know
better, but I would guess the typical REI member has never heard of the
NSS. I could be wrong, but it would be a surprise to me.


*I think it’s worth the effort roping in (pun intended) those who attend to
show that we have better cave access, better training resources, and a
friendly and welcoming community*. Diana’s suggestion of contacting REI
about handing out UT Grotto information is a good one.


As far as the descender choice, it’s adequate for Gorman Creek and those
leading the trip are familiar with the use of ATCs. Many of those involved
in the trip might also have crossover experience from climbing. I have some
strong opinions about descender choices, vertical competency, and
self-rescue, but I think it’s a bit nitpicky to criticize them in this
circumstance.


I'm also glad the article mentioned Nichols Outdoor Adventures as an
alternative in the footnote.



Regards,

Chris Lafferty

Sent from the Last Frontier

On Mon, Oct 24, 2016 at 12:43 PM, Diana Tomchick via Texascavers <
texascavers@texascavers.com> wrote:

> At the very least, someone from the UT Grotto might want to contact REI
> and get them to hand out information about the grotto to their caving trip
> participants.
>
> Diana
>
> **
> Diana R. Tomchick
> Professor
> Departments of Biophysics and Biochemistry
> University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
> 5323 Harry Hines Blvd.
> Rm. ND10.214A
> Dallas, TX 75390-8816
> diana.tomch...@utsouthwestern.edu
> (214) 645-6383 (phone)
> (214) 645-6353 (fax)
>
> > On Oct 24, 2016, at 3:39 PM, texascavers@texascavers.com wrote:
> >
> > Nichols Outdoor Adventures doesn't offer a rappelling tour, since our
> insurance doesn't cover ropes.
> >
> > Also, it was our understanding that they were doing a one time trip with
> the previous superintendent. We had no clue that they were making this a
> recurring event, and it will be interesting to see how this works out,
> since we use that cave too.
> >
> > -Heather
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >> On Oct 24, 2016, at 3:24 PM, Diana Tomchick via Texascavers <
> texascavers@texascavers.com> wrote:
> >>
> >> Wow, $145 for a guided trip into Gorman Creek Cave, complete with the
> wrong kind of rappelling device for a caver!
> >>
> >> Nichols Outdoor Adventure should charge more than $50 for their trip.
> >>
> >> Diana
> >>
> >> **
> >> Diana R. Tomchick
> >> Professor
> >> Departments of Biophysics and Biochemistry
> >> University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
> >> 5323 Harry Hines Blvd.
> >> Rm. ND10.214A
> >> Dallas, TX 75390-8816
> >> diana.tomch...@utsouthwestern.edu
> >> (214) 645-6383 (phone)
> >> (214) 645-6353 (fax)
> >>
> >>> On Oct 24, 2016, at 3:08 PM, texascavers@texascavers.com wrote:
> >>>
> >>> http://www.mystatesman.com/news/lifestyles/recreation/
> get-a-new-perspective-on-colorado-bend-state-park-/nssxs/
> >>> ___
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> >>
> >>
> >> 
> >>
> >> UT Southwestern
> >>
> >>
> >> Medical Center
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> The future of medicine, today.
> >>
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Re: [Texascavers] Off topic maybe?

[Chris Lafferty via Texascavers]

Uh oh... It looks like the secret's out. I guess everyone will want to move
up here now.

Chris Lafferty
Sent from the Last Frontier
On Apr 27, 2016 6:05 AM, "Charles Loving via Texascavers" <
texascavers@texascavers.com> wrote:

> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Cbv7VZPVX4
> Attachments area
> Preview YouTube video Gold Mines in Alaska's Deposits Estimated Worth
> Nearly $500 Billion
> Gold Mines in Alaska's Deposits Estimated Worth Nearly $500 Billion
> 
>
> --
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>
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Re: [Texascavers] Soak your rope?

[Chris Lafferty via Texascavers]

Frank,

I soak all my new static ropes. In addition to bringing the rope closer to
its final length, it also strips some remaining manufacturing detergents
that make the rope a bit slippery when new.

Chris Lafferty
On Apr 14, 2015 1:56 PM, "Frank Binney via Texascavers" <
texascavers@texascavers.com> wrote:

> Is soaking and drying a new caving rope prior to use now the recommended
> procedure?
> I don’t remember this as a protocol from back in the day, but someone
> suggested presoaking to a young caver friend out here who recently bought
> 1200 ft of static rope for a Golondrinas trip.
> Perhaps it’s a way to pre-shrink and/or stiffen the rope for easier
> ascending?
> -Frank Binney
>
>
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Re: [Texascavers] [greater_houston_grotto] Re: Chris Lafferty's Hole

[Chris Lafferty via Texascavers]

Go ahead and share the .gif, Alex. It's in the public domain.

I don't know who created the. gif. Given the unexpected publicity, I may
make an account on Reddit/Imgur tonight and direct anyone interested in
caving to the NSS IO page.

I've CC'd Bennett on this e-mail.

Chris
On Mar 16, 2015 2:17 PM, "Alex Sproul via Texascavers" <
texascavers@texascavers.com> wrote:

>  >I had nothing to do with that upload. It's from a video Bennett Lee
> took on a
> >Deep Trip in August 2012. The video is somewhere on YouTube. The
> >comments are hilarious, though!
>
>  That .gif is too classic, Chris! May I share it with the Social Media
> folks? It's bound to come in handy for something in FB or Twitter.
>
>  I know, it's Bennett's video (and likely his .gif), but I don't have his
> email. Would you double-check (though I assume being on YouTube makes it
> fair game).
>
>  Alex
>
>
>  --
> *Alex Sproul*
> *NSS 8086RL/FE*
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Re: [Texascavers] [greater_houston_grotto] Re: Chris Lafferty's Hole

[Chris Lafferty via Texascavers]

That's awfully nice of them. I'd hate to be stuck down there indefinitely.

Chris
On Mar 16, 2015 8:42 AM, "Heather Tucek via Texascavers" <
texascavers@texascavers.com> wrote:

> Guess who made it to the "Front Page" of reddit.com today? ;)
>
> Someone even reversed it so you make it out safely. :)
>
>
>
> On Mar 15, 2015, at 4:13 PM, Chris Lafferty via Texascavers <
> texascavers@texascavers.com> wrote:
>
> That doesn't make it sound any better, Lyndon...
>
> I had nothing to do with that upload. It's from a video Bennett Lee took
> on a Deep Trip in August 2012. The video is somewhere on YouTube. The
> comments are hilarious, though!
>
>
> Chris
>
> On Sun, Mar 15, 2015 at 4:03 PM, Lyndon Tiu lyndon@gmail.com
> [greater_houston_grotto]  wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> I meant to say Chris Lafferty's Tight Hole Video but email sent before I
>> could complete typing.
>>
>> On Sun, Mar 15, 2015 at 4:03 PM, Lyndon Tiu  wrote:
>>
>>> http://imgur.com/gallery/H8SIC9j
>>>
>>> --
>>> Lyndon Tiu
>>>
>>
>>
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Re: [Texascavers] [greater_houston_grotto] Re: Chris Lafferty's Hole

[Chris Lafferty via Texascavers]

That doesn't make it sound any better, Lyndon...

I had nothing to do with that upload. It's from a video Bennett Lee took on
a Deep Trip in August 2012. The video is somewhere on YouTube. The comments
are hilarious, though!


Chris

On Sun, Mar 15, 2015 at 4:03 PM, Lyndon Tiu lyndon@gmail.com
[greater_houston_grotto]  wrote:

>
>
> I meant to say Chris Lafferty's Tight Hole Video but email sent before I
> could complete typing.
>
> On Sun, Mar 15, 2015 at 4:03 PM, Lyndon Tiu  wrote:
>
>> http://imgur.com/gallery/H8SIC9j
>>
>> --
>> Lyndon Tiu
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Lyndon Tiu
>
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Re: [Texascavers] [greater_houston_grotto] Support Texas Caves when Xmas shopping!

[Chris Lafferty via Texascavers]

Great info, Mallory.

Is the relative donation to TCMA different if we use the Amazon link found
on the TCMA website rather than Amazon Smile? I heard somewhere that SCCi
encouraged shoppers to use their website link instead of Smile because they
received a larger donation.

Can anyone confirm?

Chris Lafferty
chris.laffer...@gmail.com
On Dec 2, 2014 12:59 PM, "Mallory Mayeux mmay...@gmail.com
[greater_houston_grotto]"  wrote:

>
>
> GAH! I just forgot to do this so it reminded me to tell everyone to do
> this.
>
> Some of you may use Amazon.com liberally when Xmas shopping. (I do). Did
> you know you can also shop at smile.amazon.com and help Texas caves? The
> following is a direct explanation of Smile from their website.  "When you
> shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast
> selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added
> bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your
> favorite charitable organization. You can choose from nearly one million
> organizations to support. The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of
> the purchase price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases."
>
> The Texas Cave Management Association is a listed Amazon charitable
> organization. TCMA, as you know, owns Robber Baron, Whirlpool, Deep/Punkin
> and manages O9you know, the majority of the caves we've enjoyed this
> year. I recently ordered an LSU-themed dress and it came in exactly the
> same as if I'd ordered it on Amazon.com. It's totally legit and I strongly
> encourage all of you Amazon shoppers to support TCMA using the site!
>
> Just go to smile.amazon.com and it will ask you to pick a charity. Search
> "Texas Cave Management Association" and click on it.
>
> Have a great day!
>
> Mallory
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Re: [Texascavers] Petzl Ecrin Roc Climbing Helmet...

[Chris Lafferty via Texascavers]

Grab this while you can, folks. This is a great helmet for caving and Petzl
no longer makes them.

Chris Lafferty
On Sep 13, 2014 1:08 PM, "James Brown via Texascavers" <
texascavers@texascavers.com> wrote:

> ...for sale, used, Red, $30.
>
> James
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
>
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Re: [Texascavers] Party for Chris Lafferty at the Schindel's Saturday at 5 pm.

[Chris Lafferty via Texascavers]

Thanks for the compliments and friendly gibes. Roger, as a fellow alumnus
of my alma mater, you should know I'm no Aggie!

Lyndon, that's my way of giving back to the city of my first grotto :)
Years from now, some aspiring Houston caver will furnish himself with gear
of questionable history from a pawn shop.

Also, a used vacuum cleaner would be a terrible trade. They suck more than
I do.

Chris


On Sat, Aug 23, 2014 at 12:38 PM, Lyndon Tiu via Texascavers <
texascavers@texascavers.com> wrote:

> We had a hard time letting Chris go, so we kept some of him in Houston by
> making sure he left all his belongings here before he moved to SA. All his
> gear is still in Houston, somewhere on Craig's list.
>
>
> On Sat, Aug 23, 2014 at 12:32 PM, caverarch via Texascavers <
> texascavers@texascavers.com> wrote:
>
>> Yeah, we in the Greater Houston Grotto greatly resent Bexar making off
>> with Chris, but at least we still get to meet up with him for trips in the
>> area.  But now he's off to San Francisco?  And Frank is requested to
>> weird-up this Aggie engineer? That's going too far, maybe.
>>
>>  Have a great party and a fine project in SF, Chris!
>>
>> Roger Moore
>>
>>
>>
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Re: [Texascavers] Stephans Gap cave in AL

[Chris Lafferty via Texascavers]

I was there two months ago where we discovered that the keyhole was
vandalized. Someone had levered a large boulder out of it, leaving the
while thing unstable.

Aaron Polsky, a TAG caver, was with us and informed his father Milton, the
primary contact for the cave. I heard that the keyhole was flagged and off
limits during convention. Fortunately, I had the chance to see it before
the damage last year.

A know a couple of Texas cavers were there during convention. Jim Kennedy
even conducted a wedding ceremony in the cave that week.

Regards,
Chris Lafferty
On Jul 31, 2014 4:17 PM, "Charles Goldsmith via Texascavers" <
texascavers@texascavers.com> wrote:

> Anyone visit this cave this month?
>
> http://i.imgur.com/hOL15Cu.jpg
>
> Saw this at
> http://www.reddit.com/r/EarthPorn/comments/2c8mhg/stephens_gap_cave_in_northern_alabama_1280x1600_oc/
>
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