News from the underground...
I've written about caving (what those who don't do it may refer to as spelunking) before. This past weekend, a contingent from Philly Grotto went to the Spring VAR in order to promote the proposal to have the Fall MAR be a joint event with the Fall VAR next year, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Philly Grotto.
A number of us have been attending both MAR and VAR Spring and Fall events for years. These are generally scheduled on different weekends from each other, in order to allow people to attend both of them if they so desire.
Anyway, to make a long story short (I don't think it's too late for that) the proposal was accepted, and the Fall '07 event will indeed be a joint MAR/VAR.
For anyone who may be interested in trying out this thing called caving, these events are an excellent place to start.
Or, if they're too far away, the NSS (National Speleological Society) has a lot of affiliated organizations nationwide...
posted by camojack | 10:32
13 Comments:
So if you have a bum knee, will you just pull yourself around on your belly with your elbows?! I just don't think I could do it...must be some beautiful stuff down there though. If only you could guarantee no bugs, spiders, or rodents I might...nah! And now I know why you've been a tad touchy lately...knee surgery! Speedy recovery to ya! ;o)
Ixnay ithway ethay umbay eeknay.
(No personal details...)
Being below ground gives my the heebie geebies. But everyone who does that stuff digs it, so who am I to talk?
If I'm going to crawl around underground ,I want to be paid . I'll just get a job as a coal miner.
But...but...but Camojack ,you put your picture on here,oesn't-day at-thay ind-kay of ive-gay ay-away o-whay ou-yay eally-ray re-aay?
I'm putting in my Christmas order early this year. Next time you're down there, be sure to bring me back (3) stalagtites and (5) stalagmites... OK? I just think they would make great stocking stuffers, don't you? (:D)
On a more serious note, be careful and make sure you replace the batteries in that mine helmet!
Best regards...
BTW, to be honest, I have been underground a few times (although certainly not "exploring uncharted territory")... Indian Echo Caverns in PA, Carlsbad Caverns in NM, and one of the "bat" caves in Aruba. I can't remember the name of the cave in Aruba, but it's near the Natural Bridge (the largest natural bridge in the Caribbean). There are several I believe. I don't mind being underground, but if all I had was a flashlight and a rope... well, I think I'd be scared sh**less! (Pardon my French.)
spd rdr:
The heebie geebies? Have you actually tried it, or is that just what you're guessing?
Barb:
If you want to be paid for being underground, there are also jobs as guides in "show" caves.
And but me no buts; a picture isn't giving away much.
(Onay ersonalpay etailsday)
Hawkeye®:
Naughty boy! We do not vandalize the speleothems.
BTW, no batteries required in that light...it runs on calcium carbide.
Anyway, "show" caves were a fascination of mine for years, but there seemed to always be passages that they didn't take you into.
(I wanted to see 'em all)
Regarding caves in the Caribbean and such, they're fairly common...
I'll be doing a little schlepping in my own little cave--into the crawlspace of The Creatures and Slime to turn on the hose water! I'm sure your trip will be MUCH more enjoyable than mine. ;o)
Be Safe and have a great time!
MargeinMI:
Schlepping in the crawlspace is kind of like a microcosm of the caving experience...without the cool formations.
(Generally...)
igpay atinlay...OYVEY!!!
I wouldn't mind the "gettin' dirty" part, or the "bein' underground" part, but I wouldn't want to come face-to-face with any unfriendly "critters," nor would I be too happy about some of the close quarters I'd be forced to go through. [might bring on a little anxiety] I'm sure it's quite fascinating and beautiful to view the formations and do the exploring, as there's nothing more spectacular than God's "creations."
'da Bunny:
Ightray! I often say that God does some of His best work underground.
As for unfriendly critters, the sort that usually lurk in the darkness are more interested in avoiding humans than vice versa.
Dealing with close quarters is another matter entirely; it isn't for everyone...
Camo did you have the Chicken Bake or the Meatloaf???
JR:
Actually? I had a bit o' both...
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