Timebot
Newby
Once a caver, always a caver.
Posts: 8
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Post by Timebot on Oct 14, 2007 19:43:06 GMT -5
When caving is going to come in handy. Hi all; it's been a while since I've posted here. But I found out the above when faced with a problem. No step ladder and difficulties with squirrels getting in my attic! The space is too small for a regular ladder to fit up there. I have a step stool but it doesn't go high enough. So today... I took a tip from caving and made a rope ladder and was able to tie it to a board that is nailed across the beams in the attic. FINALLY I was able to climb up there. I'm not finished yet, but at least now I have the ability to get up there and block off the little critters. If I hadn't been climbing chimneys and crawling through tunnels last winter and spring, I doubt if I'd been able to do this. I managed to destroy the nest they were building so far. Here's one pic of the little devil... juliezerbe.com/cpg140/albums/userpics/10001/attic_squirrel.JPGDefinitely skills worth having! Julie
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Brian Roebuck
Site Admin
Caver
Caving - the one activity that really brings you to your knees!
Posts: 2,732
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Post by Brian Roebuck on Oct 14, 2007 20:27:27 GMT -5
Yep, I had to evict a couple squadrons of flying squirrels out of the eaves of our house a few years ago. They had chewed through the screens and got into the attic as well. They were really cool looking as they glided away though - at least from my view through the screen looking at them. Too bad they make so much mess and damage things in houses. I kinda liked them otherwise.
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Timebot
Newby
Once a caver, always a caver.
Posts: 8
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Post by Timebot on Oct 14, 2007 23:05:45 GMT -5
Well those are definitely the reasons they have to git. Besides having their alarm clock go off MUCH earlier than mine, and waking me up with their noise in the morning. Just remember they are *rodents*. Big huge rats with pretty tails. Actually I love 'em when they're not in my house! Still, it amazed me that I could get up in there. I would have been much more leery of it a year and sixty pounds ago!
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Brian Roebuck
Site Admin
Caver
Caving - the one activity that really brings you to your knees!
Posts: 2,732
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Post by Brian Roebuck on Oct 15, 2007 5:53:01 GMT -5
Caving is good for you in so many ways! I hope you have success in your rodent eviction process.
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L Roebuck
Technical Support
Caving
^V^ Just a caver
Posts: 2,023
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Post by L Roebuck on Oct 15, 2007 7:34:06 GMT -5
:)Hi Timebot! Where have you been hiding? Possessing caving skills is definitely a plus! Blocking the entry point is the first must do. I remember the squirrels that moved into our attic made a big mess too. Romped and played all through the night. They munched on most everything, nested in things they shouldn't have and left squirrel guano everywhere.
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Post by madratdan on Oct 15, 2007 8:47:03 GMT -5
Julie, Make sure you look at your house wiring for spots they may have chewed. I had the little buggers strip a bunch of insulation off the wires in the ceiling of the nursery office. Luckily the most damaged one was old and not in use, but there were others that could have started a fire. I ended up putting the ones I could in plastic conduit. Good luck and if you need help inspecting your wiring, give me a call.
My next cave trip is this Saturday to Pedro's. Your more than welcome to tag along.
Dan
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Timebot
Newby
Once a caver, always a caver.
Posts: 8
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Post by Timebot on Oct 15, 2007 13:20:18 GMT -5
In the attic, can't you tell? No, actually I've been experiencing some pretty drastic life changes. I go to meetings two nights a week, do open mic poetry two nights a week and hang out with a singles group. In addition I've been working on my house, yard and garage. Whew! Busy lifestyle! Actually it looks like they put all the wiring in metal conduit up there already. I think this was probably an ongoing problem. Thanks for the inspection offer. I'll have to have you and LP over sometime for a visit! I'm thinking about doing a full day open house sometime during the holidays if things go well. I'll keep Saturday in mind. Going to a "Star Party" that night, but that leaves plenty of time for daytime caving. Pedro's? Oh I'd love to climb that "men's room" chimney again! I'll definitely keep it in mind if nothing more important (family wise) comes up.
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Timebot
Newby
Once a caver, always a caver.
Posts: 8
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Post by Timebot on Oct 20, 2007 10:15:23 GMT -5
Really wishing I could this morning. Unfortunately I've spent VERY little time at home this week and need to catch up on a lot of things! But keep me on the list of people anyhow!
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Post by madratdan on Oct 22, 2007 9:05:09 GMT -5
Hi Julie,
We'll miss you at the meetings, but there will be a trip going somewhere on most weekends. How did you like that snowstorm on Sunday?? Jon done missed out on the first snow on the season. LOL!!
This weekend a group of us are headed to MVOR, but I'll keep you posted as to what's going on for November. My plans are to do a couple of Huccy's trips and a Pedro's trip on Saturdays for grotto and new people in the project. Sunday trips will be to that breezy cave that needs the bridge project completed once and for all. Your invited to either, or, or both. LP and I are always looking for a third person for help in there.
Don't forget the Christmas Party in December. Bring all your poetry friends and lead them on a "lost tour".
Cave Softly, Dan
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Timebot
Newby
Once a caver, always a caver.
Posts: 8
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Post by Timebot on Oct 22, 2007 11:28:14 GMT -5
Cool! Yes I'll try to get in on the weekend trips. Snow in my neighborhood wasn't too bad - I went to see a friend in Manitou and we were sitting around chatting in the living room. Suddenly it looked like a blizzard outside when a hard wind gust blew snow off the trees. Yeah, snow won't hit down south for a while. I will try to make some of the trips in November. especially Huccy's. "Lost tour"? Whassat? By the way, the squirrels seem to have vacated the premises, and I do have an indoor stepladder now. Good, because someone told me some El Paso county squirrels have tested positive for plague! Toodles! Hi Julie, We'll miss you at the meetings, but there will be a trip going somewhere on most weekends. How did you like that snowstorm on Sunday?? Jon done missed out on the first snow on the season. LOL!! This weekend a group of us are headed to MVOR, but I'll keep you posted as to what's going on for November. My plans are to do a couple of Huccy's trips and a Pedro's trip on Saturdays for grotto and new people in the project. Sunday trips will be to that breezy cave that needs the bridge project completed once and for all. Your invited to either, or, or both. LP and I are always looking for a third person for help in there. Don't forget the Christmas Party in December. Bring all your poetry friends and lead them on a "lost tour". Cave Softly, Dan
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