Timebot
Newby
Once a caver, always a caver.
Posts: 8
|
Post by Timebot on Mar 6, 2007 10:31:05 GMT -5
Great article, Jon. Thanks for posting that. Nice for newbies.
|
|
Timebot
Newby
Once a caver, always a caver.
Posts: 8
|
Post by Timebot on Oct 26, 2007 22:06:57 GMT -5
That was GREAT! Well done. What a wide variety of formations. I was impressed.
|
|
Timebot
Newby
Once a caver, always a caver.
Posts: 8
|
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
|
|
Timebot
Newby
Once a caver, always a caver.
Posts: 8
|
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!
|
|
Timebot
Newby
Once a caver, always a caver.
Posts: 8
|
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.
|
|
Timebot
Newby
Once a caver, always a caver.
Posts: 8
|
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!
|
|
Timebot
Newby
Once a caver, always a caver.
Posts: 8
|
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
|
|
Timebot
Newby
Once a caver, always a caver.
Posts: 8
|
Post by Timebot on Jan 18, 2007 19:51:50 GMT -5
Wow - thank you all for the welcome and I'm definitely looking forward to exploring the underworld! Julie
|
|
Timebot
Newby
Once a caver, always a caver.
Posts: 8
|
Post by Timebot on Jan 17, 2007 21:28:57 GMT -5
Well I haven't been caving other than the usual tour thingy's, but hope to soon, now that I have a friend that is a caver. (hi jon!) About me; published poet, web designer, & help other people get books publish. Two grown kids & 1 grand-darling and I've lived in various places all over the U.S. - Southern Cal, DC area, Va Bch, and visited summers in the midwest. Now I live in Colorado since '92. I've been to Natural Bridge Caverns in VA, Cave of the Winds here in Co, and the Mollie Kathleen Mine in Cripple Creek. I'm really looking forward to learning more about spelunking. ;D Julie
|
|
Timebot
Newby
Once a caver, always a caver.
Posts: 8
|
Post by Timebot on Oct 28, 2007 19:19:39 GMT -5
Four persons went on todays dig in Huccacove Cave in Williams Canyon. Myself, Jim, Scott, and Chas. Okay so I was a bit late gettin' in because I started walking up early and lost my way. It's been a couple of months. :-) The dig itself is getting interesting and very mucky. About ten to fifteen feet more than the last time I saw it (June 07) and we got about five to six feet done today. It has turned upward. It has also turned to rather wet clay, making it harder to bucket and load the sled out to the dumping area. It is slower going digging upward into moister heavier stuff. I did most of the bucketing again this trip, but did have to come out into the larger cavern for fresher air once as I was developing a headache. A tour group came by with Mary and went off into "God''s Country". They left before we did. I had a good time and of course the usual eats afterwards. It's been almost three months since I've done any "real" caving and all those muscles are not pleased at being woke up again. But it was great and I'll return again to help out when I can.
|
|
Timebot
Newby
Once a caver, always a caver.
Posts: 8
|
Post by Timebot on Oct 20, 2007 10:16:57 GMT -5
Nice pix! I like the waterfall especially!
|
|
Timebot
Newby
Once a caver, always a caver.
Posts: 8
|
Post by Timebot on Apr 15, 2007 21:42:10 GMT -5
Started out only slightly later than usual today - can't find my black leotard top I usually wear, so I wore two shirts instead. There were four of us in Huccy's - Jim, Gordy, Jon and myself. We took our time getting in. I had to stop to sip water several times as well. I was more tired than I expected to be on the journey in, probably since it's been several weeks since I've caved. Did the climb down the rock okay pretty much.
The dig is going well. I mostly bucketed, but did help pull and empty a few sleds of dirt out. During the wait times, I played with the clay in the cave "just because". It's something I used to do as a kid and whenever I get around raw clay, I tend to start making things. In this case it was just little balls to start with, then I made a large ball and turned it into a face. Last I started making small bricks. heh
We dug in another eight feet or so, but the ceiling suddenly started going up towards the end of the day. It looks rather promising up in that direction now. There are lots of interesting layers of stuff (don't know the technical terminology) back in the tunnel. Expecting perhaps a breakthrough to another room next time in. A lot was accomplished in there today and we are all pretty worn out.
Still needed a little help on the upwards rock climb out - mostly from tiredness I think. So far there's one main bruise on the arm, one on the leg and perhaps one on the shoulder. I think I got fewer this time but it will take 24 hours or so to be sure.
It was a beautiful warm wind upon exiting the cave. Coming out into the spring sunshine with birds twittering around and green stuff springing up in several places was lovely. Naturally we did the after-caving dinner and beer. I think I ate more french fries than I've eaten in quite some time!
Hopefully the weather will stay nice for quite some time. I really need to get out and get more sunshine this week, if possible.
|
|
Timebot
Newby
Once a caver, always a caver.
Posts: 8
|
Post by Timebot on Mar 15, 2007 11:45:36 GMT -5
I think you just need more practice Timebot. Well I got it. Trip to Huccacove again last Sunday. Trip report overdue as I am packing to start moving next week with all the associated loan appointments and etc. I did want to mention I got video this time and eventually will post that on Youtube as well. It was a great trip.
|
|
Timebot
Newby
Once a caver, always a caver.
Posts: 8
|
Post by Timebot on Mar 6, 2007 10:29:19 GMT -5
Thank you Lynn. It's been great fun. Rock packing - yeah, if I don't give myself away giggling about it. When I play tricks on people, usually I give myself away like that -- I can't even hide in closets anymore! Great trip report Timebot! Congrats! Sounds like you're considered part of the team now since you got rocked. Now, LOL, the fun begins - you get to return the favor and rock their packs. ;D
|
|
Timebot
Newby
Once a caver, always a caver.
Posts: 8
|
Post by Timebot on Mar 6, 2007 10:26:22 GMT -5
Thanks Sharon. I really enjoy doing the write-ups afterwards as well -- something productive when the legs are sore. heh Great trip report Timebot.
|
|
Timebot
Newby
Once a caver, always a caver.
Posts: 8
|
Post by Timebot on Mar 6, 2007 10:25:17 GMT -5
Yeah, well I guess someone blew in my ear and I can't help myself. I'm impressed at how she will follow us anywhere.
|
|
Timebot
Newby
Once a caver, always a caver.
Posts: 8
|
Post by Timebot on Mar 5, 2007 13:19:44 GMT -5
It seems each set of bruises that fade from the last caving expedition are replaced by new ones from each new cave I get to explore. This time it was Huccacove - named for the graffiti that was found at the cave entrance when it became listed. Seven people went into this cave in all. One other newbie to this cave besides myself. Dan, Jon, Jim, myself and three other cavers. Dan and Jim were the trip leaders this time. I found it to be a nice medium cave with some good challenges. The ladder was easy for me, even while it was steeper than most ladders I have been on. It shakes a little, but I still felt plenty safe. Some long tunneling, but in most of those I was able to keep my helmet on. Only one where I had to remove it, I think and that was a rather short haul between two larger sections. A good rock climb - first down and then back up. It's harder going down than up -- so I have found. I think sometime I'd like to go back to that and just practice going up and down all day. Same with chimney areas - find a good intermediate chimney and just practice on it until confidence and muscles build up. It would help a lot with the hesitation felt when getting far enough off the ground to feel unsure. Still I always manage to get through with no more than small boosts up. I've not had to be hauled up yet - and that is something! Absolutely beautiful formations in Huccacove! Great bacon formations, flowstone, cave pearls and just about everything else you could want. Crystalline formations in small quantities. Not vast and large like Swirling Mists, but like the seeds of those types of formations. Quite beautiful and sparkling in the light. I've now been initiated. At one spot I reached into my pack to pull out some chapstick and found a rock in there! I'd been warned several times this could happen, but this was the first time. Mine is a very small backpack so there's only room for smaller rocks anyway and I had no idea there was extra weight in it! I did ask if there was some ritual I was supposed to do upon removal -- but Dan and Jon had no answer for that one. It happened one other time, but I knew who was responsible that time. And I sort of expected it, having seen him picking up loose rocks while we were resting from bucketing as I happened to glance over. This was while Jim was working on a dig. They are following Cindy's dig, more from the ceiling arch than from the floor. I think about five feet was dug in during this expedition. Jim was doing the digging. Either Jon or I (we switched places once) would scoop the dirt into the bucket and the other would dump the buck over the side of the slope. It was good work with a lot of "chert" removed from the area. I heard them say it's about time to add another to the three people required to work on this dig. Unlike last time, this time my batteries for the helmet light were completely charged and I had no difficulty getting enough light. The next buy will be a good set of knee pads - I keep having to borrow some. The biggest plus is the gripper pads on the knees and I find them absolutely necessary for most upward clay slopes because my boots don't grip that surface very well. But I'm satisfied with my cheap helmet and the light that I bought before. Dan and the three other cavers left before we did, since we worked on the dig for a while. Then it was time to go and Jim and Jon had me lead the way out! I had broken one of the most important rules of caving -- when you come out of a tunnel into a cavern, look to see where it is that you came from so you can find the tunnel again! Going into a cave is free -- but they expect you to know your way out and hints can be obtained through bribes -- paying for a pitcher, fries, onions and other goodies at the tavern afterwards. By the time I'd gotten all the hints I needed, I ended up paying for $25.00 worth later at the tavern -- but I didn't mind at all. (Mostly this happened because I'd recently sold some furniture and they knew I did have enough money to cover the tab.) But I learned and from now on I will notice better where I'm going! I did manage to find the last couple of tunnels because I felt the air coming in - plus various pieces of equiment were strewn upon the way, as well as a few flags. The trail back down the canyon was easier to find and fairly clearly marked. I was very happy that the weather that day was lovely and sunny, though I did hear Dan remark that Huccacove seemed cooler than usual. I did have some time while resting where it felt chilly to me and I almost wished I'd had another layer. Probably because I'd been working and sweating. We enjoyed the meal at the tavern as well, with two pitchers and a great burger! Mostly I listen to the talk about different caves and digs and speculation about the next convention area. Such a great way to spend the late afternoon, before getting cleaned up. So much fun to get dirty in the caves and it feels so good to get clean afterwards as well. My head always itches once the helmet comes off and it takes about 48 hours to subside completely. Still looking forward to the next adventure and wondering where it will be!
|
|
Timebot
Newby
Once a caver, always a caver.
Posts: 8
|
Post by Timebot on Feb 26, 2007 12:43:15 GMT -5
Thank you Dr. Beaner! I'm certain it was.
|
|
Timebot
Newby
Once a caver, always a caver.
Posts: 8
|
Post by Timebot on Feb 23, 2007 10:22:36 GMT -5
We met early at the Colorado Springs School. I wasn't sure where to meet Dan and LP, but I saw a group of kids and adults on the front steps, so I went up and asked if that's where the caving trip was meeting. Sure 'nuf, it was. So I waited until they got there about five minutes later and fetched my caving gear (what I wasn't wearing) from the car. Met the two teachers that were going. Rode down in Dan's truck to Canon City where we stopped at a fast food place, along with the two vans of kids. Lucky we got there before the kids lined up for the restrooms. Then we took off again to down at the start of Shelf Road to private land there where we had been given permission to cave. The first cave was Marble cave -- we spent most of the time in that one. Down a pipe type ladder and grid, then roping into the cavern from above. I handled that pretty much okay. Not a lot in the way of formations, but the caverns themselves were steep and skinny. Some tunneling in, in places. The kids were great and really liked it there. Marble is a very dry cave - but rather enjoyable as to the number and size of passages. One chimney area with a log ladder. I had some hesitations getting up it - not the log itself, but the second part of the chimney. Where I was sitting was just not quite wide enough for my hips and I found I could not shift from one hip to the other... And I needed to turn in order to get up higher and conquer the chimney. I found finally after a breather, that again, pushing up on elbows and keep shifting got me through. I really need to work on upper body strength. Going back down later was not nearly so tough. There was one kid who went exploring and held back a bit. Then his helmet strap came loose and he lost his light - he was calm and waited until they went back for him. Good job that - staying calm! He got teased a bit, but the thing is he was being adventurous which shows real interest. So after we'd been in Marble cave, we all came out and ate lunch and/or snacks depending on what we brought. I had string cheese and water -- pretty much all I actually need when caving. It was lovely weather for sitting out there in the field and rocks, very mildly warm. Then we treked over to "Fly Cave". I found out why they call it "Fly". Swarms of small flies hang around the entrance to the cave and as you are going in, it is slightly steep and if you breathe through your mouth, you are likely to eat flies. heh. Not until about twenty feet in, do they stop. This is a muddier cave and there are places to slide downwards, which is rather interesting. Lots of tunnels leading off in different directions. There is one room where several tunnels loop around and back into the same room. The kids really enjoyed that! I sat there in the center room and listened to them taking off in all directions and then coming back through the loops and trying another until they were sure they all lead back to the same place. I liked sitting there listening to their chatter -- they really were having a great time. We couldn't stay as long there, as it was getting late and they were going to have to be leaving soon. About forty minutes we spent in there, I believe. So the crawl back up through the tunnel in the slippery muddy spots. I was glad to have borrowed NG's kneepads -- those ones give a lot of good traction on muddy slide areas. I almost did not have to brace with hands. There are a couple of squeezy places -- but still larger than the Sphincter at Moby's Cave. No problem getting out... And we all sat on the shelf until everyone was out. One girl wanted to get off the shelf quick; I think she was finally spooked at the height, but handled it well. I led the trek back to the vehicles -- pretty easy to find and crossing open land with small trees. Back at the vehicles, the kids turned in the loaned helmets and we all prepared to journey home. L.P. and I switched layers into cleaner clothes. She and Dan and I ate dinner at a cute little Mexican restaurant in Canon City. Nice place - I had rolled tacos with guacamole and sour cream. And lots of water! They drove me back to the school and I unloaded my gear (and the hoodie I had left in their truck a couple weeks ago). Said goodbyes and drove home. I'm beat really, but too up to go to sleep early. Knees are sore. I took about a half-hour nap. So that was today's caving trip. I had a great time and enjoyed the company and the agility of 6th graders is really something to see. They are off on a different adventure tomorrow... I was glad I went. I'd do it again in a heartbeat -- just give my knees time to recover! lol!
|
|
Timebot
Newby
Once a caver, always a caver.
Posts: 8
|
Post by Timebot on Feb 13, 2007 17:35:07 GMT -5
And thank you Sharon and Lynn for the nice comments on my trip report. I've thoroughly enjoyed each caving trip (4) I've made so far and look forward to many more!
|
|
Timebot
Newby
Once a caver, always a caver.
Posts: 8
|
Post by Timebot on Feb 13, 2007 17:30:11 GMT -5
Great report Dan! By the way, I think I left my hoodie jacket in the back of your truck. If you would, just hold onto it until we run into each other again. Thanks! You two did a great job on the platform. It feels nice and stable, making it much easier to dress. The other thing that delayed us was that we got up to the 2nd gate and Chas had to go back for the key. I sat there in the dark and took a little catnap. (It's an exquisite thing to just relax in full darkness with absolutely no sound!) I'm not sure how much time went by, but it wasn't long enough for me to sleep. Someday I would like to try sleeping in a tunnel in a cave just to see if I can. Tell LP I waved.
|
|
Timebot
Newby
Once a caver, always a caver.
Posts: 8
|
Post by Timebot on Feb 12, 2007 19:49:48 GMT -5
The longest thing to remain with you (other than good memories) when you've done a long cave and taking no water with you, is the dehydration as well as the bruises. I did Breezeway on Saturday. jonsdigs couldn't go - was still recovering from being sick, and so I got to go with the photographer's group that went in and their guide in, plus Jon sent Chas along to help me. There were, in fact, several places I needed some minor help with step-ups -- mostly because I'm a bit short for crevice climbs and lack upper arm strength. Let me dig in my elbows on either side and it's not too bad. I think I've heard Breezeway is about a mile - many many crawls, some stooping and then lots of standing in the larger rooms. I saw all the major formations, including the Tesla Coil formation - which is actually spectacular! What fascinated me most were the crystalline stalagtites and the beaded ones, particularly. There are some that come straight down from the ceiling (straws) and are so thin it appears even sound could shatter them! I am one of the lucky few even among caving regulars to have seen almost the full extent of this cave. The exception is the very last part of the cave which has remained closed for quite some time to protect the formations there. I got all the way to the Stone River section. Crossing "Holy Water", one must strip all the dirty clothes down to skivvy level (in my case a pair of shorts and a sports bra), put the dirty things in a bag and tote them up one ladder, across a couple of sections of pvc bridge (do NOT put hands on the rails but only on the tarp that is stretched between!) and through a section of plastic that is laid down -- and then get dressed again. Going back, it is the same thing in reverse. I actually had to do this three times, because going back I was almost dressed when I discovered I had left one of Jon's knee pads on the plastic dressing area and had to undress again and go back and get it! So it's good to do inventory before getting entirely dressed and moving out of the cave! The places I needed the most help were above the crevice climbs where I couldn't just walk through because it's too thin, but there are few footholds to boost oneself up. A longer legged person would have less trouble finding places to push up on elbows or pull up on handholds, but short as I am those were most difficult. Chas let me use a knee (and once on the back) in a couple of spots so I could get through. There was one really difficult moment when I was going to have to climb over -- and I thought for a moment I was going to get stuck and slide back down. But I got mad at myself and that helped force the strength out of me to keep going. The whole thing is an endurance test -- with the rewards of seeing various formations there is just no other way to see that do them justice! I was exhausted coming out. So exhausted I wasn't sure I would make the next days caving, but after enough sleep and enough hydration, it seemed it was mostly exhaustion and not too much muscle soreness. Although I do have a lot of small bruises from various areas. A good cold pitcher of beer after such an experience is actually part of the experience and we always do the pub ritual. Thankfully, they let us come in as dirty as we are. Though I cheat a little because I wear two layers (three with the shorts that time), and can wear my black fleece and black top that are underneath the really muddy mucky clothes. Thus I go in a little dusty and a little disheveled, but not totally mud caked. Heh. Only thing is my jogging pants are really torn up - I need to get one-piece coveralls to make things easier in the caves and avoid getting hung up on stuff. The favorite saying is "This is not a fashion show" when it comes to caving. The older and dirtier the clothing, the better off one is. There is no pain in life which is not worth facing and this comes right to the heart of things, when you are already halfway up a crevice and your only hope of getting out is to master it. You MUST come through it and out. For one thing, you're in a cave and you cannot be stuck there forever. For another, the people behind you cannot make their exit unless you do come out. My worst problem at times like that is breathing so hard with the effort that I hyperventilate and then my brain goes foggy and I cannot think straight to find the solution to the crevice climbs. I think the only thing worse would be if I were many more feet above solid ground - as it is, six to ten feet down isn't too bad. I had to try twice with the rope climbs because I didn't have the hang of it. (heh) One rope had stirrups, but with my feet in them, it tended to pull way over to the side where I was far too sideways. I finally figured out why though and got it straight up again on the second try. But yes, caving makes you FACE THINGS and that's an important skill for full living. On a difficult climb, you want to come away from it. You want to avoid it and the sense of failure that you face if you can't make it. But you absolutely must face it, because otherwise the only solution is to be in the embarrassing situation of having others haul you out. You can't sit there for eternity. I'm glad I did Breezeway, for that lesson alone. So then Sunday Jon and I did Moby's again. A light day -- where it was beautiful weather and looking across the canyon was an absolute delight. I came out of the cave several times to view it some more. I didn't realize I had packed my notebook -- otherwise I would have sat and written some. The walk up there is much easier without the snow and there were only minor places I needed to catch my breath. Especially as compared to the somewhat arduous climb the day before! There is still ice (and lots of mucky mud) at the main entrance. There were four of us on Sunday's Moby's trip and we planned on taking it fairly easy -- which we mostly did. I spent time there mainly carrying rocks out the entrance and putting them into the pile. Did some fetching of tools -- for a while they were searching for Thor (the sledgehammer) and couldn't find it. Turned out to be under the cart near the ladder. At one point I heaved myself through the sphincter and back again to tell the other two that Jon was done with the parts of rock they were intending to smooth out for the cart. Also Mike (the young kid who is involved in caving with his dad) wanted me to come check out another cave entrance -- because the wind was blowing out his lighter when he held it up there. It did look rather deep and though they knew about it (part of it goes through and comes out cliffside) it may warrent further investigation. I had to do a teeny bit of cliff scrambling to get over there, but nothing too arduous -- again especially as compared to the treking to Breezeway the day before. I have, apparently, gotten a lot better on fear of heights because I find myself scrambling across the sides of rocky slopes and cliffs I would never have had the nerve too before. Still, life holds nothing for me but adventure and creativity anymore and there's no way to get that sense of adventure than to "just do it". Then we went back and pretty soon it was bratwurst time. I had two, mainly because I did not have breakfast that morning. Usually I just take one. But with only four of us, we only used half the brats. Sitting outside I saw two ravens flying cliffside, scanning for mice and chipmunks most probably. They were a pair. I'll never be nonchalant about seeing birds fly - it's lovely to watch. Mike and his dad left before we did. Jon wanted to use up the last of the battery charge in the drill for smoothing over some more of the passage. So I did the minor help thing with the bag of wedges and so on. At one point I broke up a rock with the sledge - though there was some difficulty with the cart being between me and the rock. So I had to climb over (and partially into the cart) to get a better grip for pounding it. Got it broke up pretty well and set the pieces aside where the other rocks were piled next to the passageway. Just as the battery charge was used up, Ryan (who works at REI) showed up. He was just out treking for the day and decided to stop in and see how things were going. He had been there and gave advice on headlamps when I was buying gear the day before. I had been lucky to locate a very inexpensive helmet that I am quite satisfied with, and Jon had put the headlamp on for me. All the stuff I have tried out works very well. Anyway, we talked with Ryan for a bit and then we prepared to leave and he went down the trail with us. It was such a lovely day -- almost like summer, except for the lack of leaves on the shrubs. And I bought the pitcher of beer and onion rings this time. I'd intended to the day before, but Chas' lady already had picked up the tab. So this time I did. People at the pub sometimes think cavers are miners because of the helmets and we provide a bit of local color in muddy clothes and etc. The only thing better than that beer is the hot showers one eventually takes to clean oneself up. The wonders of modern plumbing are a gift for the soul.
|
|