Anyone for salad this year? ;-) --Stefan [Chief Cook and Bottle Washer]
From: Fritz Holt [mailto:fh...@townandcountryins.com] Sent: Wednesday, September 07, 2011 4:18 PM To: 'Gill Edigar'; Diana Tomchick; 'Mandy Holt'; 'Jenny Holt' Cc: Cave Tex Subject: RE: [Texascavers] TCR 2011! Gill, I'm convinced, you smooth talker you. My ATV (but hopefully not me) stays at home. I'll have my hiking boots and walking stick but please don't call it a cane. TCR is always a blast and I don't see how it could be any dustier than last years gathering. I guess there will be more cold meals at campsites this year. That's OK as I like cereal. If Dave's Cave Saloon is operating this year I will have to make a donation as I am sure it will be heavily frequented. Fritz ________________________________ From: bgillegi...@gmail.com [mailto:bgillegi...@gmail.com] On Behalf Of Gill Edigar Sent: Wednesday, September 07, 2011 4:03 PM To: Diana Tomchick Cc: Fritz Holt; Cave Tex Subject: Re: [Texascavers] TCR 2011! My gut feeling, having many years of experience at Flat Creek Ranch and having physically walked the grounds last week, is that this is a most exceptional year. The drouth has dealt us a double blow that we normally don't have to be concerned with--low water and dry and dead plant material (= fuel for wild fires). And unless we have significant rains before TCR we must do as much as possible to prevent sparks and dust and should be prepared to fight any fires that may arise. We will be camped next to tender dry juniper which burns like gasoline when ignited and spreads like wildfire--literally. As a first response measure I've suggested that everyone include a dry chemical fire extinguisher (or 2) when packing their caving vehicle for TCR. I'm going to suggest that this year people leave ATVs and such at home. Not only would they be unusually dusty and noisy this year but they can tear up what little vegetation may be trying to survive and are more likely to create sparks and, perhaps, flames. The few people who use them for getting around due to disabilities should operate them slowly and considerately. Bicycles should not be a problem but it would be good to remember that flint rocks litter the ranch and flint rocks make sparks. Be aware of what is happening behind you. Or, better yet, stick to the paved roads as much as possible. Be aware that the creek water behind the dam is low and warm. Warm water can be home to certain organism that could be harmful to even normally healthy cavers. Diana, perhaps you can expound on this a bit. The hot tub will be treated but the pond will not be. I've been in consultation with the Ranch Manager and the TCR operatives and have made the above suggestions. I'm convinced that we can have a lot of fun and a good TCR despite some differences this year. Don't stay home just because it won't be exactly the same as you remember. There'll still be plenty to enjoy--people and activities. Stay tuned for further announcements from the organizers as we get closer. Maybe it'll rain and the TCR will get back to normal--or abnormal, however you see it. Rain dances at Grotto meetings and where ever cavers gather would be appreciated. --Ediger -- 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.
