texascavers Digest 27 Oct 2010 20:58:37 -0000 Issue 1178
Topics (messages 16415 through 16422):
Video of the Day
16415 by: David
spelestology ?
16416 by: David
a caver obituary
16417 by: David
16419 by: Gill Edigar
N.M. rappelling experts make history at Naica :
16418 by: JerryAtkin.aol.com
A major concern of Texas river runners
16420 by: speleosteele.tx.rr.com
16421 by: Robert Burnett
Ralph Batsche -Mexico 1974
16422 by: James McLane
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----------------------------------------------------------------------
--- Begin Message ---
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YsSAjQ6Wdc
This thru-trip takes nearly an hour using a motor-powered
canoe. ( not sure if canoe is the correct term - very long skinny
jonboat might be a better description - see 2:35 )
There are some formations from 0:52 to 1:02
Note the family of water buffalo crossing the river at 2:34
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
This is news to me, but the study of artificial caves is called,
"spelestology."
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
I am saddened to report that I just learned of a caver friend that passed
away back in February.
Ralph Batsche
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailyprogress/obituary.aspx?n=ralph-w-batsche&pid=139693890
I will let someone else tell more about him.
Here is what I recall:
He and I made a trip to Grutas de Carrizal with Pam ( Woods ? ) in 1992.
He moved from Houston
back east shortly after that, and I think the last time I saw him was at the
2000 NSS Convention.
I know he was active in the Houston Grotto from 1989 to about 1993, and
probably much longer than
that. He had a very pleasant personality. I only wish I had known him
better, and could have gone
on more cave trips with him.
David Locklear
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
I remember Ralph perfectly well but will be damned if I can remember
any specific incidents I participated in with him.
--Ediger
On Wed, Oct 27, 2010 at 1:32 AM, David <dlocklea...@gmail.com> wrote:
> I am saddened to report that I just learned of a caver friend that passed
> away back in February.
> Ralph Batsche
> http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailyprogress/obituary.aspx?n=ralph-w-batsche&pid=139693890
> I will let someone else tell more about him.
> Here is what I recall:
> He and I made a trip to Grutas de Carrizal with Pam ( Woods ? ) in 1992.
> He moved from Houston
> back east shortly after that, and I think the last time I saw him was at the
> 2000 NSS Convention.
> I know he was active in the Houston Grotto from 1989 to about 1993, and
> probably much longer than
> that. He had a very pleasant personality. I only wish I had known him
> better, and could have gone
> on more cave trips with him.
> David Locklear
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
N.M. rappelling experts make history
National Geographic cave exploration
Updated: Tuesday, 26 Oct 2010, 9:40 PM MDT
Published : Tuesday, 26 Oct 2010, 6:50 PM MDT
ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Three New Mexico rappelling experts were asked by the
National Geographic Channel to help explore one of the most spectacular
places on earth, the Lost Crystal Caves in Mexico, and they ended up making a
little history.
Marc Beverly, Jason Williams and Justin Spain all specialize in mountain
search and rescue, and from time to time they’ve all rappelled down the
Sandia Mountains just outside Albuquerque.
The _National Geographic Channel_
(http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/04/photogalleries/giant-crystals-cave/)
asked Beverly to help explore
the Giant Crystal Caves in Mexico but he would need a team to get it done.
Beverly called in Williams and Spain. They both said yes.
In December, they made the journey down to Naica, Mexico. They first
entered Los Cristales Cave where they saw giant crystals, some measuring 36
feet
long and weigh 55 tons.
“It was absolutely amazing; it felt like a different planet, a different
area,” Spain said.
“The one unanswered question is, was there still more passages inside the
crystal cave?” Williams said.
They discovered a new passageway that they squeezed a camera through to
peek inside.
“We estimate that the hole does open up to a new cavern,” Williams said.
However, that wasn’t the main reason they were called in.
“We found a cave that the drill had gone through,” Beverly said.
“We were hanging over a 2,000 foot pit to the bottom,” Spain said.
“My job and task was to go down and install anchors in the cave to bring
the National Geographic crew into the cave,” Williams said.
At the bottom of the pit the crew found another crystal cave. While the
team is used to hot temperature, after rappelling off the Sandia Mountains,
they said they couldn’t really prepare for what was in store.
“You put your hand across that barrier, and it's instantly hot,” Beverly
said.
“It's about 150 degrees Fahrenheit,” Spain said.
“You also have this internal time bomb start ticking in your head, telling
you I need to get out of this environment,” Williams said.
They stayed, finished the job and gathered crystals for the scientist
waiting above.
“It looked like ice at first, so we called the entire thing permafrost,”
Spain said.
While the sight wasn't as grand as the main Los Cristales cave, lead guide
Beverly said the feeling of being the first one to step foot inside was
worth it.
“It’s very rare that somebody has the opportunity on the planet, or even
the moon for that matter, that somebody else hasn't been to,” Beverly said.
Their episode airs again on Nov. 7 at 5 p.m. on the National Geographic
Channel.
The main giant crystal cave was discovered in 2000. In the past few years
teams have been ordered to wear ice suits to prevent heat exhaustion from
the scorching temperatures.
_http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/environment/nm-rappelling-experts-make-history
_
(http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/environment/nm-rappelling-experts-make-history)
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Many of your know my son, Brian, who works at the downtown REI store in Austin.
He has alerted me
to a big concern of his regarding the Devil’s River State Natural Area. This is
his letter to TPWD
sent yesterday:
Dear Parks and Wildlife,
I write this to respectfully but energetically express my disagreement with the
proposed swap of the existing Devils River SNA for a smaller park that also
costs 8 million more. At present I do not feel as though the public, myself
included, has enough information to weigh in in an informed manner regarding
the merits of this proposal....
You will not find another individual that appreciates the beauty and solitude
of the existing park and river more than myself.... I have frequented the park
for 15 years, by land and by river many times.... It is a pristine jewel in the
parks system. To trade this resource in a hasty and seemingly 'back room'
manner is simply unacceptable. The people of Texas deserve a more thorough
public input period where the merits of this proposal can be deliberated on in
an open and informed manner.
Sincerely...
Brian Steele
Here’s the background information. I encourage you to also get involved:
This is a letter written by Tom Goynes, President of the Texas Rivers
Protection Association
Dear Sheila Reiter,
On October 13, I received the news release that is attached below (dated
October 12). It pertains to a plan that the Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department (TPWD) has to trade the Devils River State Natural Area (DRSNA)
plus 8 million dollars in cash for a smaller tract of land further down the
Devils River known as the Devils River Ranch (DRR). The plan was first made
³public² at a brown bag lunch that the executive director of TPWD holds
several times a year with a few representatives of various conservation
organizations (like the Sierra Club, the National Wildlife Federation and
the Audubon Society). As far as we can tell, no representatives of paddling
groups were present at that meeting.
There are some major problems that we see with this land swap:
1) The state would be losing, rather than gaining natural area (from the
current 19,988 acres down to 17,600 acres). And, while the state would be
getting more waterfront (approximately 5 miles of ³riverfront² and 5 miles
of lakefront compared with the 1.5 miles of riverfront in the DRSNA) most
of that waterfront would be flat water that is adversely affected by the
winds coming off Lake Amistad. It should also be noted that the DRR is
adjacent to the Amistad National Recreation Area, which is 58,500 acres in
size, and contains numerous opportunities for camping, hiking, boating and
other outdoor activities.
2) The 8 million dollars of additional money that the state will have to pay
to conclude this ³swap² will use up all of the land acquisition money
available to the TPWD and still leave a shortfall of 2 million dollars. (We
have been told that TPWD has 4 million dollars of land acquisition money,
they will get an anonymous gift of 2 million dollars if they swap this land,
and they will need to find the remaining 2 million dollars somewhere).
3) Even if the state can come up with the 8 million dollars to acquire this
property, they will still need to find monies to complete a management plan
(approximately $650,000) and construction and maintenance funds for this new
park. There are simply better ways for the state to spend its limited
resources.
4) The loss of the DRSNA will mean that fly-fishermen, canoeists and
kayakers wishing to run the Devils will lose the only public campsite that
currently exists between Hwy 163 and Lake Amistad. At this time, paddlers
can launch early in the morning at Bakers Crossing and make it to the
primitive camping area at the DRSNA (about 15 miles by river) before dark.
Currently, paddlers can use the DRSNA as a put in (it could be used as a
take out as well, with a change in policy) to run the ten-mile section of
river from the DRSNA to the private take out in the Blue Sage Subdivision.
We would suggest, as an alternative to this planned swap, that the state use
its limited funds to:
1) Acquire (or develop) a put in near the Hwy 163 crossing. (If the owners
of Bakers Crossing are willing to sell, that would make a great
acquisition).
2) Acquire (through purchase, lease or agreement) certain river accessible
sites that can be used by river users for lunch spots and/or campsites.
This would help eliminate many of the "trespass" issues related to running
the Devils.
3) Acquire a take out - either in the vicinity of the current Blue Sage take
out, or possibly a portion of the DRR. (Paddlers don't need 17,000 acres of
property for campsites, put ins or take outs - they need much smaller tracts
of land).
We would also suggest that the state should modify its policy at the DRSNA:
Allow paddlers to have the combination to the gate to the river access area
and allow paddlers to drive there to launch or take out their craft. Allow
paddlers to leave their vehicles in a safe area, out of the floodway, and
considerably closer to the river than the current parking area that is 1.5
miles from the river. That way, paddlers could use the DRSNA as a put in or
a take out.
It would also be helpful if the state would either put in composting toilets
at the designated primitive campsites, or mandate that river users carry out
all solid human waste. The state should encourage zero impact camping.
To help eliminate altercations between river users and landowners, it might
also be necessary for the state to instigate a river permit system for
running the Devils, which would require certain equipment (like fire pans
and portable toilets) in a manner similar to the system the National Park
System employs in Big Bend National Park.
If you agree with the above statements, it is very important that you convey
your thoughts to the TPWD. You have three possibilities to do so:
1) Plan to attend the hearing at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, October 26 in San
Antonio Texas at the Central Public Library, 600 Soledad, San Antonio, TX
(210) 207-2500
2) Plan to attend the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Meeting at 9
a.m. on November 4, in the Commission Hearing Room at TPWD headquarters,
4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744
3) Send a letter to Ted Hollingsworth, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department,
4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744. Or e-mail him at:
ted.hollingswo...@tpwd.state.tx.us
Your opinion is important, and we need you to express it if we are to save
our access to the Devils River. Thanks!
Tom Goynes
President
Texas Rivers Protection Association
444 Pecan Park Drive
San Marcos, TX
78666
512-392-6171
e-mail: tomgoy...@mac.com
Oct. 12, 2010
Media Contact: Tom Harvey, (512) 389-4453, tom.har...@tpwd.state.tx.us
TPWD Proposes Land Acquisition for New State Park on Devils River
AUSTIN, Texas The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission on Nov. 4 will
consider a proposal to acquire a 17,638-acre property for a new state park
on the Devils River in Val Verde County. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
leaders will hold public meetings about the proposal Oct. 20 in Del Rio and
Oct. 26 in San Antonio.
The proposal would result in the exchange of the existing Devils River State
Natural Area as partial payment for a privately owned ranch downriver, which
would become a new state park. The ranch has significantly more river
frontage and better public access as well as outstanding natural and
cultural features.
³By repositioning our existing assets along the Devils River, we can
increase public access to and awareness of this spectacular river, as well
as expand protection of this region¹s uniquely important natural and
cultural resources,² said Carter Smith, TPWD executive director.
³A permanent conservation easement on the existing state natural area
property will prevent unsuitable development and ensure continued protection
there,² Smith said. ³The new property, which is also protected by a
conservation easement, will become a premiere park to boost the regional
economy and provide enhanced recreation options to Texans for decades to
come.²
The ranch has 10 miles of frontage on the Devils River and Amistad Reservoir
with spectacular views from mesas and canyons, and a variety of wildlife
habitats.
If the commission approves this proposal, TPWD is committed to a
comprehensive master planning process, involving a broad spectrum of
stakeholders, including landowners, paddlers, traditional park users, and
local officials, resulting in a public use plan outlining how and when
people can enjoy the property.
³The agency¹s goal is to balance landowner rights along the river with
public recreational access and effective stewardship of this region¹s
incredible natural and cultural resources,² says Scott Boruff, Deputy
Executive Director of Operations.
The department is working to inform elected officials, Devils River
landowners, key stakeholder groups and the public about the proposal. The
agency will hold two formal public meetings where they will explain the
proposal and answer questions:
6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 20 Del Rio Civic Center, Mesquite Room, 1915
Veteran¹s Blvd., Del Rio, TX (830-774-8641)
6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 26 Central Public Library, 600 Soledad, San Antonio,
TX (210) 207-2500
The public may comment on the proposal at the Nov. 4 Texas Parks and
Wildlife Commission meeting in Austin.
Questions or comments about the proposal can be sent by email to
ted.hollingswo...@tpwd.state.tx.us or by regular mail to Ted Hollingsworth,
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX
78744.
PHOTOS of the ranch property proposed for acquisition are available for news
media use as high resolution .jpg files that can be downloaded from the News
Images area of the TPWD website.
On the Net:
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/news_images/?g=devils_river_land_acqui
sition
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Bill, Thanks for the heads up. I can't believe I haven't heard about this. .
Everyone else listen up this is something in which many cavers should be
interested. There are caves on DRSNA.
Rune
----- Original Message -----
From: <speleoste...@tx.rr.com>
To: <Texascavers@texascavers.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 27, 2010 2:34 PM
Subject: [Texascavers] A major concern of Texas river runners
Many of your know my son, Brian, who works at the downtown REI store in
Austin. He has alerted me
to a big concern of his regarding the Devil’s River State Natural Area. This
is his letter to TPWD
sent yesterday:
Dear Parks and Wildlife,
I write this to respectfully but energetically express my disagreement with
the proposed swap of the existing Devils River SNA for a smaller park that
also costs 8 million more. At present I do not feel as though the public,
myself included, has enough information to weigh in in an informed manner
regarding the merits of this proposal....
You will not find another individual that appreciates the beauty and
solitude of the existing park and river more than myself.... I have
frequented the park for 15 years, by land and by river many times.... It is
a pristine jewel in the parks system. To trade this resource in a hasty and
seemingly 'back room' manner is simply unacceptable. The people of Texas
deserve a more thorough public input period where the merits of this
proposal can be deliberated on in an open and informed manner.
Sincerely...
Brian Steele
Here’s the background information. I encourage you to also get involved:
This is a letter written by Tom Goynes, President of the Texas Rivers
Protection Association
Dear Sheila Reiter,
On October 13, I received the news release that is attached below (dated
October 12). It pertains to a plan that the Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department (TPWD) has to trade the Devils River State Natural Area (DRSNA)
plus 8 million dollars in cash for a smaller tract of land further down the
Devils River known as the Devils River Ranch (DRR). The plan was first made
³public² at a brown bag lunch that the executive director of TPWD holds
several times a year with a few representatives of various conservation
organizations (like the Sierra Club, the National Wildlife Federation and
the Audubon Society). As far as we can tell, no representatives of paddling
groups were present at that meeting.
There are some major problems that we see with this land swap:
1) The state would be losing, rather than gaining natural area (from the
current 19,988 acres down to 17,600 acres). And, while the state would be
getting more waterfront (approximately 5 miles of ³riverfront² and 5 miles
of lakefront compared with the 1.5 miles of riverfront in the DRSNA) most
of that waterfront would be flat water that is adversely affected by the
winds coming off Lake Amistad. It should also be noted that the DRR is
adjacent to the Amistad National Recreation Area, which is 58,500 acres in
size, and contains numerous opportunities for camping, hiking, boating and
other outdoor activities.
2) The 8 million dollars of additional money that the state will have to pay
to conclude this ³swap² will use up all of the land acquisition money
available to the TPWD and still leave a shortfall of 2 million dollars. (We
have been told that TPWD has 4 million dollars of land acquisition money,
they will get an anonymous gift of 2 million dollars if they swap this land,
and they will need to find the remaining 2 million dollars somewhere).
3) Even if the state can come up with the 8 million dollars to acquire this
property, they will still need to find monies to complete a management plan
(approximately $650,000) and construction and maintenance funds for this new
park. There are simply better ways for the state to spend its limited
resources.
4) The loss of the DRSNA will mean that fly-fishermen, canoeists and
kayakers wishing to run the Devils will lose the only public campsite that
currently exists between Hwy 163 and Lake Amistad. At this time, paddlers
can launch early in the morning at Bakers Crossing and make it to the
primitive camping area at the DRSNA (about 15 miles by river) before dark.
Currently, paddlers can use the DRSNA as a put in (it could be used as a
take out as well, with a change in policy) to run the ten-mile section of
river from the DRSNA to the private take out in the Blue Sage Subdivision.
We would suggest, as an alternative to this planned swap, that the state use
its limited funds to:
1) Acquire (or develop) a put in near the Hwy 163 crossing. (If the owners
of Bakers Crossing are willing to sell, that would make a great
acquisition).
2) Acquire (through purchase, lease or agreement) certain river accessible
sites that can be used by river users for lunch spots and/or campsites.
This would help eliminate many of the "trespass" issues related to running
the Devils.
3) Acquire a take out - either in the vicinity of the current Blue Sage take
out, or possibly a portion of the DRR. (Paddlers don't need 17,000 acres of
property for campsites, put ins or take outs - they need much smaller tracts
of land).
We would also suggest that the state should modify its policy at the DRSNA:
Allow paddlers to have the combination to the gate to the river access area
and allow paddlers to drive there to launch or take out their craft. Allow
paddlers to leave their vehicles in a safe area, out of the floodway, and
considerably closer to the river than the current parking area that is 1.5
miles from the river. That way, paddlers could use the DRSNA as a put in or
a take out.
It would also be helpful if the state would either put in composting toilets
at the designated primitive campsites, or mandate that river users carry out
all solid human waste. The state should encourage zero impact camping.
To help eliminate altercations between river users and landowners, it might
also be necessary for the state to instigate a river permit system for
running the Devils, which would require certain equipment (like fire pans
and portable toilets) in a manner similar to the system the National Park
System employs in Big Bend National Park.
If you agree with the above statements, it is very important that you convey
your thoughts to the TPWD. You have three possibilities to do so:
1) Plan to attend the hearing at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, October 26 in San
Antonio Texas at the Central Public Library, 600 Soledad, San Antonio, TX
(210) 207-2500
2) Plan to attend the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Meeting at 9
a.m. on November 4, in the Commission Hearing Room at TPWD headquarters,
4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744
3) Send a letter to Ted Hollingsworth, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department,
4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744. Or e-mail him at:
ted.hollingswo...@tpwd.state.tx.us
Your opinion is important, and we need you to express it if we are to save
our access to the Devils River. Thanks!
Tom Goynes
President
Texas Rivers Protection Association
444 Pecan Park Drive
San Marcos, TX
78666
512-392-6171
e-mail: tomgoy...@mac.com
Oct. 12, 2010
Media Contact: Tom Harvey, (512) 389-4453, tom.har...@tpwd.state.tx.us
TPWD Proposes Land Acquisition for New State Park on Devils River
AUSTIN, Texas The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission on Nov. 4 will
consider a proposal to acquire a 17,638-acre property for a new state park
on the Devils River in Val Verde County. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
leaders will hold public meetings about the proposal Oct. 20 in Del Rio and
Oct. 26 in San Antonio.
The proposal would result in the exchange of the existing Devils River State
Natural Area as partial payment for a privately owned ranch downriver, which
would become a new state park. The ranch has significantly more river
frontage and better public access as well as outstanding natural and
cultural features.
³By repositioning our existing assets along the Devils River, we can
increase public access to and awareness of this spectacular river, as well
as expand protection of this region¹s uniquely important natural and
cultural resources,² said Carter Smith, TPWD executive director.
³A permanent conservation easement on the existing state natural area
property will prevent unsuitable development and ensure continued protection
there,² Smith said. ³The new property, which is also protected by a
conservation easement, will become a premiere park to boost the regional
economy and provide enhanced recreation options to Texans for decades to
come.²
The ranch has 10 miles of frontage on the Devils River and Amistad Reservoir
with spectacular views from mesas and canyons, and a variety of wildlife
habitats.
If the commission approves this proposal, TPWD is committed to a
comprehensive master planning process, involving a broad spectrum of
stakeholders, including landowners, paddlers, traditional park users, and
local officials, resulting in a public use plan outlining how and when
people can enjoy the property.
³The agency¹s goal is to balance landowner rights along the river with
public recreational access and effective stewardship of this region¹s
incredible natural and cultural resources,² says Scott Boruff, Deputy
Executive Director of Operations.
The department is working to inform elected officials, Devils River
landowners, key stakeholder groups and the public about the proposal. The
agency will hold two formal public meetings where they will explain the
proposal and answer questions:
6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 20 Del Rio Civic Center, Mesquite Room, 1915
Veteran¹s Blvd., Del Rio, TX (830-774-8641)
6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 26 Central Public Library, 600 Soledad, San Antonio,
TX (210) 207-2500
The public may comment on the proposal at the Nov. 4 Texas Parks and
Wildlife Commission meeting in Austin.
Questions or comments about the proposal can be sent by email to
ted.hollingswo...@tpwd.state.tx.us or by regular mail to Ted Hollingsworth,
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX
78744.
PHOTOS of the ranch property proposed for acquisition are available for news
media use as high resolution .jpg files that can be downloaded from the News
Images area of the TPWD website.
On the Net:
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/news_images/?g=devils_river_land_acqui
sition
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--- Begin Message ---
I'm not sure if the "texascavers" will permit a link to some photos (in the
Microsoft Silverlight cloud) of a trip with Ralph Batsche but I will try with
this this e-mail.
For years , Ralph Batsche was a steady supporter of caving in Houston. I can't
recall many details of specific trips with him, but he was very active in the
early 1970's. He was a prominent geophysicist here in Houston. In the mid
1980's Ralph lost his job in the collapse of the oil and gas business. He
moved to West Virginia to live near his children. I spent some time with him at
the NSS convention in West Virginia (1995).
One of Ralph's habits was to keep a very detailed daily diary of all his cave
trips. Now I wonder what has become of that document. It would contain some
historic information about early caving activities in Mexico.
I probably have many good photos of Ralph, but the one in this batch was
easiest to locate. The photos in this link were taken over Thanksgiving
holidays 1974 in Mexico. Ralph standing around a fire in photo #16. This was
a cold trip into the mountains that hold the Sistema Purification (although
that cave system had not been named yet). Besides Ralph Batche and myself, the
people involved were Bill Sherborn, Mike and Teresa Connolly, Tom Iliffe
(Galveston Caver) and Jeff Etherage. Jeff was to die a couple of years later
from complications following hip surgery.
On the first day into the mountains those of us riding motorcycles experienced
hypothermia when a wet cold front came through. We visited Cueva Brinco and
then went up on the Mesa Juarez to Rancho Nuevo to see Cueva California. The
radiator core on Bill's van developed a leak, but we were able to drive back
down out of the mountains with the cap off, just adding water frequently.
Photo #16 shows (left to Right) Bill Sherborn, Ralph Batche, Jeff Etherage,
Teresa and Mike Connolly and Tom Iliffe.
Jim McLane
Houston TX
Ralph Batsche -Mexico 1974
VIEW SLIDE SHOW
DOWNLOAD ALL
ADD MORE PHOTOS
This online album has 35 photos and will be available on SkyDrive until
01/25/2011.
Share your own slide shows with Hotmail > Date: Wed, 27 Oct 2010 06:55:15 -0500
> Subject: Re: [Texascavers] a caver obituary
> From: gi...@att.net
> To: dlocklea...@gmail.com
> CC: texascavers@texascavers.com; themcl...@hotmail.com; dmlade...@juno.com;
> don...@juno.com; cfro...@yahoo.com
>
> I remember Ralph perfectly well but will be damned if I can remember
> any specific incidents I participated in with him.
> --Ediger
>
> On Wed, Oct 27, 2010 at 1:32 AM, David <dlocklea...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > I am saddened to report that I just learned of a caver friend that passed
> > away back in February.
> > Ralph Batsche
> > http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailyprogress/obituary.aspx?n=ralph-w-batsche&pid=139693890
> > I will let someone else tell more about him.
> > Here is what I recall:
> > He and I made a trip to Grutas de Carrizal with Pam ( Woods ? ) in 1992.
> > He moved from Houston
> > back east shortly after that, and I think the last time I saw him was at the
> > 2000 NSS Convention.
> > I know he was active in the Houston Grotto from 1989 to about 1993, and
> > probably much longer than
> > that. He had a very pleasant personality. I only wish I had known him
> > better, and could have gone
> > on more cave trips with him.
> > David Locklear
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