Re: [Texascavers] REI wild caving trip in Statesman
Wow, $145 for a guided trip into Gorman Creek Cave, complete with the wrong kind of rappelling device for a caver! Nichols Outdoor Adventure should charge more than $50 for their trip. Diana ** Diana R. Tomchick Professor Departments of Biophysics and Biochemistry University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center 5323 Harry Hines Blvd. Rm. ND10.214A Dallas, TX 75390-8816 diana.tomch...@utsouthwestern.edu (214) 645-6383 (phone) (214) 645-6353 (fax) > On Oct 24, 2016, at 3:08 PM, texascavers@texascavers.com wrote: > > http://www.mystatesman.com/news/lifestyles/recreation/get-a-new-perspective-on-colorado-bend-state-park-/nssxs/ > ___ > Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com > Texascavers@texascavers.com | Archives: > http://www.mail-archive.com/texascavers@texascavers.com/ > http://lists.texascavers.com/listinfo/texascavers UT Southwestern Medical Center The future of medicine, today. ___ 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] REI wild caving trip in Statesman
Well here is a way Grottos could make some money ;-) And thanks for the confirmation, Diana, I thought that rappel device was somewhat out of place! Stefan Creaser Staff Design Engineer; Physical Design Group; ARM 5707 Southwest Parkway, Bldg 1, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78735, USA. Direct: +1-512-314-1012, Internal: 11012. Email: stefan.crea...@arm.com. Skype: stefan_creaser -Original Message- From: Texascavers [mailto:texascavers-boun...@texascavers.com] On Behalf Of Diana Tomchick via Texascavers Sent: Monday, October 24, 2016 3:24 PM To: Cave Tex Subject: Re: [Texascavers] REI wild caving trip in Statesman Wow, $145 for a guided trip into Gorman Creek Cave, complete with the wrong kind of rappelling device for a caver! Nichols Outdoor Adventure should charge more than $50 for their trip. Diana ** Diana R. Tomchick Professor Departments of Biophysics and Biochemistry University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center 5323 Harry Hines Blvd. Rm. ND10.214A Dallas, TX 75390-8816 diana.tomch...@utsouthwestern.edu (214) 645-6383 (phone) (214) 645-6353 (fax) > On Oct 24, 2016, at 3:08 PM, texascavers@texascavers.com wrote: > > http://www.mystatesman.com/news/lifestyles/recreation/get-a-new-perspective-on-colorado-bend-state-park-/nssxs/ > ___ > Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com > Texascavers@texascavers.com | Archives: > http://www.mail-archive.com/texascavers@texascavers.com/ > http://lists.texascavers.com/listinfo/texascavers UT Southwestern Medical Center The future of medicine, today. ___ Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com Texascavers@texascavers.com | Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/texascavers@texascavers.com/ http://lists.texascavers.com/listinfo/texascavers IMPORTANT NOTICE: The contents of this email and any attachments are confidential and may also be privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately and do not disclose the contents to any other person, use it for any purpose, or store or copy the information in any medium. Thank you. ___ 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] REI wild caving trip in Statesman
Nichols Outdoor Adventures doesn't offer a rappelling tour, since our insurance doesn't cover ropes. Also, it was our understanding that they were doing a one time trip with the previous superintendent. We had no clue that they were making this a recurring event, and it will be interesting to see how this works out, since we use that cave too. -Heather > On Oct 24, 2016, at 3:24 PM, Diana Tomchick via Texascavers > wrote: > > Wow, $145 for a guided trip into Gorman Creek Cave, complete with the wrong > kind of rappelling device for a caver! > > Nichols Outdoor Adventure should charge more than $50 for their trip. > > Diana > > ** > Diana R. Tomchick > Professor > Departments of Biophysics and Biochemistry > University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center > 5323 Harry Hines Blvd. > Rm. ND10.214A > Dallas, TX 75390-8816 > diana.tomch...@utsouthwestern.edu > (214) 645-6383 (phone) > (214) 645-6353 (fax) > >> On Oct 24, 2016, at 3:08 PM, texascavers@texascavers.com wrote: >> >> http://www.mystatesman.com/news/lifestyles/recreation/get-a-new-perspective-on-colorado-bend-state-park-/nssxs/ >> ___ >> Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com >> Texascavers@texascavers.com | Archives: >> http://www.mail-archive.com/texascavers@texascavers.com/ >> http://lists.texascavers.com/listinfo/texascavers > > > > > UT Southwestern > > > Medical Center > > > > The future of medicine, today. > > > ___ > 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
Re: [Texascavers] REI wild caving trip in Statesman
At the very least, someone from the UT Grotto might want to contact REI and get them to hand out information about the grotto to their caving trip participants. Diana ** Diana R. Tomchick Professor Departments of Biophysics and Biochemistry University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center 5323 Harry Hines Blvd. Rm. ND10.214A Dallas, TX 75390-8816 diana.tomch...@utsouthwestern.edu (214) 645-6383 (phone) (214) 645-6353 (fax) > On Oct 24, 2016, at 3:39 PM, texascavers@texascavers.com wrote: > > Nichols Outdoor Adventures doesn't offer a rappelling tour, since our > insurance doesn't cover ropes. > > Also, it was our understanding that they were doing a one time trip with the > previous superintendent. We had no clue that they were making this a > recurring event, and it will be interesting to see how this works out, since > we use that cave too. > > -Heather > > > > >> On Oct 24, 2016, at 3:24 PM, Diana Tomchick via Texascavers >> wrote: >> >> Wow, $145 for a guided trip into Gorman Creek Cave, complete with the wrong >> kind of rappelling device for a caver! >> >> Nichols Outdoor Adventure should charge more than $50 for their trip. >> >> Diana >> >> ** >> Diana R. Tomchick >> Professor >> Departments of Biophysics and Biochemistry >> University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center >> 5323 Harry Hines Blvd. >> Rm. ND10.214A >> Dallas, TX 75390-8816 >> diana.tomch...@utsouthwestern.edu >> (214) 645-6383 (phone) >> (214) 645-6353 (fax) >> >>> On Oct 24, 2016, at 3:08 PM, texascavers@texascavers.com wrote: >>> >>> http://www.mystatesman.com/news/lifestyles/recreation/get-a-new-perspective-on-colorado-bend-state-park-/nssxs/ >>> ___ >>> Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com >>> Texascavers@texascavers.com | Archives: >>> http://www.mail-archive.com/texascavers@texascavers.com/ >>> http://lists.texascavers.com/listinfo/texascavers >> >> >> >> >> UT Southwestern >> >> >> Medical Center >> >> >> >> The future of medicine, today. >> >> >> ___ >> 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 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] REI wild caving trip in Statesman
It’s not often that I add my two cents to these discussions, but in this case it’s worth mentioning an interested person could do much worse than paying for a guided caving trip through the REI Outdoor School. I think it’s a great thing that REI is endorsing these trips and raising caving awareness. Those who get hooked can then track down a local grotto with simply a quick internet search. Heck, I got hooked after a few trips through Enchanted Rock cave with a few friends, fewer flashlights, and a few cellphones for additional light. And I’ve known others who have become active cavers following guided “wild” caving trips at commercial caves. REI is a well-known company who advocates for the same values of preservation and enjoyment of nature that cavers endorse. They lend a sense of legitimacy that frankly, I don’t think the NSS and the local grottos receive from the general public. Those in the know, i.e. cavers, know better, but I would guess the typical REI member has never heard of the NSS. I could be wrong, but it would be a surprise to me. *I think it’s worth the effort roping in (pun intended) those who attend to show that we have better cave access, better training resources, and a friendly and welcoming community*. Diana’s suggestion of contacting REI about handing out UT Grotto information is a good one. As far as the descender choice, it’s adequate for Gorman Creek and those leading the trip are familiar with the use of ATCs. Many of those involved in the trip might also have crossover experience from climbing. I have some strong opinions about descender choices, vertical competency, and self-rescue, but I think it’s a bit nitpicky to criticize them in this circumstance. I'm also glad the article mentioned Nichols Outdoor Adventures as an alternative in the footnote. Regards, Chris Lafferty Sent from the Last Frontier On Mon, Oct 24, 2016 at 12:43 PM, Diana Tomchick via Texascavers < texascavers@texascavers.com> wrote: > At the very least, someone from the UT Grotto might want to contact REI > and get them to hand out information about the grotto to their caving trip > participants. > > Diana > > ** > Diana R. Tomchick > Professor > Departments of Biophysics and Biochemistry > University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center > 5323 Harry Hines Blvd. > Rm. ND10.214A > Dallas, TX 75390-8816 > diana.tomch...@utsouthwestern.edu > (214) 645-6383 (phone) > (214) 645-6353 (fax) > > > On Oct 24, 2016, at 3:39 PM, texascavers@texascavers.com wrote: > > > > Nichols Outdoor Adventures doesn't offer a rappelling tour, since our > insurance doesn't cover ropes. > > > > Also, it was our understanding that they were doing a one time trip with > the previous superintendent. We had no clue that they were making this a > recurring event, and it will be interesting to see how this works out, > since we use that cave too. > > > > -Heather > > > > > > > > > >> On Oct 24, 2016, at 3:24 PM, Diana Tomchick via Texascavers < > texascavers@texascavers.com> wrote: > >> > >> Wow, $145 for a guided trip into Gorman Creek Cave, complete with the > wrong kind of rappelling device for a caver! > >> > >> Nichols Outdoor Adventure should charge more than $50 for their trip. > >> > >> Diana > >> > >> ** > >> Diana R. Tomchick > >> Professor > >> Departments of Biophysics and Biochemistry > >> University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center > >> 5323 Harry Hines Blvd. > >> Rm. ND10.214A > >> Dallas, TX 75390-8816 > >> diana.tomch...@utsouthwestern.edu > >> (214) 645-6383 (phone) > >> (214) 645-6353 (fax) > >> > >>> On Oct 24, 2016, at 3:08 PM, texascavers@texascavers.com wrote: > >>> > >>> http://www.mystatesman.com/news/lifestyles/recreation/ > get-a-new-perspective-on-colorado-bend-state-park-/nssxs/ > >>> ___ > >>> Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com > >>> Texascavers@texascavers.com | Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/ > texascavers@texascavers.com/ > >>> http://lists.texascavers.com/listinfo/texascavers > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> UT Southwestern > >> > >> > >> Medical Center > >> > >> > >> > >> The future of medicine, today. > >> > >> > >> ___ > >> 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 mailing list | http://texascavers.com > Texascavers@texascavers.com | Archives: http://www.mail-archive.
Re: [Texascavers] REI wild caving trip in Statesman
Or, someone from the grotto can volunteer to make a presentation on caving every few months as part of their education and outreach program. I've already done one here in San Antonio and we picked up a couple of new members. Probably should get into the regular rotation. I do have to agree with Chris about the descender issue. ATC's are acceptable and commonly used descender for rock climbing. The rappelling is actually occurring outdoors on pretty clean ropes so there probably isn't an issue with equipment wear, considering the length of the drop. The ATC's provide pretty good friction. I think Chris is right, the scope of the article was limited and we want to be careful about being to nitpicky. I think REI offers some quality instruction for rock climbing and hope they take the same level of care for caving. Asking if you could put up a flyer announcing the grotto meetings and web page is also a good idea. Geary Schindel gschin...@edwardsaquifer.org -Original Message- From: Texascavers [mailto:texascavers-boun...@texascavers.com] On Behalf Of Diana Tomchick via Texascavers Sent: Monday, October 24, 2016 3:43 PM To: Cave Tex Subject: Re: [Texascavers] REI wild caving trip in Statesman At the very least, someone from the UT Grotto might want to contact REI and get them to hand out information about the grotto to their caving trip participants. Diana ** Diana R. Tomchick Professor Departments of Biophysics and Biochemistry University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center 5323 Harry Hines Blvd. Rm. ND10.214A Dallas, TX 75390-8816 diana.tomch...@utsouthwestern.edu (214) 645-6383 (phone) (214) 645-6353 (fax) > On Oct 24, 2016, at 3:39 PM, texascavers@texascavers.com wrote: > > Nichols Outdoor Adventures doesn't offer a rappelling tour, since our > insurance doesn't cover ropes. > > Also, it was our understanding that they were doing a one time trip with the > previous superintendent. We had no clue that they were making this a > recurring event, and it will be interesting to see how this works out, since > we use that cave too. > > -Heather > > > > >> On Oct 24, 2016, at 3:24 PM, Diana Tomchick via Texascavers >> wrote: >> >> Wow, $145 for a guided trip into Gorman Creek Cave, complete with the wrong >> kind of rappelling device for a caver! >> >> Nichols Outdoor Adventure should charge more than $50 for their trip. >> >> Diana >> >> ** >> Diana R. Tomchick >> Professor >> Departments of Biophysics and Biochemistry University of Texas >> Southwestern Medical Center >> 5323 Harry Hines Blvd. >> Rm. ND10.214A >> Dallas, TX 75390-8816 >> diana.tomch...@utsouthwestern.edu >> (214) 645-6383 (phone) >> (214) 645-6353 (fax) >> >>> On Oct 24, 2016, at 3:08 PM, texascavers@texascavers.com wrote: >>> >>> http://www.mystatesman.com/news/lifestyles/recreation/get-a-new-pers >>> pective-on-colorado-bend-state-park-/nssxs/ >>> ___ >>> Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com >>> Texascavers@texascavers.com | Archives: >>> http://www.mail-archive.com/texascavers@texascavers.com/ >>> http://lists.texascavers.com/listinfo/texascavers >> >> >> >> >> UT Southwestern >> >> >> Medical Center >> >> >> >> The future of medicine, today. >> >> >> ___ >> 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 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