[Texascavers] Terry Plemons
I am sorry to have to report that we have lost another one. Terry Plemons died yesterday in St. Davids Hospital in Austin. He suffered a heart attack a few days ago. . Sam Young ___ Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com Texascavers@texascavers.com | Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/texascavers@texascavers.com/ http://lists.texascavers.com/listinfo/texascavers
[Texascavers] Mike Collins obituary
There were some questions about Mike Collins, a 60's caver that some of new and lost track of. TR Evans connected me to this obituary: https://tinyurl.com/y5kalqkb ... Sam ___ Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com Texascavers@texascavers.com | Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/texascavers@texascavers.com/ http://lists.texascavers.com/listinfo/texascavers
[Texascavers] Bustamante beer mystery
Charlie Loving wrote: /We finally got to the trail and climbed the switch backs carrying a case of Carta Blanca. That was our supplies for the trek. We met Janey Calvert and Ed Alexander, Faye Chapman and Bill Johnson at the top and were follwed up by Geroge and Carlyn. We went in the cave and stashed our case of beer and then never found it again. That was the first cave trip of note./ I remember Arthur Simpson telling me that he hiked up to the entrance with a group once and while the others rested, he went in the entrance and surprised them all when he came out with a beer in his hand. hmmm? ___ Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com Texascavers@texascavers.com | Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/texascavers@texascavers.com/ http://lists.texascavers.com/listinfo/texascavers
[Texascavers] Thai Rescue
The Nova program on PBS tomorrow night (Wed) is the Thai cave rescue. ... Sam ___ Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com Texascavers@texascavers.com | Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/texascavers@texascavers.com/ http://lists.texascavers.com/listinfo/texascavers
[Texascavers] Memorial Gathering for Tom White
For those of you who are interested in a celebration of the life of our departed friend Tom White: I talked to Janie White this morning. The plan is to have a gathering at Camp Ben McCullough at noon on Sunday, October 28th. That is the Sunday a week after TCR. There is a covered pavilion at the camp, bbq will be catered, and other details are still to be worked out. If there is anything else that you should know, I will post it here or you can email me off of TexasCavers. ... Sam Young ___ Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com Texascavers@texascavers.com | Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/texascavers@texascavers.com/ http://lists.texascavers.com/listinfo/texascavers
[Texascavers] RIP Tom White
Cavers, Tom White was a UT Grotto caver in the 50's and 60's. We were friends for many years but we did not hang out together that far back so I do not know that much about his caving activity. I believe that he was the person who started Texascavers and ran it for years. He was also a cook for the caver reunions in the 60's. For the past several years, Tom and Janie White have lived in Rockport TX in Janie's historical ancestral home. That house was in the eye of Hurricane Harvey last year. We last saw the Whites when they had retreated to Seguin as the house was being repaired enough to be livable. Here is what we know: Tom went to the hospital June 24th with shortness of breath. He died in the hospital Saturday, July 7th of congestive heart failure. Perhaps some of you old timers can fill in about Tom's caving. If a "celebration of life" or such thing occurs, I will spread the word. Our condolences to Janie and the family. . Sam and Diane Young ___ Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com Texascavers@texascavers.com | Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/texascavers@texascavers.com/ http://lists.texascavers.com/listinfo/texascavers
[Texascavers] Tom and Janie White
Everyone, We talked to Tom on the phone yesterday. They have been in Seguin and will be moving to Corpus in a couple of days. When they are eventually able to do so, they will make trips into Rockport to take care of the house. The house did not get boarded up and there are some windows knocked out. Some of their neighbors are helping them out. Tom and Janie are doing fine. I hope that we stay in touch with them and I will post updates here. Sam Young ___ Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com Texascavers@texascavers.com | Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/texascavers@texascavers.com/ http://lists.texascavers.com/listinfo/texascavers
[Texascavers] O9 Well
I was wondering about the business at O9 Well. Did someone get down there and clean the broken rods out of the pipe? Many years ago that would have been my father's job. He would not have gone down the drop but would have pulled the pipe out with his pickup. My father was Peck Young, the area windmill man. He installed that Aermotor windmill which stands over O9 well and took care of all of the windmills for the Noelke family which leases university land in the area. I was my dad's helper in the Summers and I have been to many Noelke windmills but never to O9 well. I do remember that he told me once that he slid down the pipe. He did not say how he got out - probably rode up on the hook at the end of a cable as his helper pulled him out with the pickup. Pardon my nostalgic diversion. If anyone is interested, I have written up some stories about windmilling with my father on our website. Contact me off of TexasCavers and I will send you the link. . Sam Young ___ Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com Texascavers@texascavers.com | Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/texascavers@texascavers.com/ http://lists.texascavers.com/listinfo/texascavers
[Texascavers] Bob Thrun, not Thren
I thought that perhaps Shrewsbury had misspelled the name. I inquired and received this reply: /Hi Sam, It is Bob Thrun, of Maryland, and a caver who primarily pushed stuff in West Virginia. Bob Thren, as you know, is another person. Wm/ Now, does anyone know whatever happened to Bob Thren? He was from Pennsylvania, I think. /... Sam/ // ___ Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com Texascavers@texascavers.com | Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/texascavers@texascavers.com/ http://lists.texascavers.com/listinfo/texascavers
Re: [Texascavers] Krubera
Sure, Bill, I think I can get it to him. I will send it to my friend Bezdek who will be in contact with Ambus. Sam On 1/11/2017 11:19 PM, Mixon Bill via Texascavers wrote: If anybody can figure out how to get in touch with that Hungarian mathematician Gergely Ambus who took those pix in Krubera, you might suggest he look at article Hydroleveling of Very Deep Caves, with an Example from Voronja (Krubera) Cave. Alexander Degtjarev, Eugene Snetkov, and Alexey Gurjanov AMCS Activities Newsletter 29, 2006, which is pretty mathy in nature, I had to do an whole lot of work to put it in shape to be published, including fixing some errors. I still don't entirely vouch for its content. It is at http://www.mexicancaves.org/nl/29.pdf, pp. 85-92. -- Mixon Nature is a hanging judge. You may "reply" to the address this message (unless it's a TexasCavers list post) came from, but for long-term use, save: Personal: bmi...@alumni.uchicago.edu AMCS: a...@mexicancaves.org or sa...@mexicancaves.org ___ Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com Texascavers@texascavers.com | Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/texascavers@texascavers.com/ http://lists.texascavers.com/listinfo/texascavers ___ Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com Texascavers@texascavers.com | Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/texascavers@texascavers.com/ http://lists.texascavers.com/listinfo/texascavers
[Texascavers] Krubera-Veronya
I am retired from the Mathematics Department at Auburn University. One of my colleagues, Andras Bezdek, had a Masters Degree student, Gergely Ambrus, who is a serious Hungarian caver. Ambrus returned to Auburn to give a talk about his trip to the deepest cave in the world. I have copied, below, the abstract of the talk and a link to the images. ... Sam Young Gergely Ambrus ( Professor, Budapest Semesters in Mathematics) Title: Inverse Everest - Expedition to the deepest cave in the world. Abstract: In August 2016, a handful of Hungarian cavers descended into the deepest cave in the world, the Krubera-Voronya cave located in Abkhazia (former Georgia). Their goal was to make professional photographs of the cave for the first time in history. During the one-month-long expedition, the expedition members spent 16 days underground. Their longest trip, leading to the depth of 6800 ft, took 9 days. The expedition, co-ordinated by National Geogpraphic Hungary, was led by Gergely Ambrus, a former Auburn graduate in Mathematics. The deepest point of the cave have been reached by far less people than the summit of Mount Everest. In this talk, Gergely is going to present what a complex task organizing and leading such an expedition is. Starting months before the summer, the group had to find sponsors, make travel plans, purchase the necessary equipment both for caving and for the underground photography. Their endeavour started already before the expedition itself: a week before they intended to travel, the Russian army closed the border checkpoint of Abkhazia, therefore getting to the location was already complicated. He is going to describe what material and equipment is needed to withstand the extreme conditions. During their time underground, all their gear was constantly wet, due to the numerous cascades in the pitches. The temperature of the cave had been constantly around 35 F. The explorers carried with them three tackle sacs per person, weighing about 70 lb. They had to descend sometimes in 500-ft deep pitches, or in passages completely filled with water. Several times, the expedition members got into danger due to floods or worn out equipment and ropes, and they had to solve these issues instantly on the spot. Gergely is going to present a compilation of photographs and videos taken during the expedition, showing us what this unique underground world looks like. He will also talk about the scientific aspect of the expedition: the group has completed several underground biology, geology and measurement project Here are the images - text in Hungarian: http://index.hu/nagykep/2016/09/13/inverse_everest_bar/ ___ Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com Texascavers@texascavers.com | Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/texascavers@texascavers.com/ http://lists.texascavers.com/listinfo/texascavers
[Texascavers] Devil's Sinkhole, a novel
I do not know how much it has to do with the sinkhole, but Bill Whitliff has written a novel with the title, "The Devil's Sinkhole". It is part two of a trilogy, the first being, "The Devil's Backbone". Whitliff wrote the screenplay for "Lonesome Dove". Info for his appearance at Texas State University: http://www.thewittliffcollections.txstate.edu/events.html .. Sam ___ Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com Texascavers@texascavers.com | Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/texascavers@texascavers.com/ http://lists.texascavers.com/listinfo/texascavers
[Texascavers] Sequoia in 1966
Carl, I enjoyed the photos from Sequoia. Diane and I were there. I don't know if you included us in the 10-12 Texans who were in attendance. We were one year removed from the UT Grotto and drove over from Salt Lake City. I think that we were camped near or in Groad Hollow but not in the picture. And yes, I think that is Ken Laidlaw's truck. I have an old cardboard box with 35mm slides on top of my book case. I am sure there are some dusty old photos that I took at Sequoia. Shall I? .. Sam Young ___ Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com Texascavers@texascavers.com | Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/texascavers@texascavers.com/ http://lists.texascavers.com/listinfo/texascavers
[Texascavers] Inner Space Caverns
/David Locklear Said: "Inner Space was Laughbach cave when I first went in. You had to go down a vent pipe of some sort."/ Yes, but before it was Laughbach cave, it was just called "Core Hole Cave". The highway department was building the interstate through Georgetown (yes, that's how old I am) and an engineer was aware of a cavity beneath the roadway. He drilled the core hole and contacted Bill Russell who began surveying the cave. I joined Bill on one of those trips. Question: Wasn't "Laughbach" the name of the land owner? He had some more caves on his place and we had access to those. Sam Young ___ Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com Texascavers@texascavers.com | Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/texascavers@texascavers.com/ http://lists.texascavers.com/listinfo/texascavers
[Texascavers] Camp stove
That was quick. The stove has been taken already. ……. Sam Sent from Mail for Windows 10 ___ Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com Texascavers@texascavers.com | Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/texascavers@texascavers.com/ http://lists.texascavers.com/listinfo/texascavers
[Texascavers] Camp Stove
I have an old kerosene burning camp stove. I don’t know if anyone uses these any more. Someone left it with me and it looks like it is in good shape. If you would like to have it and save me from taking it to Goodwill, let me know off of Texas Cavers. ……. Sam Young, in San Marcos Sent from Mail for Windows 10 ___ Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com Texascavers@texascavers.com | Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/texascavers@texascavers.com/ http://lists.texascavers.com/listinfo/texascavers
Re: [Texascavers] Just a note
Actually, today is San Jacinto Day. Texas Independence Day is March 2. But we can be happy anyhow. Sam W. Young 815 Thousand Oaks Loop San Marcos TX 78666 512 392-7327 From: Louise Power via Texascavers Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2015 8:35 PM To: texascavers@texascavers.com Subject: [Texascavers] Just a note Happy Texas Independence Day! ___ Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com Texascavers@texascavers.com | Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/texascavers@texascavers.com/ http://lists.texascavers.com/listinfo/texascavers ___ Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com Texascavers@texascavers.com | Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/texascavers@texascavers.com/ http://lists.texascavers.com/listinfo/texascavers
[Texascavers] reporters
To Heather Tucek, Maybe I should not have posted that Alcalde article. I was once interviewed by a student newspaper reporter. I never made that mistake again. You are right, Sheesh! .. Sam___ Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com Texascavers@texascavers.com | Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/texascavers@texascavers.com/ http://lists.texascavers.com/listinfo/texascavers
[Texascavers] Alcalde Article
This article appeared in the UT Alumni magazine, Alcalde. ... Sam http://tinyurl.com/qx6mt8b___ Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com Texascavers@texascavers.com | Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/texascavers@texascavers.com/ http://lists.texascavers.com/listinfo/texascavers
[Texascavers] Caves of Viet Nam
This morning’s New York Times has an article about the Viet Nam caves which are being commercialized. I hope you can see this without being a subscriber. Sam Young http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/02/travel/deep-in-vietnam-exploring-a-colossal-cave.html?ref=travel___ Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com Texascavers@texascavers.com | Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/texascavers@texascavers.com/ http://lists.texascavers.com/listinfo/texascavers
[Texascavers] looking for Andy Grubbs
Andy, please get in touch with me. Sam Young
Re: [Texascavers] Texas Parks Wildlife Magazine
You could say that the article mentions 3 Texas cavers since Pseudouroctonus reddelli is undoubtedly named after legendary UT caver and entomologist James Reddell. ... Sam -Original Message- From: David Sent: Saturday, May 31, 2014 1:41 AM To: CaveTex Subject: [Texascavers] Texas Parks Wildlife Magazine I have not seen the June issue, but the on-line issue has an article about cave scorpions and mentions 2 Texas cavers by name. http://www.tpwmagazine.com/archive/2014/jun/ed_3_scorpions/ - 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] Jacobs Well
But, speaking of Jacobs Well, there is a grand opening ceremony tomorrow (Saturday). Some of you Austin area folks might know that Jacobs Well was saved from development by a generous contribution from a local family. It is now a Hays County Park. We will be there and hope to see some of our caver friends there too. ... Sam and Diane Young They now have one of their dodgy videos about Jacobs Well on their sidebar... Most dangerous dive in Texas? Cue C.M. Kornbluth and his Marching Morons.
[Texascavers] e-mail address for Chris Thibodeux
Does someone have a valid e-mail address for Chris? Sam
[Texascavers] e-mail address for Chris T
I got it. Thanks, .. Sam
[Texascavers] e-mail address for Chris Thibodeux
Does someone have a valid e-mail address for Chris? Sam
[Texascavers] e-mail address for Chris T
I got it. Thanks, .. Sam
[Texascavers] Loving County
Check it out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loving_County,_Texas . Sam
[Texascavers] Loving County
Check it out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loving_County,_Texas . Sam
[Texascavers] Loving County
Check it out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loving_County,_Texas . Sam
[Texascavers] recycling at TCR
Some health problems will limit my participation at TCR this year. I might be able to visit some on Saturday but I regret that I can not do the recycling this year. The containers are in my carport and if anyone would like to pick them up and take them to the campground, please contact me. You can bring all the stuff back to me after TCR and I can do the rest. . Sam Sam W. Young 815 Thousand Oaks Loop San Marcos TX 78666 512 392-7327
[Texascavers] recycling at TCR
Some health problems will limit my participation at TCR this year. I might be able to visit some on Saturday but I regret that I can not do the recycling this year. The containers are in my carport and if anyone would like to pick them up and take them to the campground, please contact me. You can bring all the stuff back to me after TCR and I can do the rest. . Sam Sam W. Young 815 Thousand Oaks Loop San Marcos TX 78666 512 392-7327
[Texascavers] carbide lamps
I loved your dissertation about carbide caving Carl. And this whole discussion about carbide has been a kick. Oh yes, the first time I went caving with a British guy, a “potholer”, he kept asking if anyone wanted to borrow his prick. I am reminded of a time when I was on the campus of the University of Florida. There is a museum there with some displays that are karst related. Just as I was looking at one display which had a hardhat with a carbide lamp mounted on it, a teacher came by with her grade school class. One of the kids asked her about the lamp and she did not have a good answer. I asked the teacher if I could say something and she gladly turned it over to me. I told them all about how it worked with the carbide and the water and it makes acetylene and so on. I told them that I am a caver and we had a fun discussion. I want you all to know that I did not tell them any of the things that we have discussed here. Nothing was said about explosions, getting burned by someone behind you, using urine, bad smells, or any of that stuff. By the way, someone borrowed my Justrite about 30 years ago. Whoever you are would you please bring it back? .. Sam
[Texascavers] carbide lamps
I loved your dissertation about carbide caving Carl. And this whole discussion about carbide has been a kick. Oh yes, the first time I went caving with a British guy, a “potholer”, he kept asking if anyone wanted to borrow his prick. I am reminded of a time when I was on the campus of the University of Florida. There is a museum there with some displays that are karst related. Just as I was looking at one display which had a hardhat with a carbide lamp mounted on it, a teacher came by with her grade school class. One of the kids asked her about the lamp and she did not have a good answer. I asked the teacher if I could say something and she gladly turned it over to me. I told them all about how it worked with the carbide and the water and it makes acetylene and so on. I told them that I am a caver and we had a fun discussion. I want you all to know that I did not tell them any of the things that we have discussed here. Nothing was said about explosions, getting burned by someone behind you, using urine, bad smells, or any of that stuff. By the way, someone borrowed my Justrite about 30 years ago. Whoever you are would you please bring it back? .. Sam
[Texascavers] carbide lamps
I loved your dissertation about carbide caving Carl. And this whole discussion about carbide has been a kick. Oh yes, the first time I went caving with a British guy, a “potholer”, he kept asking if anyone wanted to borrow his prick. I am reminded of a time when I was on the campus of the University of Florida. There is a museum there with some displays that are karst related. Just as I was looking at one display which had a hardhat with a carbide lamp mounted on it, a teacher came by with her grade school class. One of the kids asked her about the lamp and she did not have a good answer. I asked the teacher if I could say something and she gladly turned it over to me. I told them all about how it worked with the carbide and the water and it makes acetylene and so on. I told them that I am a caver and we had a fun discussion. I want you all to know that I did not tell them any of the things that we have discussed here. Nothing was said about explosions, getting burned by someone behind you, using urine, bad smells, or any of that stuff. By the way, someone borrowed my Justrite about 30 years ago. Whoever you are would you please bring it back? .. Sam
[Texascavers] that spider
Entomologists are doing flips over that spider that was found in an Oregon cave. Here is another article with pictures: http://bit.ly/N67j6d Sam
[Texascavers] that spider
Entomologists are doing flips over that spider that was found in an Oregon cave. Here is another article with pictures: http://bit.ly/N67j6d Sam
[Texascavers] that spider
Entomologists are doing flips over that spider that was found in an Oregon cave. Here is another article with pictures: http://bit.ly/N67j6d Sam
[Texascavers] ethanol-free gas stations
Fritz Holt asked: By the way, can anyone tell me a brand of gasoline or a retail distributor that does not have ethanol in the product? Here is a list of the stations in Texas which have ethanol-free gas. Alas, you will notice that there are no large Texas cities in the list: http://pure-gas.org/index.jsp?stateprov=TX Sam
[Texascavers] ethanol-free gas stations
Fritz Holt asked: By the way, can anyone tell me a brand of gasoline or a retail distributor that does not have ethanol in the product? Here is a list of the stations in Texas which have ethanol-free gas. Alas, you will notice that there are no large Texas cities in the list: http://pure-gas.org/index.jsp?stateprov=TX Sam
[Texascavers] ethanol-free gas stations
Fritz Holt asked: By the way, can anyone tell me a brand of gasoline or a retail distributor that does not have ethanol in the product? Here is a list of the stations in Texas which have ethanol-free gas. Alas, you will notice that there are no large Texas cities in the list: http://pure-gas.org/index.jsp?stateprov=TX Sam
[Texascavers] Springtails at -2,000 m
http://www.physorg.com/news/2012-02-scientists-deepest-terrestrial-arthropod.html
[Texascavers] Springtails at -2,000 m
http://www.physorg.com/news/2012-02-scientists-deepest-terrestrial-arthropod.html
[Texascavers] New species of cave insect
A new species of psocid from Texas caves has recently been described based on specimens in the Texas Memorial Invertebrate Zoological Collection. It is Psyllipsocus subterraneus Mockford. The holotype male was collected at Up the Creek Cave (Bexar Co.) by K. McDermid on 10/22/2008; the allotype female was collected at Strange Little Cave (Bexar Co.) by P. Sprouse and K. McDermid on 10/13/2008. Specimens of Psyllipsocus maculatus Garcia Aldrete from Niche Cave (Bexar Co.) collected by G. Veni (7/31/1983) and from New Comanche Trail Cave (Travis Co.) collected by James Reddell and M. Reyes (1/26/1989) extends the range of this species north by about 700 km. Reference: Mockford, Edward L., “New Species of Psyllipsocus (Psocoptera: Psyllipsocidae) from North and Middle America with a Key to Species of the Region” , Transactions of the American Entomological Society 137(1-2):15-47, 2011. For more information contact Diane Young: youn...@centurytel.net .. Sam
[Texascavers] New species of cave insect
A new species of psocid from Texas caves has recently been described based on specimens in the Texas Memorial Invertebrate Zoological Collection. It is Psyllipsocus subterraneus Mockford. The holotype male was collected at Up the Creek Cave (Bexar Co.) by K. McDermid on 10/22/2008; the allotype female was collected at Strange Little Cave (Bexar Co.) by P. Sprouse and K. McDermid on 10/13/2008. Specimens of Psyllipsocus maculatus Garcia Aldrete from Niche Cave (Bexar Co.) collected by G. Veni (7/31/1983) and from New Comanche Trail Cave (Travis Co.) collected by James Reddell and M. Reyes (1/26/1989) extends the range of this species north by about 700 km. Reference: Mockford, Edward L., “New Species of Psyllipsocus (Psocoptera: Psyllipsocidae) from North and Middle America with a Key to Species of the Region” , Transactions of the American Entomological Society 137(1-2):15-47, 2011. For more information contact Diane Young: youn...@centurytel.net .. Sam
[Texascavers] New species of cave insect
A new species of psocid from Texas caves has recently been described based on specimens in the Texas Memorial Invertebrate Zoological Collection. It is Psyllipsocus subterraneus Mockford. The holotype male was collected at Up the Creek Cave (Bexar Co.) by K. McDermid on 10/22/2008; the allotype female was collected at Strange Little Cave (Bexar Co.) by P. Sprouse and K. McDermid on 10/13/2008. Specimens of Psyllipsocus maculatus Garcia Aldrete from Niche Cave (Bexar Co.) collected by G. Veni (7/31/1983) and from New Comanche Trail Cave (Travis Co.) collected by James Reddell and M. Reyes (1/26/1989) extends the range of this species north by about 700 km. Reference: Mockford, Edward L., “New Species of Psyllipsocus (Psocoptera: Psyllipsocidae) from North and Middle America with a Key to Species of the Region” , Transactions of the American Entomological Society 137(1-2):15-47, 2011. For more information contact Diane Young: youn...@centurytel.net .. Sam
[Texascavers] recycling
As usual, there will be recycling containers for aluminum cans and plastic bottles. Two will be near the cook’s camp. I will need to get home by noon Sunday (company coming) and so please do not wait too late Sunday morning to get your recyclables together. .. Sam
[Texascavers] recycling
As usual, there will be recycling containers for aluminum cans and plastic bottles. Two will be near the cook’s camp. I will need to get home by noon Sunday (company coming) and so please do not wait too late Sunday morning to get your recyclables together. .. Sam
[Texascavers] recycling
As usual, there will be recycling containers for aluminum cans and plastic bottles. Two will be near the cook’s camp. I will need to get home by noon Sunday (company coming) and so please do not wait too late Sunday morning to get your recyclables together. .. Sam
[Texascavers] Roger Sorrells
I learned yesterday of the death of Roger Sorrells. Roger was a very active caver in Texas beginning in the late 50’s. He is mentioned several times in “Fifty Years of Texas Caving”. You can find the obituary here: http://www.legacy.com/ns/obituary.aspx?n=Roger-B-Sorrellspid=153417780ua=y7MXVe%2B%2BSHC974AptGHSMg%3D%3D Sorry, .. Sam
[Texascavers] Roger Sorrells
I learned yesterday of the death of Roger Sorrells. Roger was a very active caver in Texas beginning in the late 50’s. He is mentioned several times in “Fifty Years of Texas Caving”. You can find the obituary here: http://www.legacy.com/ns/obituary.aspx?n=Roger-B-Sorrellspid=153417780ua=y7MXVe%2B%2BSHC974AptGHSMg%3D%3D Sorry, .. Sam
[Texascavers] Roger Sorrells
I learned yesterday of the death of Roger Sorrells. Roger was a very active caver in Texas beginning in the late 50’s. He is mentioned several times in “Fifty Years of Texas Caving”. You can find the obituary here: http://www.legacy.com/ns/obituary.aspx?n=Roger-B-Sorrellspid=153417780ua=y7MXVe%2B%2BSHC974AptGHSMg%3D%3D Sorry, .. Sam
[Texascavers] cave pics
A friend of mine in Birmingham, a photographer but not a caver, sent me this Flickr link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/realms_of_reality/ Does anyone know Nathan Williams? He does some very good cave photography. My wife Diane says that she remembers going through Tumbling Rock cave. It is a long series of breakdown mountains.
[Texascavers] cave pics
A friend of mine in Birmingham, a photographer but not a caver, sent me this Flickr link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/realms_of_reality/ Does anyone know Nathan Williams? He does some very good cave photography. My wife Diane says that she remembers going through Tumbling Rock cave. It is a long series of breakdown mountains.
[Texascavers] cave pics
A friend of mine in Birmingham, a photographer but not a caver, sent me this Flickr link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/realms_of_reality/ Does anyone know Nathan Williams? He does some very good cave photography. My wife Diane says that she remembers going through Tumbling Rock cave. It is a long series of breakdown mountains.
[Texascavers] unintenional sewelunking
From News of the Weird May 22, 2011: Wh! In March, in Pierce County, Wash., a sewer worker, 37, came loose from a safety line and slid about 3,000 feet through a 6-foot-diameter sewer pipe at the Chambers Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. He could have drowned, according to one rescuer, but he was taken to a hospital with minor injuries. [Tacoma News-Tribune, 3-21-2011]
[Texascavers] unintenional sewelunking
From News of the Weird May 22, 2011: Wh! In March, in Pierce County, Wash., a sewer worker, 37, came loose from a safety line and slid about 3,000 feet through a 6-foot-diameter sewer pipe at the Chambers Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. He could have drowned, according to one rescuer, but he was taken to a hospital with minor injuries. [Tacoma News-Tribune, 3-21-2011]
[Texascavers] unintenional sewelunking
From News of the Weird May 22, 2011: Wh! In March, in Pierce County, Wash., a sewer worker, 37, came loose from a safety line and slid about 3,000 feet through a 6-foot-diameter sewer pipe at the Chambers Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. He could have drowned, according to one rescuer, but he was taken to a hospital with minor injuries. [Tacoma News-Tribune, 3-21-2011]
[Texascavers] slide show
A noncaver photographer friend of mine sent me this slide show of caves from around the world. Maybe you have seen it. I found the link but I could not get the sound to work. There might be an interface page. If so, click on view. http://cid-32d3c06db7413d36.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/Allegati/Presentazioni/FotoInsolite/zVoyageaucentredelaterre.pps .. Sam
[Texascavers] Mike Collins
I can not find that issue of the 2010 Newsletter to confirm what Gill has posted. But that picture on page 432 of Carl’s book is definitely the Mike Collins that we knew. Indeed, Diane and I went to Tanaja and El Tigre with Mike and his wife (since divorced) and I think that it was 1964. We also hope it is not the same Mike. Sam
[Texascavers] cavers recycle
The 2010 TCR contributed 6 pounds of plastic and 11 pounds of aluminum. The plastic drink bottle which was filled with urine is on its way to the landfill. . Sam
[Texascavers] cavers recycle
Recycling containers will be available at TCR for the collection of aluminum cans and plastic bottles. Look for them near the Bexar Grotto camp and the food area. The aluminum will be contributed to Green Guy Recycling of San Marcos, the providers of the containers. . Sam
[Texascavers] obscure book
Dear Friends, OK, this is Diane Young again (youn...@centurytel.net). I am searching for a book entitled Encyclopaedia Biospelogica, Volume 1. 1994. There was an article about psocids in that volume by Badonnel and Lienhard. There may even be an updated version of this volume. I am having difficulty finding it. I would like to get it through Interlibrary Loan or borrow it from anyone who happens to have it. Anybody out there ever heard of it? Thank you kindly Diane
[Texascavers] psocoptera
Thanks to everyone for the help with the references and contact info for James Reddell. You can contact Diane at youn...@centurytel.net. and we can end this string. A special thanks to Charlie Loving on the subject of psocoptera. I had no idea how it could involve the constitution, religion, philosophy, and all. Or maybe it involved a jug of red wine and a reply button. Thanks again, Sam and Diane Young
[Texascavers] cave-dwelling psocoptera
Hello Everyone... this is Diane Young with a request for any information on records of Psocoptera - psocids- booklice or barklice - either within Texas caves or near the entrances to caves. Technically these insects now are placed in the Order Psocodea and Suborders Trogiomorpha, Troctomorpha and Psocomorpha. I am preparing a proposal to survey some Texas caves for this group. As far as I know, there are no troglobitic psocids in the Western Hemisphere. I am not aware of many records for Texas caves and if anyone out there is aware of such records I'd really like to know about it! I am an amateur entomologist who is learning from an expert on the Psocoptera. Thank you very much... Diane
[Texascavers] image manipulation
I have not looked at the images that everyone is talking about but I do know that there is a growing science of image forensics or image manipulation detection. You could contact someone who might be able to give an expert opinion on the matter. Just Google image manipulation detection and you will quickly run into some names and some pretty high powered mathematics. My $.02. ... Sam I have noticed that on a lot of satellite imagery the water bodies have been changed to a sorta pastel blue or green as a matter of course. I assumed it was done to preclude stitching a bunch of images taken on different passes (and times) and having impossibly different reflective values due to sun and satellite movement. There could be an algorithm to automatically do that when instructed. --Ediger
[Texascavers] visiting caver
We have a caver from New York visiting here in San Marcos. He is helping with a cave cleanout that we are doing. He will be here until July 1 and would like to get into a Texas cave. If someone has a trip that he can join up with please contact him. Name: Ian Bunk e-mail: bunk...@gmail.com phone: 914 924-3531 Thanks, .. Sam
[Texascavers] WNS action
The Center for Biological Diversity is organizing a petition to congress asking for more funding for WNS research. You can see the petition here: http://action.biologicaldiversity.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=3815 Sam
[Texascavers] natural bridge
Today's Austin American Statesman ran an article about the discovery of Natural Bridge Caverns. The discovery was made by our own Orian Knox 50 years ago. Read it here: http://www.statesman.com/news/local/50-years-since-discovery-of-largest-known-caverns-425529.html?srcTrk=RTR_240839 Sam
[Texascavers] Bamberger Ranch
What's-his-name (the guy with the big conservation range and the artificial bat cave) claims that clearing cedar on his ranch caused a lot more spring flow. Of course, it is possible he just sees that because that's what he was told to expect. -- Mixon It is Bamberger Ranch. He does indeed claim to have created a spring where there was no spring before. Visitation is limited but I have had the pleasure of visiting there once with a youth group. Here is a link: http://www.bambergerranch.org/ Sam
[Texascavers] algebra
OK where is the fallacy? The fallacy was at the very beginning when you assumed that One can maintain the equality of an equation as long as the same operation is done to both sides. The first fallacy involved extracting a real root of a negative number. The second fallacy involved a division by zero. For a discussion of mathematical fallacies, take a look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathematical_fallacy Now let us get back to a discussion of sewing. Sam
[Texascavers] leaf cutter ants
I saw some leaf cutter ants in Rockport. Sam A few months ago there was a thread about leaf-cutter ants. Here's something new about them from the Yucatan. Such ants can usually be seen busily at work in Bustamante Canyon. I don't recall seeing them in Texas, but I wouldn't be surprised if some were found in the valley. -- Mixon
[Texascavers] hard drives
There are services which can retrieve data from blown hard drives but you will not get all of it back and it costs $$$. Sam Because they crash, too, Rod. I have a $150 100GB ext. HD paperweight with a bunch of data that is lost now. Mark
[Texascavers] Anthrodites in Skyline Caverns
Earth Science Picture of the Day will be interesting to some of you. ... Sam http://epod.usra.edu/
[Texascavers] recycling
I responded to this question from Mark but somehow, it did not get posted. Try again: Glass is particularly difficult to deal with. Green Guy does take glass but I do not have room for it with my pickup. People at TCR have told me that they just take their recyclables home. Maybe that is the best way to do the glass. ... Sam Is there any way we can get receptacles for glass or is Green Guy not interested in that? I will be bringing a rather generous donation of Blind Salamander and other brews from our friends at Rahr Brewery in Fort Worth. Some here may remember sampling their wares at the spring TSA Convention. Thanks, Mark
[Texascavers] recycling
We will be recycling aluminum and plastic at TCR again this year. A pair of containers will be at the Bexar Grotto camp and another pair near the cooks camp. The containers are provided by Green Guy Recycling of San Marcos and the collected material will be contributed to them. If you wait until Sunday morning to bring your recyclables to the containers, please do so as early as you can so that we can get our stuff loaded up and out of there. Thank you recyclers. Sam
[Texascavers] wns action
The Center for Biological Diversity has posted an action page on white nose syndrome. They are urging the Fish and Wildlife Service to take more action. View it here: http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2167/t/5243/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=27802 ... Sam
[Texascavers] Richard Smith
From Carl Kunath: Thanks for the good news. Richard was at your home when stricken? Does he have family other than the sister noted? ===ck No, he left a small party at our house Saturday night and drove home. He went down to his office at the State Water Board on Sunday to finish work on a presentation and then to a friend's house in Austin. There he had the first attack and when the EMS got him to the hospital, his heart stopped again. The doctors think that some of his short term memory will come back. We have a picture of him doing a thumbs up if someone wants it and requests it offline. His defribrillater is being install as I write this. He has a brother and a daughter. Sam
[Texascavers] Richard Smith
Richard was moved to a regular room in the cardio unit and we visited with him today. He was very vigorous and strong. He does not remember anything that happened Saturday or Sunday including that he was at our house Saturday night. The docs installed some more stints and will install a fibrillator (not a pacemaker) in a couple of days. He is in room 232, Seton Hospital on W 38th, Austin. When he gets out, he will stay with his sister for a while. much relieved, Sam
[Texascavers] Richard Smith
I am happy to report that the news on Richard Smith is good. Richard's sister called about noon today and said that he is awake and alert. He is weak but may be headed for a complete recovery. The heart attack was ventricular fibrillation (electrical, not plumbing) and he will most likely get a pacemaker. No visitors yet as he remains in ICU at Seton Hospital. ... Sam
[Texascavers] Richard Smith
Richard Smith, who is known to some of you as one of the old timer UT grotto people has suffered a heart attack - two actually. We have had a difficult time getting information but this morning we got through to his sister who spoke to us from his bedside. He is in the ICU at Seton Hospital in Austin. He is under hypothermia treatment, an induced coma state. His sister has our phone number and she will keep us informed. Sam and Diane Young
[Texascavers] recycling at TCR
The recycling containers at TCR captured a total of 14 pounds of plastic bottles and 26 pounds of aluminum - one pretty good pickup load. The material was donated to Green Guy Recycling of San Marcos and the cavers were given the credit for the donation. factoid: Making aluminum from recycled material requires only 5% of the amount of energy required to make it from ore.
[Texascavers] recyling at TCR
The recycling containers will be available again this year at TCR. There will be a pair of containers at the Bexar Grotto camp and another pair near the cooks area. Be prepared to recycle aluminum cans and plastic bottles. and thanks, Sam
[Texascavers] the blind fish article
Sorry, I did not realize that one must be a subscriber to Science News in order to read the article online. Here is the article except for the photo. (rules, you know) The last comment is interesting. Could the same be true of insects? salamanders? ... Sam Seeing again: Blind fish parents have fry that see Susan Milius Keep them in the dark for a million years. Then cross two strains of cave-dwelling fish, now totally blind. It turns out some of their kids will be able to see. Photo not copied. Photo caption: LIGHT AND DARK. A fish from generations of cave dwellers (front) ends up without eyes as an adult even though surface dwellers considered the same speces complex (the two behind) develop normal eyes. Borowsky Fish and other creatures lose their sight after generations living in caves. Yet working vision genes from one parent can partly make up for defunct versions from the other parent, at least in young fish, reports Richard Borowsky of New York University. The vision rescue experiment works only if mom and dad come from different caves, says Borowsky, illuminating how the blind cave strains evolved. Lineages of the same species, long separated in different caves may all end up blind, but different genes have mutated to converge on the same result, he concludes in the Jan. 8 Current Biology. Other studies of the genetics of these fish have suggested this scenario of convergence, comments William Jeffery of the University of Maryland in College Park. This really nails it down, he says. Blindness in cave fish has intrigued evolutionary biologists as well as biomedical researchers studying the genes underlying eye development and sight. Dozens of species of blind fish live in caves around the world, but the Mexican cave tetra (Astyanax mexicanus) is just a beautiful experimental animal, says Jeffery. Different forms will breed in the lab, including sighted forms that live in sunlit waters. Borowsky mixed and matched strains from Mexico, where 29 caves shelter sightless varieties. He tested vision in the pure strains and hybrid crosses with a fish eye exam that works even for tiny fry. To perform the test, researchers temporarily immobilize the fish in thick goo, which can be washed off. Then researchers move a circlet of alternating dark and light stripes around the fish and watch its eye motions. If the fish sees the stripes, its eyes twitch to track the stripe parade. When the researchers reverse the spin of the stripes, the fish's eyes twitch the opposite way. Borowsky crossed blind fish from one cave, Molino, with those from Tinaja cave, about 100 kilometers away. When the offspring were just over a week old, 39 percent of them passed his eye test. When he crossed the Tinaja strain with fish from nearby Curva cave, though, none of the offspring could see. The fish from the neighboring caves probably shared too much history to have genes that could rescue each other, he says. The cave hybrids typically lost their sight as they grew up. But when Borowsky crossed cave dwellers with surface fish, some of the offspring did retain vision into adulthood. In a set of multigenerational crosses, Borowsky saw vision-inheritance patterns that confirm there's little overlap between the genes that mutated in the far-flung cave systems. Evolution uses a large and varied palette, he says. This can be generalized, says Horst Wilkens of the University of Hamburg in Germany. He predicts that plenty of cave species will turn out to have evolved their typical pale, blind form through a variety of genetic losses.
[Texascavers] blind fish from different caves
Here is an exerpt from an article in Science News. They mention Moleno and Tiaja as Mexican caves where the samples were taken. The link for the article is below but you will have to subscribe to see it. Keep them in the dark for a million years. Then cross two strains of cave-dwelling fish, now totally blind. It turns out some of their kids will be able to see. Fish and other creatures lose their sight after generations living in caves. Yet working vision genes from one parent can partly make up for defunct versions from the other parent, at least in young fish, reports Richard Borowsky of New York University. The vision rescue experiment works only if mom and dad come from different caves, says Borowsky. http://www.sciencenews.org/articles/20080112/fob5.asp Sam
[Texascavers] blind fish
It is all about genetics Louise. Genetists want to find out just what the mechanism is by which fish evolve to lose their vision. The answer is that it is different in caves which are far apart. ... Sam Hi Sam, Excuse me for being a little dense, but what is the point of breeding cave fish that can see? They live in total darkness--except for the ones that some aquarium shops sell (is that legal?). I guess I don't understand what the benefit to the fish is. Louise
[Texascavers] 50 Years of Texas Caving
Here is the info again about how to get your copy of the book. I got mine Christmas eve and I will tell you that it is very impressive and fun to look through. I don't see how Carl could make this for only $50. Thank you Carl Kunath!! 50 Years of Texas Caving. Carl E. Kunath. AK Enterprises, San Angelo, Texas; 2007. 8.5 by 11 inches, 526 pages, hardbound. $50. (Order from the author at 3720 Ransom Road, San Angelo, Texas 76903. Add $5 for U.S. surface shipping. For other postage, ask carl.kun...@suddenlink.net
[Texascavers] goat and railroad tie
The story about the goat and the railroad tie sounded kind of familiar and so I checked it out on Snopes: http://www.snopes.com/critters/mishaps/chain.asp
[Texascavers] monarchs
Speaking of monarch butterflies, there is some good news from Pres. Calderone today. Here is the AP story from the Austin American Statesman: http://www.statesman.com/search/content/news/stories/world/11/26/1126mexico.html Sam
[Texascavers] recycling
The recycling effort at TCR managed to collect 17 pounds of aluminum and 7 pounds of plastic bottles. This was contributed to Green Guy Recycling of San Marcos. Thanks to everyone for helping out. People keep asking me about picking up glass also. I can not do that with just my pickup truck and the containers which I have. But if someone could organize that next year ...? Another item: When we loaded up we went off and left our nice rocking chair lawn chairs. If someone has them, we would sure like to have them back. Sam and Diane Young Sam W. Young 815 Thousand Oaks Loop San Marcos TX 78666 512 392-7327
[Texascavers] recycling at TCR
TCR attendees: We will recycle aluminum cans and plastic bottles again this year. I will set up a pair of containers at the Bexar Grotto camp and another near the dining area or cooks camp. You can help by setting up a container in your own area and then transferring the contents to the recycling containers before leaving for home. The material will be donated to Green Guy Recycling of San Marcos in appreciation for their donation of the containers. Thanks, ... Sam Sam W. Young 815 Thousand Oaks Loop San Marcos TX 78666 512 392-7327
[Texascavers] porta-pool
Mixon: I remember being in the porta-pool in the back of Hixson's truck, myself. I remember NOT being in the back of Hixon's truck (I thought it was Terry Raines truck). They were driving around the camp ground grabbing people and pulling them into the water. I hid out from them to avoid the humilitation but I managed to get my camera and take a couple of pictures. The pictures are somewhere in an old dusty box of 35mm slides. Sam
[Texascavers] truck for sale
We bought a new pickup and we are selling the 89 Nissan pickup. It really is in good condition. It was just finally time to move up. If you are interested, take a look at: http://home.centurytel.net/sam-diane/truck.htm and remember; air conditioning is for wimps. Sam
[Texascavers] truck for sale
The truck is not four-wheel drive- not what you would call a caving vehicle. We are in San Marcos. See below to contact us off of Texas Cavers. But it isn't four-wheel drive?! So Sam where is the truck located? Sam W. Young 815 Thousand Oaks Loop San Marcos TX 78666 512 392-7327
[Texascavers] frosty mornings
I have to get in on this subject. Confirming what Rod Goke said, I was going into a cave in North Alabama one frosty morning and there was a lot of steam coming out of the entrance. We stood at a point where we had a good view of the valley and saw dozens of white plumes emerging from the woods. If I had had at least a compass with me I could have sketched plenty of potential entrances. In connection with Minton's remark, I am reminded of an encounter I once had with a city employee in Opelika Alabama. We lived on a dirt road which had a sewer line buried underneath it. There were manholes about every 100 yards or so. This guy was going along locating them with a metal detector or some sort of thing. I told him that he should come out on a frosty morning and he would see the location of every manhole as a perfect circle in the frost. I think he took my advise because a few days later as I was going to work in the morning, there were the round patches in the frost each one marked by an orange spray can X. Sam Rod Goke said: Under the right conditions, even small, normally inconspicuous cave entrances would become much easier to find because of the small white clouds emerging from them. In addition to looking for steam plumes, if there is snow on the ground, one can look for melted spots. Even an entrance that is not obviously open, like one covered with leaves or even a thin layer of rocks and dirt, can leave a melted spot. Digging there is often productive. Mark Minton
[Texascavers] looking for Chris
I need an e-mail address or some contact information for Chris Thibodaux. Please reply to me. Sam W Young 815 Thousand Oaks Loop San Marcos, TX 78666 http://home.centurytel.net/sam-diane___ Texascavers mailing list Texascavers@texascavers.com http://texascavers.com/mailman/listinfo/texascavers_texascavers.com
CaveTex: spelling versus transliteration
And to further complicate the matter, there are three spellings for Voronja: with a Y, a J, and an I: Voronja, Voronya, Voronia. Therefore, if you want to search for info on Krubera - Voronja, try various spellings... Yvonne There is only one way to spell Воронья. You are using the wrong alphabet. Sam Young P.S. The Russian characters may not show up in your computer
CaveTex: recycling at TCR
This year at TCR we will be doing some recycling. I have seen some youngsters picking up cans in the past and I have always encouraged it. This time we will be a little more organized about it. I will be bringing four of the wheeled 60 gallon trash type containers with holes cut in the top. Two will be for aluminum cans and two will be for plastic drink bottles. The containers will have plastic bags inside and I will place them at a couple of locations at the camp. We tried this out at a campout party last Spring with 100+ people and it worked very well. There was even a container of tin cans that someone started. I will need some help especially with hauling the loot to San Marcos after the party is over. I plan to contribute (not sell) the material to Green Guy Recycling of San Marcos in exchange for their contribution of the containers. So look for the recycling containers at TCR with the Green Guy stickers on them. We do this because we are cavers and besides, there are too damn many people all trying to live together on the same little planet. Sam Young
[Texascavers] recycling
A reminder: All you recyclers at TCR, be sure to look for the recycling containers. We will have two containers for aluminum and two for plastic drink bottles. We will have a pair of them at the Bexar Grotto fish fry Friday night. Another pair will be at the cook's camp where I will be staying. ... Sam Young ___ Texascavers mailing list Texascavers@texascavers.com http://mail.texascavers.com/mailman/listinfo/texascavers_texascavers.com
CaveTex: Aquarena Springs
There is an interesting article in today's (Sunday's) San Marcos Daily record about the work that is going on at Aquarena Springs. They are removing an old diversion pipe and have discovered a cavern in Spring Lake. http://www.sanmarcosrecord.com/ Sam Young
