*New book, Caving with Mitch*
Announcing the publication of a new book, *Caving with Mitch**, *by *Francis E. Abernethy**. *The 80-page book with color covers is available as a *free pdf* to download at *https://cavelife.info/cuevashistoricas*/ <https://cavelife.info/cuevashistoricas/> *Caving with Mitch* is the true and humorous adventure story of three great friends, Francis E. Abernethy (“Ab”), Robert W. Mitchell (“Mitch” or “Bob”), and William L. Rhodes (“Dusty”). They were active at the beginning of American caving in Mexico. Only Dusty survives today. You will read about their famous trip to Sótano de Huitzmolotitla in 1960, where they descended the 344 ft. (105 m) pit on a cable winch that they engineered. This was before single rope technique was adopted by most cavers. Their methods improved as they made more research trips. From 1959 until 1977 they periodically explored caves, canyons, natural history, biology, Mexican culture, and made many friends. They developed a deep love for Mexico and Belize. They discovered the first species of blind scorpion in Mexico, and many other species new to science. They collected blind cavefishes (*Astyanax*), which led to important scientific publications. They had some hairy experiences. They rode a freight train to Copper Canyon, their jeeps chained to a flatbed car, sitting on boxcars and taking photos—until they saw a low railroad tunnel coming! Then there was the driverless jeep that tried to pass them on the highway! I am the editor and publisher of the book, which is the first number of *Cuevas Históricas* (Historic Caves) on my website https://cavelife.info/*. *It will be followed by other works about caves, especially lost or forgotten cave maps and descriptions that have been rescued from oblivion. The pdf is free and copyrighted. A run of *50 to 100* *printed books* will be for sale from now *until July 15, 2022*, followed by the printing and mailout. The books will be perfect bound with glossy covers and a spine. I am collaborating in this publishing project with Linda Mitchell, Bob’s widow, Sharon Mitchell, Bob’s daughter, and Dusty Rhodes. To order one or more printed books, please contact Linda Mitchell at lindaglassmitch...@gmail.com and copy me at speodes...@gmail.com. Payment will be by Venmo or PayPal to Linda’s email, no checks or cash. Include your full name, street address, email, and phone with your email order. You will send the payment at $20 per book, and we will acknowledge your order. Your purchase includes media mail postage to the 48 contiguous US states. You must pay to reserve a book. Please contact Linda about the additional mailing cost for addresses outside the lower 48 states. Sincerely, *William R. (Bill) Elliott* 30105 Briarcrest Court Georgetown, Texas 78628 *speodes...@gmail.com <speodes...@gmail.com>* 573-291-5093 cell
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