[Texascavers] Government Canyon Karst Project

2011-08-21 Thread Marvin Lisa
The Government Canyon Karst Project will be starting up again on on the
weekend of October 8 and 9. The dates for the rest of year are as follows:
 
October 8, 9
 
November 5, 6
 
December 4
 
We will be working on several cave surveys, a dig in Government Canyon
Blowhole - following the air, the continuing digs in Dancing Fern Cave and
Lost Pothole, and surface digs on several likely-looking sinks. Of course
there is always plenty of ridgewalking for those who want to find new caves.
 
Directions to the Government Canyon Karst Project:

Find the intersection of U.S. 16 and Loop 1604 in northwest Bexar County
(clearly shown on any state highway map). Drive 2 miles north on U.S. 16 to
the third traffic light and turn left onto FM 1560 (there is a Shell station
on the corner). Follow 1560 for 3 miles till you see the sign for GCSNA.
Follow the arrow to the right and drive 2 more miles to the sharp left turn
in the road. The gate to GCSNA is straight ahead. Enter at the gate and then
take the first right. There is an unlocked gate that will need to be opened
and then closed behind you. Continue to the Volunteer/Research Station,
where we will meet. 

 
We will meet at 9:00 both mornings. Camping is available. Contact me to set
it up.
 
Marvin Miller
(210) 415-5190


[Texascavers] Government Canyon Karst Project

2011-08-21 Thread Marvin Lisa
The Government Canyon Karst Project will be starting up again on on the
weekend of October 8 and 9. The dates for the rest of year are as follows:
 
October 8, 9
 
November 5, 6
 
December 4
 
We will be working on several cave surveys, a dig in Government Canyon
Blowhole - following the air, the continuing digs in Dancing Fern Cave and
Lost Pothole, and surface digs on several likely-looking sinks. Of course
there is always plenty of ridgewalking for those who want to find new caves.
 
Directions to the Government Canyon Karst Project:

Find the intersection of U.S. 16 and Loop 1604 in northwest Bexar County
(clearly shown on any state highway map). Drive 2 miles north on U.S. 16 to
the third traffic light and turn left onto FM 1560 (there is a Shell station
on the corner). Follow 1560 for 3 miles till you see the sign for GCSNA.
Follow the arrow to the right and drive 2 more miles to the sharp left turn
in the road. The gate to GCSNA is straight ahead. Enter at the gate and then
take the first right. There is an unlocked gate that will need to be opened
and then closed behind you. Continue to the Volunteer/Research Station,
where we will meet. 

 
We will meet at 9:00 both mornings. Camping is available. Contact me to set
it up.
 
Marvin Miller
(210) 415-5190


[Texascavers] Government Canyon Karst Project

2011-08-21 Thread Marvin Lisa
The Government Canyon Karst Project will be starting up again on on the
weekend of October 8 and 9. The dates for the rest of year are as follows:
 
October 8, 9
 
November 5, 6
 
December 4
 
We will be working on several cave surveys, a dig in Government Canyon
Blowhole - following the air, the continuing digs in Dancing Fern Cave and
Lost Pothole, and surface digs on several likely-looking sinks. Of course
there is always plenty of ridgewalking for those who want to find new caves.
 
Directions to the Government Canyon Karst Project:

Find the intersection of U.S. 16 and Loop 1604 in northwest Bexar County
(clearly shown on any state highway map). Drive 2 miles north on U.S. 16 to
the third traffic light and turn left onto FM 1560 (there is a Shell station
on the corner). Follow 1560 for 3 miles till you see the sign for GCSNA.
Follow the arrow to the right and drive 2 more miles to the sharp left turn
in the road. The gate to GCSNA is straight ahead. Enter at the gate and then
take the first right. There is an unlocked gate that will need to be opened
and then closed behind you. Continue to the Volunteer/Research Station,
where we will meet. 

 
We will meet at 9:00 both mornings. Camping is available. Contact me to set
it up.
 
Marvin Miller
(210) 415-5190


RE: [Texascavers] Article on KHOU on Twinkie's Cave

2011-08-01 Thread Marvin Lisa
BT and Will (the owner of the upstream entrances) have been very
conscientious about taking finds to several professors at UT and have
developed some good relationships with them. One fellow even took a tour of
the cave recently. The truth is that the university doesn't have the funds
to run a project at the cave right now. BT and Will would be more than happy
to accomodate them. What has been suggested to to BT is that he maintain the
collection and sometime in the near future he will get some assistance
(probably unpaid) to catalogue the items, but they will stay with him (or
Will) for now. Immediately after the first bones were found - which was also
coincident with finding the upstream entrances - BT and Will worked out an
agreement for how to deal with any finds. 
 
You know that news stories don't always give you the whole picture.
 
Marvin Miller

  _  

From: Andy Gluesenkamp [mailto:andrew_gluesenk...@yahoo.com] 
Sent: Monday, August 01, 2011 11:44 AM
To: Fofo; texascavers
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Article on KHOU on Twinkie's Cave


Those specimens belong in a museum (or in a cave), not on someone's
bookshelf.  Also, BT oughtta fess up that the fossils are coming from a part
of the cave on his neighbor's property, not his.
 
Andy
 
Andrew G. Gluesenkamp, Ph.D.
700 Billie Brooks Drive
Driftwood, Texas 78619
(512) 799-1095
a...@gluesenkamp.com 


  _  

From: Fofo gonza...@msu.edu
To: texascavers texascavers@texascavers.com
Sent: Mon, August 1, 2011 11:28:05 AM
Subject: [Texascavers] Article on KHOU on Twinkie's Cave

¡Hola!

Here's an article that I saw today about Twinkie's Cave in Comal County.

http://www.khou.com/news/Local-man-makes-prehistoric-discovery-in-his-own-ba
ckyard-125157069.html

Orhttp://tinyurl.com/3lynqxr

The text of the article is below.

Take care,

- Fofo

--

SAN ANTONIO -- Somewhere in Comal County is a small parcel of private land
full of breathtaking views. Hidden amidst the beauty is a mysterious
entrance to the unknown.
Inside, there is not much space, and it quickly goes from dry to wet. That’s
because it's a cave full of spring-fed water. And there are plenty of
creatures living inside.

“There's a small colony of bats in there,” said William “BT” Price, who owns
the land.

Price bought the land where the hidden cave is located two years ago. Now,
he's a retired banker who's become an explorer of his own backyard.

The cave is at least a mile in length. Price and friends are constantly
pushing the limits by going into areas where the water and ceiling are
separated by inches.

“It can be very dangerous --  very, very dangerous -- if it's not done
right,” said Price.

Within the unknown lies a familiar treasure from prehistoric times: fossils.

“Here's some pieces of mastodon teeth,” said Kurt Menking, who has helped
Price discover the fossils.

Some of the most exotic discoveries include an almost complete skull of a
Homotherium, an animal that was part of the saber-tooth tiger family.

Other remains are from beasts you only hear about in movies, like
10-foot-tall, 8,000-pound sloths.

Concordia University biology professor Laurence Meissner is just one of a
few professionals to verify the recent discovery.

“Yes, they're legitimate fossils. They lived in the late Ice Age. Probably
went extinct around 10 to 15 thousand years ago,” Meissner said.

Experts like Meissner said it’s very rare to find fossils in Texas,
especially animals like the Homotherium found in the local cave.

“It just gives us a record of the past. It tells us what life used to be
like 10 to 20,000 years ago and it shows there's been substantial change in
the environment here,” Meissner said.

Price said he plans to continue seeking more fossils in the area he’s dubbed
“Twinkie’s Cave,” named after his fiancée’s dog.

Price’s long-term goal is to have the fossils preserved, then donate the
cave to either a caving group or to state-funded paleontology organizations
that have seen funding cuts due to budget woes.

-
Visit our website: http://texascavers.com http://texascavers.com/ 
To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com
For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com




RE: [Texascavers] Article on KHOU on Twinkie's Cave

2011-08-01 Thread Marvin Lisa
BT and Will (the owner of the upstream entrances) have been very
conscientious about taking finds to several professors at UT and have
developed some good relationships with them. One fellow even took a tour of
the cave recently. The truth is that the university doesn't have the funds
to run a project at the cave right now. BT and Will would be more than happy
to accomodate them. What has been suggested to to BT is that he maintain the
collection and sometime in the near future he will get some assistance
(probably unpaid) to catalogue the items, but they will stay with him (or
Will) for now. Immediately after the first bones were found - which was also
coincident with finding the upstream entrances - BT and Will worked out an
agreement for how to deal with any finds. 
 
You know that news stories don't always give you the whole picture.
 
Marvin Miller

  _  

From: Andy Gluesenkamp [mailto:andrew_gluesenk...@yahoo.com] 
Sent: Monday, August 01, 2011 11:44 AM
To: Fofo; texascavers
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Article on KHOU on Twinkie's Cave


Those specimens belong in a museum (or in a cave), not on someone's
bookshelf.  Also, BT oughtta fess up that the fossils are coming from a part
of the cave on his neighbor's property, not his.
 
Andy
 
Andrew G. Gluesenkamp, Ph.D.
700 Billie Brooks Drive
Driftwood, Texas 78619
(512) 799-1095
a...@gluesenkamp.com 


  _  

From: Fofo gonza...@msu.edu
To: texascavers texascavers@texascavers.com
Sent: Mon, August 1, 2011 11:28:05 AM
Subject: [Texascavers] Article on KHOU on Twinkie's Cave

¡Hola!

Here's an article that I saw today about Twinkie's Cave in Comal County.

http://www.khou.com/news/Local-man-makes-prehistoric-discovery-in-his-own-ba
ckyard-125157069.html

Orhttp://tinyurl.com/3lynqxr

The text of the article is below.

Take care,

- Fofo

--

SAN ANTONIO -- Somewhere in Comal County is a small parcel of private land
full of breathtaking views. Hidden amidst the beauty is a mysterious
entrance to the unknown.
Inside, there is not much space, and it quickly goes from dry to wet. That’s
because it's a cave full of spring-fed water. And there are plenty of
creatures living inside.

“There's a small colony of bats in there,” said William “BT” Price, who owns
the land.

Price bought the land where the hidden cave is located two years ago. Now,
he's a retired banker who's become an explorer of his own backyard.

The cave is at least a mile in length. Price and friends are constantly
pushing the limits by going into areas where the water and ceiling are
separated by inches.

“It can be very dangerous --  very, very dangerous -- if it's not done
right,” said Price.

Within the unknown lies a familiar treasure from prehistoric times: fossils.

“Here's some pieces of mastodon teeth,” said Kurt Menking, who has helped
Price discover the fossils.

Some of the most exotic discoveries include an almost complete skull of a
Homotherium, an animal that was part of the saber-tooth tiger family.

Other remains are from beasts you only hear about in movies, like
10-foot-tall, 8,000-pound sloths.

Concordia University biology professor Laurence Meissner is just one of a
few professionals to verify the recent discovery.

“Yes, they're legitimate fossils. They lived in the late Ice Age. Probably
went extinct around 10 to 15 thousand years ago,” Meissner said.

Experts like Meissner said it’s very rare to find fossils in Texas,
especially animals like the Homotherium found in the local cave.

“It just gives us a record of the past. It tells us what life used to be
like 10 to 20,000 years ago and it shows there's been substantial change in
the environment here,” Meissner said.

Price said he plans to continue seeking more fossils in the area he’s dubbed
“Twinkie’s Cave,” named after his fiancée’s dog.

Price’s long-term goal is to have the fossils preserved, then donate the
cave to either a caving group or to state-funded paleontology organizations
that have seen funding cuts due to budget woes.

-
Visit our website: http://texascavers.com http://texascavers.com/ 
To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com
For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com




RE: [Texascavers] Books donated

2011-06-16 Thread Marvin Lisa
Way to go, Bill!
Don't forget the Caves and Karst of Texas promised by Ron Ralph and the TSS.
The Bexar grotto donated $100 worth of NSS books and Caves and Karst to the
Bulverde - Spring Branch Public Library.
 
Marvin Miller

  _  

From: Bill Bentley [mailto:ca...@caver.net] 
Sent: Thursday, June 16, 2011 10:02 PM
To: Texascavers Mailing List
Cc: PBSS Mailing List; n...@caves.org; Richard Galle - Work;
bwilli...@sibleynaturecenter.org
Subject: [Texascavers] Books donated


Texas Cavers,
   A while back another Texas grotto challenged every other Texas Grotto
to buy $100.00 worth of books from the National Speleological Society
Bookstore and donate them to their local Public Libraries.  The Permian
Basin Speleological Society  has answered and fulfilled that challenge by
buying over $100.00 worth of cave books and along with some free brochures
from the National Speleological Society and donating them to the Sibley
Nature Center here in Midland, Texas.
 
http://www.caver.net/images/booksdonatedp.jpg
The above picture is PBSS 2011 President Jacqui Thomas presenting Richard
Galle of the Sibley Nature Center one of the many books donated by the
members of the PBSS.
 
http://www.caver.net/images/booksdonated.jpg
The above picture is the books and brochures that were donated to the Sibley
Nature Center.
 
The PBSS had previously donated a copy of Carl Kunath's book 50 Years of
Texas Caving to the Sibley Nature Center shortly after it was published.
More information about 50 Years of Texas Caving can be found here:
http://pages.suddenlink.net/carl-kunath/50_Years/50_Years.html
 
More information about the Sibley Nature Center can be found on the web site
here: http://www.sibleynaturecenter.org/
 
Thanks,
 Bill Bentley,
 PBSS Treasurer 2011
 
PBSS Web Page: http://www.caver.net/pbss/pbss.html
 
NSS Web Page: http://www.caves.org/


RE: [Texascavers] Books donated

2011-06-16 Thread Marvin Lisa
Way to go, Bill!
Don't forget the Caves and Karst of Texas promised by Ron Ralph and the TSS.
The Bexar grotto donated $100 worth of NSS books and Caves and Karst to the
Bulverde - Spring Branch Public Library.
 
Marvin Miller

  _  

From: Bill Bentley [mailto:ca...@caver.net] 
Sent: Thursday, June 16, 2011 10:02 PM
To: Texascavers Mailing List
Cc: PBSS Mailing List; n...@caves.org; Richard Galle - Work;
bwilli...@sibleynaturecenter.org
Subject: [Texascavers] Books donated


Texas Cavers,
   A while back another Texas grotto challenged every other Texas Grotto
to buy $100.00 worth of books from the National Speleological Society
Bookstore and donate them to their local Public Libraries.  The Permian
Basin Speleological Society  has answered and fulfilled that challenge by
buying over $100.00 worth of cave books and along with some free brochures
from the National Speleological Society and donating them to the Sibley
Nature Center here in Midland, Texas.
 
http://www.caver.net/images/booksdonatedp.jpg
The above picture is PBSS 2011 President Jacqui Thomas presenting Richard
Galle of the Sibley Nature Center one of the many books donated by the
members of the PBSS.
 
http://www.caver.net/images/booksdonated.jpg
The above picture is the books and brochures that were donated to the Sibley
Nature Center.
 
The PBSS had previously donated a copy of Carl Kunath's book 50 Years of
Texas Caving to the Sibley Nature Center shortly after it was published.
More information about 50 Years of Texas Caving can be found here:
http://pages.suddenlink.net/carl-kunath/50_Years/50_Years.html
 
More information about the Sibley Nature Center can be found on the web site
here: http://www.sibleynaturecenter.org/
 
Thanks,
 Bill Bentley,
 PBSS Treasurer 2011
 
PBSS Web Page: http://www.caver.net/pbss/pbss.html
 
NSS Web Page: http://www.caves.org/


RE: [Texascavers] Books donated

2011-06-16 Thread Marvin Lisa
Way to go, Bill!
Don't forget the Caves and Karst of Texas promised by Ron Ralph and the TSS.
The Bexar grotto donated $100 worth of NSS books and Caves and Karst to the
Bulverde - Spring Branch Public Library.
 
Marvin Miller

  _  

From: Bill Bentley [mailto:ca...@caver.net] 
Sent: Thursday, June 16, 2011 10:02 PM
To: Texascavers Mailing List
Cc: PBSS Mailing List; n...@caves.org; Richard Galle - Work;
bwilli...@sibleynaturecenter.org
Subject: [Texascavers] Books donated


Texas Cavers,
   A while back another Texas grotto challenged every other Texas Grotto
to buy $100.00 worth of books from the National Speleological Society
Bookstore and donate them to their local Public Libraries.  The Permian
Basin Speleological Society  has answered and fulfilled that challenge by
buying over $100.00 worth of cave books and along with some free brochures
from the National Speleological Society and donating them to the Sibley
Nature Center here in Midland, Texas.
 
http://www.caver.net/images/booksdonatedp.jpg
The above picture is PBSS 2011 President Jacqui Thomas presenting Richard
Galle of the Sibley Nature Center one of the many books donated by the
members of the PBSS.
 
http://www.caver.net/images/booksdonated.jpg
The above picture is the books and brochures that were donated to the Sibley
Nature Center.
 
The PBSS had previously donated a copy of Carl Kunath's book 50 Years of
Texas Caving to the Sibley Nature Center shortly after it was published.
More information about 50 Years of Texas Caving can be found here:
http://pages.suddenlink.net/carl-kunath/50_Years/50_Years.html
 
More information about the Sibley Nature Center can be found on the web site
here: http://www.sibleynaturecenter.org/
 
Thanks,
 Bill Bentley,
 PBSS Treasurer 2011
 
PBSS Web Page: http://www.caver.net/pbss/pbss.html
 
NSS Web Page: http://www.caves.org/


[Texascavers] Nat Geo New Zealand deep cave diving video

2011-05-09 Thread Marvin Lisa
 

http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/news/culture-places-news/ne
w-zealand-cave-diving-vin.html

 



[Texascavers] Nat Geo New Zealand deep cave diving video

2011-05-09 Thread Marvin Lisa
 

http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/news/culture-places-news/ne
w-zealand-cave-diving-vin.html

 



[Texascavers] Nat Geo New Zealand deep cave diving video

2011-05-09 Thread Marvin Lisa
 

http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/news/culture-places-news/ne
w-zealand-cave-diving-vin.html

 



[Texascavers] fuel cell chargers are here!

2011-02-21 Thread Marvin Lisa
I've been hearing about this kind of application for fuel cell technology
for several years. Are there any cavers using these things yet?

 

http://www.myfuelcell.se/products/powertrekk/

 

-Marvin



[Texascavers] TSA convention map salon

2011-02-15 Thread Marvin Lisa
All you cave cartographers, start gathering your maps and be prepared to
bring them to the convention in Bracketville in April. I will be organizing
the salon this year. It will be run pretty much as in previous years. Check
out the web page for details: http://cavetexas.org/events/mapsalon.html . Be
sure to take a look at the judging form (link on the web page) to see what
criteria the maps will be judged on. If you would like to submit a map for
the salon but won’t be able to attend personally, you can mail a print of
the map to me. If it is small format (8 ½  x 11) you can send me a digital
file and I will print it myself. 

 

-Marvin Miller



[Texascavers] Government Canyon Karst Project

2011-02-11 Thread Marvin Lisa
The 100th trip of the Government Canyon Karst Project will take place on the
5th and 6th of March. We will meet as usual at 9:00 on both days in the
parking area of the Volunteer/Research Station to organize teams and
objectives. On the evening of the 5th (Saturday) we will have a hog roast,
awards ceremony, and presentation in celebration of the 100th project trip.
The event will take place at the Volunteer/Research Station. All are invited
to come. The hog will be provided courtesy of the Government Canyon Hog
Hunters (feral hog eradication). A vegetarian entre will also be provided.
Please bring a side dish and your own drinks. The meal will begin at 5:30.

 

Many participants will be camping at the volunteer campground nearby so
bring your tent and join in the fun. Then go caving, digging, or
ridgewalking on Sunday. 

 

Directions to the Government Canyon Karst Project:

Find the intersection of U.S. 16 and Loop 1604 in northwest Bexar County
(clearly shown on any state highway map). Drive 2 miles north on U.S. 16 to
the third traffic light and turn left onto FM 1560 (there is a Shell station
on the corner). Follow 1560 for 3 miles till you see the sign for GCSNA.
Follow the arrow to the right and drive 2 more miles to the sharp left turn
in the road. The gate to GCSNA is straight ahead. Enter at the gate and then
take the first right. There is an unlocked gate that will need to be opened
and then closed behind you. Continue to the Volunteer/Research Station,
where we will meet. 

 

Marvin Miller

(210) 415-5190



[Texascavers] Photo salon volunteer needed

2011-02-07 Thread Marvin Lisa
The TSA is in need of a volunteer to coordinate the photo salon at this
year's convention at Fort Clark Springs in Bracketville. Please contact
Marvin Miller (mlmil...@gvtc.com) as soon as possible if you are able to
help out with this.

 



[Texascavers] New pictures of the Martian pits

2010-12-21 Thread Marvin Lisa
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/12/photogalleries/101221-mars-p
its-pictures-photos-science-nasa-space-caves/#/mars-pits-overview_30639_600x
450.jpg

 



[Texascavers] Government Canyon karst project dates for 2011

2010-12-14 Thread Marvin Lisa
Cavers,

 

The following dates have been set for the Government Canyon Karst Project
for the first part of next year:

 

January:  (NO PROJECT)

 

February 5, 6

 

March 5, 6

 

April 9, 10

 

May 7, 8

 

The March date will be a milestone of the project, being the 100th trip
since the very first one set up by George Veni in 1994. There will be a
regularly scheduled project trip on the 5th with a party and campout being
planned for that evening at the park. The party will include plenty of tasty
eats and drinks and lots of caver fellowship. If you've ever helped out on
the project, put it on your calendar and plan to show up. More details will
emerge as the date approaches.

 

-Marvin Miller



[Texascavers] Government Canyon Karst Project

2010-09-07 Thread Marvin Lisa
The schedule for the Government Canyon Karst Project for the rest of 2010 is
as follows:

 

October 2  3

November 6  7

December 4  5

 

There are many caves still to be found at Government Canyon. There are caves
to survey. Some of them require vertical work and some of them are short and
easy. There are some intriguing in-cave leads and there are hundreds of
surface features to investigate. Some of them will lead into caves. There is
plenty for cavers of any skill level so mark these dates on your calendars
and come help out. Camping is available at the park. Contact me to set that
up. 

 

We will meet at 9:00 each morning in the parking lot of the
Volunteer/Research Station. 

 

Directions to the Government Canyon Karst Project:

Find the intersection of U.S. 16 and Loop 1604 in northwest Bexar County
(clearly shown on any state highway map). Drive 2 miles north on U.S. 16 to
the third traffic light and turn left onto FM 1560 (there is a Shell station
on the corner). Follow 1560 for 3 miles till you see the sign for GCSNA.
Follow the arrow to the right and drive 2 more miles to the sharp left turn
in the road. The gate to GCSNA is straight ahead. Enter at the gate and then
take the first right. There is an unlocked gate that will need to be opened
and then closed behind you. Continue to the Volunteer/Research Station,
where we will meet. 

 

Marvin Miller

(210) 415-5190

 

 

 



RE: [Texascavers] Cave Lighting Install

2010-08-31 Thread Marvin Lisa
I'll try to be there at the same time.

 

  _  

From: Charles Goldsmith [mailto:wo...@justfamily.org] 
Sent: Monday, August 30, 2010 11:37 PM
To: Marvin  Lisa
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Cave Lighting Install

 

I will probably be there around 9am, when they open for tours. 

On Mon, Aug 30, 2010 at 10:04 PM, Marvin  Lisa mlmil...@gvtc.com wrote:

Ok. I'll plan on coming over there to help out on Saturday. What time are
planning on getting started?

 

  _  

From: Charles Goldsmith [mailto:wo...@justfamily.org] 
Sent: Monday, August 30, 2010 12:55 AM
To: Marvin  Lisa


Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Cave Lighting Install

 

Heya Marvin, long time no talk.  I won't be at the cave until Saturday, will
be driving in late Friday night.

 

I should be there all day Sat and Sun. 

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

On Sun, Aug 29, 2010 at 8:48 PM, Marvin  Lisa mlmil...@gvtc.com wrote:

Charles,

 

Are you going to be there starting Friday or Saturday? I'm thinking about
spending a day over there helping out.

 

-Marvin Miller

 

  _  

From: Charles Goldsmith [mailto:wo...@justfamily.org] 
Sent: Saturday, August 28, 2010 11:43 AM
To: Cavetex


Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Cave Lighting Install

 

I'll be at Cascade Caverns over labor day weekend working on the lights
again.  If anyone is interested in helping out with the project, please let
me know.

 

This is a great way to get out of the heat and underground.

 

I know a few months ago that a film and dive crew went down to the lower
cave that is off-trail from the tours, but I never heard what came of the
trip.  Did the sump go anywhere?

 

Charles

On Sat, Jul 3, 2010 at 11:41 AM, Scott Kyle sk...@cascadecaverns.com
wrote:

We've got the rest of the Summer open to all who'd like to come and help
clean, install lighting and do a little exploring as well. It's really
starting to look good.

Go to: http://www.doodle.com/bah4t9d7r2657sw2 and sign up for mornings
and/or afternoons. Ideally two or more folks will be there at the same time
- and that can be designed through the scheduling tool linked above.

Scott Kyle (804)402-8985
Cascade Caverns

 

 



RE: [Texascavers] Cave Lighting Install

2010-08-31 Thread Marvin Lisa
Charles,

 

What are you going to be working on? Should I bring any special tools?

 

-Marvin

 

  _  

From: Charles Goldsmith [mailto:wo...@justfamily.org] 
Sent: Tuesday, August 31, 2010 10:46 PM
To: Marvin  Lisa
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Cave Lighting Install

 

if not, the guides can take you down with a crew, or just follow the path
down :)

 

On Tue, Aug 31, 2010 at 10:44 PM, Marvin  Lisa mlmil...@gvtc.com wrote:

I'll try to be there at the same time.

 

  _  

From: Charles Goldsmith [mailto:wo...@justfamily.org] 
Sent: Monday, August 30, 2010 11:37 PM


To: Marvin  Lisa
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Cave Lighting Install

 

I will probably be there around 9am, when they open for tours. 

On Mon, Aug 30, 2010 at 10:04 PM, Marvin  Lisa mlmil...@gvtc.com wrote:

Ok. I'll plan on coming over there to help out on Saturday. What time are
planning on getting started?

 

  _  

From: Charles Goldsmith [mailto:wo...@justfamily.org] 
Sent: Monday, August 30, 2010 12:55 AM
To: Marvin  Lisa


Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Cave Lighting Install

 

Heya Marvin, long time no talk.  I won't be at the cave until Saturday, will
be driving in late Friday night.

 

I should be there all day Sat and Sun. 

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

On Sun, Aug 29, 2010 at 8:48 PM, Marvin  Lisa mlmil...@gvtc.com wrote:

Charles,

 

Are you going to be there starting Friday or Saturday? I'm thinking about
spending a day over there helping out.

 

-Marvin Miller

 

  _  

From: Charles Goldsmith [mailto:wo...@justfamily.org] 
Sent: Saturday, August 28, 2010 11:43 AM
To: Cavetex


Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Cave Lighting Install

 

I'll be at Cascade Caverns over labor day weekend working on the lights
again.  If anyone is interested in helping out with the project, please let
me know.

 

This is a great way to get out of the heat and underground.

 

I know a few months ago that a film and dive crew went down to the lower
cave that is off-trail from the tours, but I never heard what came of the
trip.  Did the sump go anywhere?

 

Charles

On Sat, Jul 3, 2010 at 11:41 AM, Scott Kyle sk...@cascadecaverns.com
wrote:

We've got the rest of the Summer open to all who'd like to come and help
clean, install lighting and do a little exploring as well. It's really
starting to look good.

Go to: http://www.doodle.com/bah4t9d7r2657sw2 and sign up for mornings
and/or afternoons. Ideally two or more folks will be there at the same time
- and that can be designed through the scheduling tool linked above.

Scott Kyle (804)402-8985
Cascade Caverns

 

 

 



RE: [Texascavers] Cave Lighting Install

2010-08-31 Thread Marvin Lisa
OK. I helped install lights several months ago in the top of the fissure
above the Cathedral Room. I'll bring my hammer drill in case we need an
extra.

 

  _  

From: Charles Goldsmith [mailto:wo...@justfamily.org] 
Sent: Tuesday, August 31, 2010 11:27 PM
To: Marvin  Lisa
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Cave Lighting Install

 

Oh, and I didn't answer your question, we'll be working on the lights :)

On Tue, Aug 31, 2010 at 11:22 PM, Charles Goldsmith wo...@justfamily.org
wrote:

Nope, we have the tools we need, just your standard caving gear, gloves,
kneepads, helmet, and if you want, bring your vertical gear, we'll drop into
the lower cave tot he sump, i've never been down there, so am bringing my
stuff

 

On Tue, Aug 31, 2010 at 11:04 PM, Marvin  Lisa mlmil...@gvtc.com wrote:

Charles,

 

What are you going to be working on? Should I bring any special tools?

 

-Marvin

 

  _  

From: Charles Goldsmith [mailto:wo...@justfamily.org] 
Sent: Tuesday, August 31, 2010 10:46 PM


To: Marvin  Lisa
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Cave Lighting Install

 

if not, the guides can take you down with a crew, or just follow the path
down :)

 

On Tue, Aug 31, 2010 at 10:44 PM, Marvin  Lisa mlmil...@gvtc.com wrote:

I'll try to be there at the same time.

 

  _  

From: Charles Goldsmith [mailto:wo...@justfamily.org] 
Sent: Monday, August 30, 2010 11:37 PM


To: Marvin  Lisa
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Cave Lighting Install

 

I will probably be there around 9am, when they open for tours. 

On Mon, Aug 30, 2010 at 10:04 PM, Marvin  Lisa mlmil...@gvtc.com wrote:

Ok. I'll plan on coming over there to help out on Saturday. What time are
planning on getting started?

 

  _  

From: Charles Goldsmith [mailto:wo...@justfamily.org] 
Sent: Monday, August 30, 2010 12:55 AM
To: Marvin  Lisa


Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Cave Lighting Install

 

Heya Marvin, long time no talk.  I won't be at the cave until Saturday, will
be driving in late Friday night.

 

I should be there all day Sat and Sun. 

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

On Sun, Aug 29, 2010 at 8:48 PM, Marvin  Lisa mlmil...@gvtc.com wrote:

Charles,

 

Are you going to be there starting Friday or Saturday? I'm thinking about
spending a day over there helping out.

 

-Marvin Miller

 

  _  

From: Charles Goldsmith [mailto:wo...@justfamily.org] 
Sent: Saturday, August 28, 2010 11:43 AM
To: Cavetex


Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Cave Lighting Install

 

I'll be at Cascade Caverns over labor day weekend working on the lights
again.  If anyone is interested in helping out with the project, please let
me know.

 

This is a great way to get out of the heat and underground.

 

I know a few months ago that a film and dive crew went down to the lower
cave that is off-trail from the tours, but I never heard what came of the
trip.  Did the sump go anywhere?

 

Charles

On Sat, Jul 3, 2010 at 11:41 AM, Scott Kyle sk...@cascadecaverns.com
wrote:

We've got the rest of the Summer open to all who'd like to come and help
clean, install lighting and do a little exploring as well. It's really
starting to look good.

Go to: http://www.doodle.com/bah4t9d7r2657sw2 and sign up for mornings
and/or afternoons. Ideally two or more folks will be there at the same time
- and that can be designed through the scheduling tool linked above.

Scott Kyle (804)402-8985
Cascade Caverns

 

 

 

 

 



RE: [Texascavers] Cave Lighting Install

2010-08-30 Thread Marvin Lisa
Ok. I'll plan on coming over there to help out on Saturday. What time are
planning on getting started?

 

  _  

From: Charles Goldsmith [mailto:wo...@justfamily.org] 
Sent: Monday, August 30, 2010 12:55 AM
To: Marvin  Lisa
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Cave Lighting Install

 

Heya Marvin, long time no talk.  I won't be at the cave until Saturday, will
be driving in late Friday night.

 

I should be there all day Sat and Sun. 

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

On Sun, Aug 29, 2010 at 8:48 PM, Marvin  Lisa mlmil...@gvtc.com wrote:

Charles,

 

Are you going to be there starting Friday or Saturday? I'm thinking about
spending a day over there helping out.

 

-Marvin Miller

 

  _  

From: Charles Goldsmith [mailto:wo...@justfamily.org] 
Sent: Saturday, August 28, 2010 11:43 AM
To: Cavetex


Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Cave Lighting Install

 

I'll be at Cascade Caverns over labor day weekend working on the lights
again.  If anyone is interested in helping out with the project, please let
me know.

 

This is a great way to get out of the heat and underground.

 

I know a few months ago that a film and dive crew went down to the lower
cave that is off-trail from the tours, but I never heard what came of the
trip.  Did the sump go anywhere?

 

Charles

On Sat, Jul 3, 2010 at 11:41 AM, Scott Kyle sk...@cascadecaverns.com
wrote:

We've got the rest of the Summer open to all who'd like to come and help
clean, install lighting and do a little exploring as well. It's really
starting to look good.

Go to: http://www.doodle.com/bah4t9d7r2657sw2 and sign up for mornings
and/or afternoons. Ideally two or more folks will be there at the same time
- and that can be designed through the scheduling tool linked above.

Scott Kyle (804)402-8985
Cascade Caverns

 



RE: [Texascavers] Cave Lighting Install

2010-08-29 Thread Marvin Lisa
Charles,

 

Are you going to be there starting Friday or Saturday? I'm thinking about
spending a day over there helping out.

 

-Marvin Miller

 

  _  

From: Charles Goldsmith [mailto:wo...@justfamily.org] 
Sent: Saturday, August 28, 2010 11:43 AM
To: Cavetex
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Cave Lighting Install

 

I'll be at Cascade Caverns over labor day weekend working on the lights
again.  If anyone is interested in helping out with the project, please let
me know.

 

This is a great way to get out of the heat and underground.

 

I know a few months ago that a film and dive crew went down to the lower
cave that is off-trail from the tours, but I never heard what came of the
trip.  Did the sump go anywhere?

 

Charles

On Sat, Jul 3, 2010 at 11:41 AM, Scott Kyle sk...@cascadecaverns.com
wrote:

We've got the rest of the Summer open to all who'd like to come and help
clean, install lighting and do a little exploring as well. It's really
starting to look good.

Go to: http://www.doodle.com/bah4t9d7r2657sw2 and sign up for mornings
and/or afternoons. Ideally two or more folks will be there at the same time
- and that can be designed through the scheduling tool linked above.

Scott Kyle (804)402-8985
Cascade Caverns



RE: [Texascavers] Re: Rebecca

2010-06-07 Thread Marvin Lisa


-Original Message-
From: Chris Vreeland [mailto:cvreel...@austin.rr.com] 
Sent: Sunday, June 06, 2010 4:14 PM
To: TEXAS CAVERS
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Re: Rebecca

I hadn't heard about her illness, either. Rebecca  I had some great  
times down at Govt. Canyon in years past -- she was the only person I  
know of so far who's managed to make it past the tight squeeze at the  
bottom of Lost Pothole. She was a great caver  fine human being who  
will be terribly missed by me. Fran, I'm so sorry for your loss.


On Jun 5, 2010, at 7:12 PM, Logan McNatt wrote:

 This is very sad and shocking news.  I did not know Rebecca was  
 sick.  My sincere condolences to Fran and Rebecca's families and  
 friends.

 Logan

 
 bcow...@satx.rr.com wrote:

 A lot of folks are asking for more info on Rebecca-O'Daniel- 
 Hutchins. I included her previous last name as some folks don't  
 recognize her as Hutchins. Fran will meet with the minister  
 again on monday and will finalize everything. He is pushing for a  
 service on June 19th a Saturday, hopefully around 10:30 am with a  
 snack time following the service in the FellowShip hall. The service  
 will only be the service with no speaches just the service. Those  
 wishing to express there feelings can do so at the wake following  
 the service .Services will be held at the Alamo Heights Presp.  
 Church on Broadway. I'll try my best to keep everyone informed. It  
 was requested by Rebecca prior to her passing that any money for  
 flowers should be donated to TCMA.


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[Texascavers] Government Canyon karst project

2010-05-22 Thread Marvin Lisa
The Government Canyon karst project is happening next weekend - the 29th and
30th. You can pick your own dig or your own area to ridgewalk - and there
are caves to explore and survey.

 

We will meet at 9:00 both mornings in the parking lot of the
Volunteer/Research Station.

 

Camping is available. Contact me to set it up.

 

Directions to the Government Canyon Karst Project:

Find the intersection of U.S. 16 and Loop 1604 in northwest Bexar County
(clearly shown on any state highway map). Drive 2 miles north on U.S. 16 to
the third traffic light and turn left onto FM 1560 (there is a Shell station
on the corner). Follow 1560 for 3 miles till you see the sign for GCSNA.
Follow the arrow to the right and drive 2 more miles to the sharp left turn
in the road. The gate to GCSNA is straight ahead. Enter at the gate and then
take the first right. There is an unlocked gate that will need to be opened
and then closed behind you. Continue to the Volunteer/Research Station,
where we will meet. 

Marvin Miller

(210) 415-5190



RE: [Texascavers] The Caves of Muzquiz: Documentary

2010-04-05 Thread Marvin Lisa
Michael,

This is a great video. Thanks for sharing it.


-Original Message-
From: texascavers-return-14325-mlmiller=gvtc@texascavers.com
[mailto:texascavers-return-14325-mlmiller=gvtc@texascavers.com] On
Behalf Of Michael Pugliese
Sent: Sunday, April 04, 2010 2:42 AM
To: texascavers@texascavers.com
Subject: [Texascavers] The Caves of Muzquiz: Documentary

Long time reader, very sparse poster. Thanks for watching!

This is a short 18 minute documentary from my perspective as a caver and
cinematographer. I wanted to convey the feelings of being deep
underground in the vertical caves of northern Mexico, and show the
scientists and explorers who find value in their study. Narration is by
project leader and geologist Peter Sprouse. Produced in conjunction with
the Association for Mexican Cave Studies, a non-profit project of the
National Speleological Society.  I had the sensitivity of the 5DmkII
camera on my side, as I was able to shoot the underground scenes using
only headlamp illumination. In my opinion, the result is a more accurate
feel for how we cavers experience the cave, Our field of view is
narrowed, and the lights of our buddies create texture and beautiful
highlights. That extra sensitivity of a few hundred ASA gave me a
finished product with a very respectable noise level. I had a lot of fun
shooting this, and I hope you enjoy it.

http://vimeo.com/10656728

Michael Pugliese
Axios Advertising
Director of Photography
(570)898-3011
www.mpcine.com







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[Texascavers] Government Canyon schedule change

2010-03-29 Thread Marvin Lisa
The April 25th date that was announced as the next scheduled trip to
Government Canyon SNA for the karst survey project is in conflict with
another local San Antonio caving project - the Rancho Diana karst survey
organized by Joe Mitchell. Therefore the April karst survey at Government
Canyon is cancelled and I am going to help out Joe at Rancho Diana. I
encourage anyone who was planning on coming to Government Canyon to do the
same. The projects are very similar in terms of goals and activities.
Contact Joe Mitchell for details: joe-evel...@satx.rr.com

 

- Marvin Miller

 



[Texascavers] Government Canyon Schedule

2010-03-25 Thread Marvin Lisa
The schedule for the karst project at Government Canyon for the next few
months is as follows:

 

April 25 (Sunday only)

 

May 29, 30

 

June 26 (Saturday only)

 

After June we'll take a break for the summer.

 

Reminders will appear as the dates approach.

 

I hope to see everyone at convention,

 

-Marvin



[Texascavers] Government Canyon Karst Project

2010-03-09 Thread Marvin Lisa
This is a reminder that this month's Government Canyon Karst Project is
coming up soon, on the 20th and 21st. We have some interesting digs that we
are working on, caves to explore and survey, and vertical and horizontal
caves to push. Of course, there are always more caves waiting to be found in
virgin ridgewalk territory.

 

Camping is available. Contact me to set it up.

 

Directions to the Government Canyon Karst Project:

Find the intersection of U.S. 16 and Loop 1604 in northwest Bexar County
(clearly shown on any state highway map). Drive 2 miles north on U.S. 16 to
the third traffic light and turn left onto FM 1560 (there is a Shell station
on the corner). Follow 1560 for 3 miles till you see the sign for GCSNA.
Follow the arrow to the right and drive 2 more miles to the sharp left turn
in the road. The gate to GCSNA is straight ahead. Enter at the gate and then
take the first right. There is an unlocked gate that will need to be opened
and then closed behind you. Continue to the Volunteer/Research Station,
where we will meet. 

-Marvin Miller

(210) 415-5190



RE: [Texascavers] In-cave Survey/sketch computers

2010-02-14 Thread Marvin Lisa
The one person that I have heard a lot from with regard to this kind of
thing is Mark Passerby. His website is http://cavediggers.com/. The link
entitled ICDS The Equip.  Process seems like a good place to start.

-Marvin


-Original Message-
From: texascavers-return-13680-mlmiller=gvtc@texascavers.com
[mailto:texascavers-return-13680-mlmiller=gvtc@texascavers.com] On
Behalf Of Travis Scott
Sent: Sunday, February 14, 2010 5:45 PM
To: Texascavers
Subject: [Texascavers] In-cave Survey/sketch computers

Howdy yonder cavers,

I have an inquiry that I wish to pull from your collective knowledge.  I 
would like to know what the best system for in-cave sketching using a 
hand-held device.  One that allows you to input the survey points and 
sketch over top of the line plots (plan and profile) and essentially 
create a quasi finalized digital map while in the cave. 

A quick internet search reveals the freeware Auriga coupled with a palm 
pilot.  Has anyone used this system?  Have any review or critiques to 
offer?  Is there a better system or software that you would suggest?

Or are systems like these simply not very popular because they don't 
necessarily work as well as the old method of sketching on paper and 
digitizing it later?

If anyone has any experience with this sort of thing or know of someone 
who uses these systems, please let me know.  Thank you!

-- 
Travis Scott
979.450.0103 Cell
tra...@oztotl.com 


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[Texascavers] Government Canyon

2010-02-12 Thread Marvin Lisa
This is a reminder that the next project weekend for the Government Canyon
Karst Project is just a week away, Feb. 20th and 21st.

 

We will meet in the parking lot of the Volunteer/Research Station at 9:00
both mornings. Camping is available. Contact me if you want to camp.

 

Directions to the Government Canyon Karst Project:

Find the intersection of U.S. 16 and Loop 1604 in northwest Bexar County
(clearly shown on any state highway map). Drive 2 miles north on U.S. 16 to
the third traffic light and turn left onto FM 1560 (there is a Shell station
on the corner). Follow 1560 for 3 miles till you see the sign for GCSNA.
Follow the arrow to the right and drive 2 more miles to the sharp left turn
in the road. The gate to GCSNA is straight ahead. Enter at the gate and then
take the first right. There is an unlocked gate that will need to be opened
and then closed behind you. Continue to the Volunteer/Research Station,
where we will meet. 

 

Marvin Miller

(210) 415-5190



[Texascavers] Government Canyon this weekend

2010-01-11 Thread Marvin Lisa
This is just a reminder that a Government Canyon project trip is scheduled
for this Sunday. We will meet in the parking lot at 9:00.

 

Directions to the gate of GCSNA.

Find the intersection of U.S. 16 and Loop 1604 in northwest Bexar County
(clearly shown on any state highway map). Drive 2 miles north on U.S. 16 to
the third traffic light and turn left onto FM 1560 (there is a Shell station
on the corner). Follow 1560 for 3 miles till you see the sign for GCSNA.
Follow the arrow to the right and drive 2 more miles to the sharp left turn
in the road. The gate to GCSNA is straight ahead. Enter at the gate and then
take the first right. There is an unlocked gate that will need to be opened
and then closed behind you. Continue to the Volunteer/Research Station,
where we will meet

 

Marvin Miller

(210) 415-5190



[Texascavers] Government Canyon Karst Project dates

2009-11-18 Thread Marvin Lisa
Cavers,

 

There will be no scheduled weekend in December for the Government Canyon
Karst Project.

 

The dates scheduled for the first three months of 2010 are:

 

January 17 (Sunday only)

February 20, 21

March 20, 21

 

Put these dates on your calendars. Reminders will be sent out several weeks
ahead of time. Contact me, Marvin Miller, with any questions.

 

830-885-5631  (home)

210-415-5190  (cell)

 



[Texascavers] lunar lava tubes

2009-10-27 Thread Marvin Lisa
First Moon Skylight Found -- Could House Lunar Base?

 

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/10/091026-moon-skylight-lunar-b
ase.html

 

 



[Texascavers] job listing

2009-10-12 Thread Marvin Lisa

Jobs


 TPWD Job Posting 10-05-032


Park Ranger III (Resource Assistant)


Additional vacancies that occur during this posting will be filled with the
pool of applicants within this posting period.

*   NOTE: TEMPORARY FULL TIME POSITION FUNDED THROUGH AUGUST 20, 2014.
CONTINUATION OF THIS POSITION BEYOND AUGUST 20, 2014 IS DEPENDENT UPON
FUNDING. 
*   Position Title: Park Ranger III (Resource Assistant) 
*   Posting Number: 10-05-032 
*   Posted: October 1, 2009 
*   Closes: 5 p.m. October 14, 2009 
*   Class/Salary Group: 2697/A11 
*   Salary: $2,412.58/Mo. 
*   Division: State Parks 
*   Position Location: Government Canyon State Natural Area, 12861 Galm
Rd., San Antonio, TX 78254 
*   Hiring Contact: Niki Lake 
*   Phone: 210/688-9055 
*   Fax: 210/688-9060 
*   E-Mail:  mailto:niki.l...@tpwd.state.tx.us
niki.l...@tpwd.state.tx.us 
*   General Position Description: Responsible to the Government Canyon
State Natural Area (SNA) Park Specialist I/Park Resource
Specialist/Interpreter, the Resource Assistant will be responsible for
endangered species monitoring and preservation (including the Karst
Management and Maintenance Plan/KMMP), invasive/exotic species control and
monitoring, interpretation and educational programming and other matters
relating to the natural/cultural resources to include weed and brush control
through use of chainsaw and participation with prescribed fires. Assists in
annual monitoring sensitive archeological sites. Researches and develops
resource based educational programs, exhibits, tours, guide service program,
and outreach programs based on the interpretive master plan, the KMMP and
the Annual Archeological Evaluation Plan of the natural area and its
mission. Assists, in concert with the SNA Interpreters, with marketing,
promotions, special events and daily oversight of volunteer programs
training and management. Maintains and develops research, administrative and
interpretive files. Assists with matters relating to the preservation of the
natural and cultural resources coordinating with natural area staff,
regional resource specialist, and TPWD. Assists in the management of
resource-oriented research projects, park maintenance operations, visitor
services, operation of visitor center and park store operations as needed or
required. Provides high quality customer service through greeting visitors,
collecting fees and park store operations. Performs additional duties as
assigned. Complies with all Agency, Division, and branch rules, regulations,
and procedures. 
*   Working Conditions: (1) Fulltime temporary position, funded through
August 20, 2014. Employment beyond the August 20, 2014 is dependent upon
funding; (2) Forty hours per week, hours other than 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with
days off other than Saturday, Sunday and holidays; (3) Required to perform
duties outdoors in all types of weather, as well as in non-climate
controlled buildings; (4) Required to work with varied and diverse segments
of the public as well as fellow employees; (5) Non-smoking work environment
in all State buildings and vehicles; (6) Must be able to perform strenuous
climbing and crawling; (7) Required to work in caves with potentially
claustrophobic conditions; (8) Required to travel with occasional overnight
stays. 
*   Minimum Qualifications: 

*   Education: High School Diploma or GED. 
*   Experience: Three years experience in (a) natural/cultural resource
management; or (b) interpretation or education; or (c) general maintenance.
NOTE: Experience may have occurred concurrently. Acceptable Substitutions:
Thirty semester hours from an accredited college or university may
substitute for one year of the required experience, with a maximum
substitution of two years. Preferred Qualifications: (1) Experience with
Natural and Cultural Resource Management; (2) Experience with Customer
Service; (3) Experience caving. 
*   License/Certifications: (1) Must possess or be able to obtain,
within 30 days of employment, a valid Class C Texas Driver's License; (2)
Must possess or be able to obtain, within six months of employment, a valid
Non-commercial Pesticide Applicator License (Rules  Regulations, Weed/Brush
Control and Roadways) through the Texas Department of Agriculture; (3) Must
possess or be able to obtain, within one year of employment, a valid
Wildland Firefighter Type II certification under the Wildland and Prescribed
Fire Qualification System Guide and TPWD standards. NOTE: Retention of
position is contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required license.
Preferred Qualifications: CPR/First Aid 

*   Selection Criteria: 

*   Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: (1) Knowledge of general facility
and grounds maintenance; (2) Knowledge of park administration and
operations; (3) Knowledge of natural and cultural resource management; (4)
Knowledge of interpretation/education programs; (5) Knowledge of Karst and
Cave 

[Texascavers] Government Canyon caving

2009-10-10 Thread Marvin Lisa
Cavers,

 

The Miller family sojourn to Nashville, TN has come to an end and we are
thankfully back in the great state of Texas. This means that I am preparing
to restart the Government Canyon Karst Survey. The first weekend planned for
the project is November 7 and 8. 

 

Since you haven't heard about it in awhile, here is a little background:

 

Government Canyon State Natural Area is located about 20 miles NW of San
Antonio near the town of Helotes. The SNA contains approximately 8624 acres,
all but 700 of which are in the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone. The karst
survey, a project of the Texas Speleological Association, has been ongoing
since 1993 with the goal of locating and documenting all of the caves and
karst features on the property. 47 caves are currently known along with
several hundred features. A number of these features have existing digs with
some potential to lead into a cave. Less than half the property has been
systematically surveyed. The project is strongly supported by SNA management
and staff.

 

Caves are both vertical and horizontal. The longest cave so far is Dancing
Rattler Cave at 225 meters long and the deepest is Lost Pothole at 23 meters
deep. Both of these caves have leads that need to be pushed. The terrain is
rugged and the brush is thick. If you come, be prepared to do a lot of
hiking and bushwhacking, carrying food and water with you. All skill levels
are welcome! There is plenty to do!

 

We will meet at 9:00 both mornings in the parking lot at the
Volunteer/Research Station. Camping is available but you need to contact me
to get the details.

 

Directions:

Find the intersection of U.S. 16 and Loop 1604 in northwest Bexar County
(clearly shown on any state highway map). Drive 2 miles north on U.S. 16 to
the third traffic light and turn left onto FM 1560 (there is a Shell station
on the corner). Follow 1560 for 3 miles till you see the sign for GCSNA.
Follow the arrow to the right and drive 2 more miles to the sharp left turn
in the road. The gate to GCSNA is straight ahead. Enter at the gate and then
take the first right. There is an unlocked gate that will need to be opened
and then closed behind you. Continue to the Volunteer/Research Station,
where we will meet.

 

-Marvin Miller

(210)-415-5190



[Texascavers] Government Canyon Karst Project on indefinite hold

2008-03-19 Thread Marvin Lisa
Cavers,

 

I have taken a temporary work assignment in Nashville, TN. The contract will
last at least through the end of the year, maybe longer. I am taking my
family with me but we are keeping our house in Spring Branch and hope to
return and be Texas residents again. Until I return the Government Canyon
Karst Survey Project will be on hiatus. If any of you regulars out there
have an ongoing project at the Canyon that you would like to finish in the
meantime please contact me and I will arrange things with park management. I
will continue to monitor this e-mail address and texascavers.

 

There's some good caving to be done around Nashville, I hear.

 

See you all at the convention.

 

Marvin Miller



[Texascavers] Government Canyon

2008-03-07 Thread Marvin Lisa
This is a reminder that next weekend, the 15th and 16th, is the next
Government Canyon Karst Project. We will be surveying, digging, and
ridgewalking. We will meet in the parking area of the Volunteer/Research
Station as described below at 9:00 and head out about 9:30.

 

Directions to the gate of GCSNA.

Find the intersection of U.S. 16 and Loop 1604 in northwest Bexar County
(clearly shown on any state highway map). Drive 2 miles north on U.S. 16 to
the third traffic light and turn left onto FM 1560 (there is a Shell station
on the corner). Follow 1560 for 3 miles till you see the sign for GCSNA.
Follow the arrow to the right and drive 2 more miles to the sharp left turn
in the road. The gate to GCSNA is straight ahead. Enter at the gate and then
take the first right. There is an unlocked gate that will need to be opened
and then closed behind you. Continue to the Volunteer/Research Station,
where we will meet. 

Marvin Miller

(830) 885-5631

 

 



[Texascavers] TSA Convention Photo Salon

2008-03-05 Thread Marvin Lisa
Folks,

 

It looks like I will be handling both salons this year at the Kerrville
convention. Details, rules, and entry forms for photos and for maps are
posted on the TSA web site (follow convention links). Maps do not require
entry forms. Last year there was only one submission in the easiest of all
photo categories - digital. This one requires very little effort so let's
see some photos. If you really want your photo noticed, however, print it
and mount it. There is always a crowd looking at the mounted photographs.
I'm anticipating some great competition and a great convention.

 

See you in Kerrville,

 

Marvin Miller

(830) 885-5631 



[Texascavers] TSA Convention Map Salon

2008-02-17 Thread Marvin Lisa
To all you cave map makers,

 

I have been asked to coordinate the map salon for the upcoming TSA Spring
Convention being held on April 5  6 at Kerrville-Schreiner Park in
Kerrville. Details are online at
http://www.cavetexas.org/events/mapsalon.html. If you need information that
is not posted on the website please contact me. Pull out those dusty survey
notes, draft the map, and bring it to the convention! You still have more
than a month - time enough! The First-time Cartographer category gives
those that meet the criteria an excellent opportunity to be recognized and
receive a nice reward for their work. 

 

I'll see you in Kerrville,

 

Marvin Miller



[Texascavers] Government Canyon Karst Project

2008-01-15 Thread Marvin Lisa
Get out your calendars.

 

There will be no Government Canyon Karst Project scheduled for January or
February. The next scheduled weekend for the project is March 15th and 16th.
I will send a reminder when we get closer to that date.

 

-Marvin Miller



[Texascavers] Government Canyon

2007-11-21 Thread Marvin Lisa
This past weekend was a full one at Government Canyon. Kurt Menking led a
team to dig on a promising sink and the dig continues. Niki Lake and I,
along with the Scalercio family and my daughter, Christin, were followed
around on Saturday by a duo of French filmmakers. They were gathering
footage for a Texas-themed episode of a French television series entitled
Guardians of Nature. We took them to Government Canyon Bat Cave and then
up the canyon to an ongoing dig that we worked on for an hour or two. 

 

On Sunday, Harry Goepel and I attacked several digging leads in Dancing
Rattler Cave, took all of them to the point of seeing it was obvious that
the passage didn't go, and finally decided that the cave was finished -
survey complete - at 225 meters of length. 

 

The next karst project trip to the Canyon is scheduled for December 16th.
There will not be a January trip.

 

Directions to the gate of GCSNA.

Find the intersection of U.S. 16 and Loop 1604 in northwest Bexar County
(clearly shown on any state highway map). Drive 2 miles north on U.S. 16 to
the third traffic light and turn left onto FM 1560 (there is a Shell station
on the corner). Follow 1560 for 3 miles till you see the sign for GCSNA.
Follow the arrow to the right and drive 2 more miles to the sharp left turn
in the road. The gate to GCSNA is straight ahead. Enter at the gate and then
take the first right. There is an unlocked gate that will need to be opened
and then closed behind you. Continue to the Volunteer/Research Station,
where we will meet. 

 

We meet at 9:00 and head out around 9:30. See you there.

 

- Marvin



[Texascavers] Government Canyon Karst Project

2007-11-01 Thread Marvin Lisa
Just a reminder that the November karst project weekend at Government Canyon
State Natural Area is scheduled for the 17th and 18th. 

 

Directions to the gate of GCSNA.

Find the intersection of U.S. 16 and Loop 1604 in northwest Bexar County
(clearly shown on any state highway map). Drive 2 miles north on U.S. 16 to
the third traffic light and turn left onto FM 1560 (there is a Shell station
on the corner). Follow 1560 for 3 miles till you see the sign for GCSNA.
Follow the arrow to the right and drive 2 more miles to the sharp left turn
in the road. The gate to GCSNA is straight ahead. Enter at the gate and then
take the first right. There is an unlocked gate that will need to be opened
and then closed behind you. Continue to the Volunteer/Research Station,
where we will meet. 

 

Contact me if you want to camp.

 

Marvin Miller

(830) 885-5631

 



[Texascavers] Government Canyon Karst Project

2007-09-25 Thread Marvin Lisa
The dates for the rest of the year for the Government Canyon Karst Survey
Project are as follows:

 

October 28

 

November 17, 18

 

December 16

 

Ridgewalking, digging leads, and surveying caves are all on the agenda.
Camping is available. Contact me for details.

 

Directions to the gate of GCSNA.

Find the intersection of U.S. 16 and Loop 1604 in northwest Bexar County
(clearly shown on any state highway map). Drive 2 miles north on U.S. 16 to
the third traffic light and turn left onto FM 1560 (there is a Shell station
on the corner). Follow 1560 for 3 miles till you see a sign for Government
Canyon State Natural Area. Turn right following the sign and drive 2 miles
to the gate of GCSNA. Enter at the gate and then take the first right. There
is an unlocked gate that will need to be opened and then closed behind you.
Continue to the Volunteer/Research Station, where we will meet. 

We will meet at 9:00 each morning 

-Marvin Miller

(830) 885-5631

 



RE: [Texascavers] radon

2007-09-18 Thread Marvin Lisa
And then there's the Radon Health Mine: http://www.radonmine.com/

Actually, searching on radon mine brings up a number of these
establishments.

-Marvin Miller

-Original Message-
From: Bill Mixon [mailto:bmixon...@austin.rr.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, September 18, 2007 10:48 AM
To: CaveTex
Subject: [Texascavers] radon

I seem to get my NSS and TSA mail later than most people. I know in the case
of the latest TC it was because my illiterate rural carrier first delivered
it to the right number on the wrong street. This has happened several times.
Anyway, I haven't seen the new NSS journal yet, but, yes, that radon
business is _very_ old news. I doubt that Malcolm Field has anything much
new to contribute, calculus or not. (He's the editor of the journal. I
wonder if I will conclude that that's why the article got in it.) Nobody
except possibly show-cave guides has anything to worry about, and even for
them it's hardly a problem unless they also smoke. But some of those who
have been convinced that radiation is like bullets--you don't want to get in
the way of any at all--do worry about it. I recall that many years ago the
bureaucrats in charge of permits to visit Horsethief Cave in Wyoming were
keeping records of every visitor to that wild cave and how long they'd spent
in various parts of the cave, so as to be able to watch out for radon
overexposure. Whether they're still wasting our money on that I have no
idea.
--Bill Mixon
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[Texascavers] Government Canyon Karst Project

2007-08-11 Thread Marvin Lisa
The Government Canyon Karst Project will resume on the weekend of September
15th and 16th. 

 

The project is a good place to learn basic caving skills and get to know
other cavers. All skill levels are needed. There are caves that need to be
surveyed and digs that need to be pushed. There are thousands of acres of
ridges to walk. The chances of finding your own cave are very good if you
are persistent. Some of the goals of this trip are to continue the survey of
Dancing Rattler Cave, find the source of all the air coming out of Dancing
Fern Cave and push a grim dig lead in the cave, re-survey Purple Mushroom
Cave and push the drain at the bottom, and ridgewalk a very promising area
of the park.

 

Camping is available in the secluded volunteer campground. Contact me if you
want to camp.

 

-Marvin Miller

(830) 885-5631



[Texascavers] S. A. Cave Rescue

2007-05-13 Thread Marvin Lisa
Spelunker rescue!!!

 

'They could have lost their lives,' Jenkins said.

 

The incident reported in the article at the following link took place in
Labyrinth Cave in San Antonio.

 

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/crime/stories/MYSA051207caverescue.E-N.6059
1ab8.html

 

 



[Texascavers] more on S.A. cave rescue

2007-05-13 Thread Marvin Lisa
Regarding the rescue of three youths from Labyrinth Cave in San Antonio, see
also
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/metro/stories/MYSA051307.02B.cave_rescue.30
ed483.html.

 

 



[Texascavers] Government Canyon karst survey project

2007-05-05 Thread Marvin Lisa
The May date for the Government Canyon Karst Survey Project is the 26th and
27th, Memorial Day weekend. I know that will probably eliminate the weekend
for those who already have plans, but it may open up the opportunity to
attend the project for out-of-towners. Camping will be available Friday,
Saturday, and Sunday, and you can return home with a leisurely Monday drive
to just about anywhere in the state.

 

There are caves to survey - both vertical and horizontal, sinks to be dug,
and ridges to be walked. Come and join in the fun! Contact me if you want to
camp and I will forward the necessary info.

 

Directions to the gate of GCSNA.

Find the intersection of U.S. 16 and Loop 1604 in northwest Bexar County
(clearly shown on any state highway map). Drive 2 miles north on U.S. 16 to
the third traffic light and turn left onto FM 1560 (there is a Shell station
on the corner). Follow 1560 for 3 miles to Galm Road. (Old San Antonio city
maps may show another Galm Road less than half a mile past the Shell. This
road is now named something else. Ignore and keep on to the real Galm Road.)
Turn right on Galm Road and drive 2 miles to the sharp left turn in the
road. The gate to GCSNA is straight ahead. Enter at the gate and then take
the first right. There is an unlocked gate that will need to be opened and
then closed behind you. Continue to the Volunteer/Research Station, where we
will meet. 

 

 

-Marvin Miller

(830) 885-5631



RE: [Texascavers] San Antonio Grotto Meetings

2007-04-30 Thread Marvin Lisa
The information is on the TSA webpage:  Second and Fourth Mondays, 7:00 PM;
Chester's Hamburgers, 281 North @ Thousand Oaks, San Antonio, TX.

 

  _  

From: Marlena Cobb [mailto:marlenac...@hotmail.com] 
Sent: Monday, April 30, 2007 4:01 PM
To: texascavers@texascavers.com
Subject: [Texascavers] San Antonio Grotto Meetings

 

Can anyone tell me where the San Antonio/Bexar County Grotto meetings are
held and when?  

Thanks for the help,
~Marlena





 

 

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[Texascavers] Government Canyon Karst Project

2007-03-26 Thread Marvin Lisa Miller
The January Government Canyon Karst Project will take place on the 14th and
15th. Plans are to continue the dig in Fobia Cave - following the airflow,
continue a new sinkhole dig that looks promising, survey Sotol Pit and
Purple Mushroom Cave, and if we have any time or energy left, do some
ridgewalking. You can assist in any one or all of these things by showing up
on Saturday morning. Directions are below. Camping is available at the
volunteer campground. Contact me to arrange that.

Directions to the gate of GCSNA. Find the intersection of U.S. 16 and Loop
1604 in northwest Bexar County (clearly shown on any state highway map).
Drive 2 miles north on U.S. 16 to the third traffic light and turn left onto
FM 1560 (there is a Shell station on the corner). Follow 1560 for 3 miles to
Galm Road. (Old San Antonio city maps may show another Galm Road less than
half a mile past the Shell. This road is now named something else. Ignore
and keep on to the real Galm Road.)  Turn right on Galm Road and drive 2
miles to the sharp left turn in the road. The gate to GCSNA is straight
ahead. Enter at the gate and then take the first right. There is an unlocked
gate that will need to be opened and then closed behind you. Continue to the
ranch house, where we will meet.

-Marvin Miller



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CaveTex: Government Canyon September 17

2007-03-26 Thread Marvin Lisa Miller
There will be a karst project trip to Government Canyon State Natural Area
near San Antonio on September 17th. The focus will probably be on digging
sinks but there are also caves to survey and ridges to walk. If you don't
like digging bring a team and do something else. Camping is available.
Contact me for details.

We will meet at the gate at 9:00 on Saturday morning.

Directions to the gate of GCSNA. Find the intersection of U.S. 16 and Loop
1604 in northwest Bexar County (clearly shown on any state highway map).
Drive 2 miles north on U.S. 16 to the third traffic light and turn left onto
FM 1560 (there is a Shell station on the corner). Follow 1560 for 3 miles to
Galm Road. (Old San Antonio city maps may show another Galm Road less than
half a mile past the Shell. This road is now named something else. Ignore
and keep on to the real Galm Road.)  Turn right on Galm Road and drive 2
miles to the sharp left turn in the road. The gate to GCSNA is straight
ahead. Park on the wide gravel shoulder and wait; we will all go in
together.

-Marvin Miller
(830) 885-5631



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CaveTex: Government Canyon this weekend

2007-03-26 Thread Marvin Lisa Miller
A Sunday (Sept. 18th) trip has been added to the Government Canyon Karst
Project this weekend. Meet at the gate as usual at 9:00.

Directions to the gate of GCSNA. Find the intersection of U.S. 16 and Loop
1604 in northwest Bexar County (clearly shown on any state highway map).
Drive 2 miles north on U.S. 16 to the third traffic light and turn left onto
FM 1560 (there is a Shell station on the corner). Follow 1560 for 3 miles to
Galm Road. (Old San Antonio city maps may show another Galm Road less than
half a mile past the Shell. This road is now named something else. Ignore
and keep on to the real Galm Road.)  Turn right on Galm Road and drive 2
miles to the sharp left turn in the road. The gate to GCSNA is straight
ahead. Park on the wide gravel shoulder and wait; we will all go in
together.

-Marvin



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[Texascavers] Government Canyon Karst Project

2007-03-26 Thread Marvin Lisa Miller
There will not be a Government Canyon Karst Project weekend in October. The
next one will be scheduled for November 12 and 13. The park is opening to
the public on October 15. This will mean some changes for the project but
mostly logistical, I think. We will continue pursuing all the activities we
have in the past, as there is still lots to do. Directions to the Canyon are
below and I will get back with more information later.

Directions to the gate of GCSNA. Find the intersection of U.S. 16 and Loop
1604 in northwest Bexar County (clearly shown on any state highway map).
Drive 2 miles north on U.S. 16 to the third traffic light and turn left onto
FM 1560 (there is a Shell station on the corner). Follow 1560 for 3 miles to
Galm Road. (Old San Antonio city maps may show another Galm Road less than
half a mile past the Shell. This road is now named something else. Ignore
and keep on to the real Galm Road.)  Turn right on Galm Road and drive 2
miles to the sharp left turn in the road. The gate to GCSNA is straight
ahead.

Marvin Miller
(830) 885-5631



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[Texascavers] Government Canyon Nov. 11, 12

2007-03-26 Thread Marvin Lisa Miller
November 11  12 is the next Government Canyon Karst Project weekend. The
park is now open to the public so there will be some changes. We will no
longer meet at the gate. When you get to the park, simply enter by the park
entrance. Take the first right. There may be a closed gate on this road but
it won't be locked. Go through the gate and continue to the ranch house. We
will meet on the porch at about 9:00. We will probably get organized and
head out by 9:30. Directions to the park are below.

The Canyon is only open for day use. The caver campground will continue to
be the volunteer campground by the ranch house. If you want to camp you
still need to contact me because the gate on the ranch house road will be
locked at night.

Dogs are not allowed on the recharge zone trails - even on leashes (park
policy).

Directions to the gate of GCSNA. Find the intersection of U.S. 16 and Loop
1604 in northwest Bexar County (clearly shown on any state highway map).
Drive 2 miles north on U.S. 16 to the third traffic light and turn left onto
FM 1560 (there is a Shell station on the corner). Follow 1560 for 3 miles to
Galm Road. (Old San Antonio city maps may show another Galm Road less than
half a mile past the Shell. This road is now named something else. Ignore
and keep on to the real Galm Road.)  Turn right on Galm Road and drive 2
miles to the sharp left turn in the road. The gate to GCSNA is straight
ahead. Enter at the gate and then take the first right and continue to the
ranch house, where we will meet.




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[Texascavers] Government Canyon

2007-03-26 Thread Marvin Lisa Miller
The karst project at Government Canyon is on the 12th and 13th, rather than
the 11th and 12th.

I should also mention that the gate on the ranch house road, while not
locked, will probably be shut. If this is the case, please shut it again
behind you when you come through.

-Marvin



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CaveTex: Devil's Sinkhole

2007-03-26 Thread Marvin Lisa Miller
This is a little late, but kudos to Kurt Menking and Travis Scott for each
having a photograph of Devil's Sinkhole published in last Sunday's (7/3) San
Antonio Express News Travel Section. The article's topic was the sinkhole
and the bat flights and the growing tourism industry in Rocksprings centered
around the cave and associated State Natural Area.  Kurt's photo is the
classic in-cave shot looking up the breakdown mountain and out the entrance
with some cavers in the foreground. Travis's photo shows TPWD ranger Mike
Knezek rappelling into the cave. I believe Mike is the SNA manager.

-Marvin Miller



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