Timebot
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Once a caver, always a caver.
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Post by Timebot on Jan 29, 2007 9:22:45 GMT -5
(January 28, 07)
This time I wore double sets of pants, since last time I was a bit cold -- also a shirt that zips up to the collar around the neck. Seemed to work very well.
We started out at Donahue's cave, because they felt there might be some breakthrough there. It was a long trail upwards and the entrance to the cave is so much less accessible than Moby's. First I was taken on a tour of the cave by Jon. then, I helped pass buckets up and down from where they were excavating. I don't have enough upper body strength to do the wheelbarrow thing more than a few times, so the bucket passing task suits me well. An interesting cave and a bit more strenuous than Moby's. After a while, they decided the breakthrough they were looking for wasn't there at the moment, and so NG said we were going over to Swirling Mists cave. But until that happened, I was sitting in one of the hallways with Bob and I think I told him my life story. lol! (Just that one question always leads to another and I always tend to tell the whole truth I guess!)
Then a little more work, and I hauled the cart back with some dirt and we sort of finished up the work there. So then Jon took me on the trail to Swirling Mists cave. Much more strenuous, and there were icy spots and a couple of sheer points where I had to climb a bit. I got out of breath and really really thirsty. But I made it up to SM cave. So then, going in, it's hands and knees through a long tunnel, somewhere a chimney climb which I was coached (but not helped) through, which also left me a little out of breath for a few moments. Then up into the caverns. I was given another tour, then eventually stationed where I could help bucket again. I did a lot of that and this was really mucky bucketing. Poured from small buckets to large. I also carried a few to the dumping area and did as much as someone of my minor strength and female stature could do I guess. It was some hours we worked in there. At one point several left and were talking in the front of the cave, so for about a half hour I both pulled buckets up the 2nd chimney section and also emptied them and did some of the hauling and dumping as well.
I met a lot of people today, though I don't remember all the names. It was nice meeting Chas, Bob, Ted, (seeing Donna and Mike again), Larry, and anyone I might have missed here!
Then of course I drove down to the Townhouse where we concluded with the usual dinner and beer and I met a bunch more people! I had a great time today and came out with some more bruises -- just not as many. Oh, but I did have a great time body bobsledding down the hill on my rump when leaving the 2nd cave! Almost forgot. I think that gave me some more bruised spots on my hiney, because I did feel a couple of rocks in the trail. (It was just easier than trying to negotiate all that ice and it was fun to boot!)
So that's my trip report this time.
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Timebot
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Once a caver, always a caver.
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Post by Timebot on Jan 22, 2007 9:51:49 GMT -5
Of course now you must know we are all waiting for one of your poems. Thanks... well, since you asked.... (Here's one for this trip... ---------------------------------------- Moby's Cavernous Course
I climbed into the bowels of the planet Going down the ladder of hope Where the tunnel of sidewalls began it. And up and down an earthen slope.
I cast myself through the sphincter of earth And shimmyed myself in the shadows of awe Loved myself through a spirit's rebirth There was no emotion to make me withdraw.
To see the hands holding right there underground With the goose that lays nothing golden Sitting far under surface was most profound I found myself small, but much emboldened.
Then through a tunnel I crawled on my abdomen Crawling my way on the elbows of dark No hesitation to take as an omen An on the flowstone to make a remark.
Fellowship found deep way underground In caverns newly discovered So that there within the dark I found My soul was once again recovered.
That is the tale of my Moby's adventure Eagerly sought and enjoyed to the max In the company of several trenchers Where I too, left my footfalls tracks.-------------------------- (corrected - thanks Jon!)
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Timebot
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Once a caver, always a caver.
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Post by Timebot on Jan 21, 2007 22:07:52 GMT -5
Ah well, MY trip report... First driving up the winding winding road up to where we park - a first for me driving such a winding road upwards in the snow... I had thoughts of "well what if it snows two feet whiile we're in there?" But these were dismissed by the realization that there were two hefty guys in a truck ahead of me and I'm sure if I ran into trouble they would help out. Next down to the tourist area to sign a waiver... After that we went back to cars/trucks, picked up stuff and ascended the mountain to where the cave was. Had NO idea I would be doing this in the snow, nor how steep it was. Fortunate to have had some hiking experience on Barr Trail in snow, it wasn't too bad -- but I did have to stop for breath more than a few times on the way up. Once in, things started to look a little familiar since I've seen photos. Equipped with the knee pads, light helmet and extra lights, I was told to ascend down the ladder. It looks steeper than it really is, and I had no real problems with that... then down the tunnel and around until I reached the hall where the "sphincter is. Mike was showing me the various features - the hands were smaller than I had thought, but he said probably a zoom lens or close-up was used. I still found the whole thing fascinating. Shimmying through the sphincter - no problem whateva! After the "tour" we went up into the "New Room" and I was shown around there as well. The tunnel just before the new room was the hardest thing - because I tried to get up into there on my belly - usually not a problem. But on going up and forward at the same time, one usually needs some kind of leverage -- which was difficult to find the first time. Watched the digging go on for a while. Later I needed to warm up again so helped with pitching rocks. Went up to watch Jon make lunch and get a bit of sitting time. After lunch, the guys working on the new room went down there, and I watched Jon carve rock with the drill, the wedges and the chisel things. Was interesting and I remarked I could have used a skill like that earlier in my life. He got the desired piece of rock face to fracture and be able to be moved as I was watching and handing tools. A fairly large slice came off and I shimmyed that backwards toward the ladder. A few more pieces off and we tested the cart going through, which it did. Setting the tools aside we crawled back to the New Room. (It really needs a name, guys. heh) A lot of progress (by my newbie standards) was made on the part they were exploring and a wall was being assembled. Quite a bit of flowstone was found and I got a good look at those pieces - really pretty in the blue lights. (Sorry guys - I'm female and very into "pretty" rocks. lol) We were in there quite a while, and I helped a little with building the wall. I had to exit about ten minutes early, but don't think I missed anything. Getting up into the New room was not as hard that 2nd time, since I had help with a hand down. All in all, it was really enjoyable first trip. Obviously I found it interesting since shimmying on my back down into the tunnel, I found myself stopping to "sightsee" the colors and sights in the rock above. And yes, I want to do more of this! And the day closed well with a meeting of the Williams Canyon Bar Association. (And a hot shower at home! )
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Timebot
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Once a caver, always a caver.
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Post by Timebot on Jan 21, 2007 22:03:32 GMT -5
Quick reply - FANTASTIC! Trip report coming up...
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Timebot
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Once a caver, always a caver.
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Post by Timebot on Feb 14, 2007 19:14:03 GMT -5
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Timebot
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Once a caver, always a caver.
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Post by Timebot on Feb 19, 2007 16:35:18 GMT -5
Oh all right... Since you insist... I once met a caver from Peyton Whose back just never could straighten For while in a cave, he hit a hard stave And now looks to see where his rear’s been! One caver from far-off Grand Junction Had a strange kind of dysfunction When going down tunnels, he carried a funnel Because of a bladder malfunction. While looking at lovely formations You might want to give into temptation. But do not do that! They’ll tell you to scat And ruin your fun-filled vacation. I met a nice caver named Jon Who keeps pretty stones near his lawn. Those who would acquire are welcome to try ‘er They’re heavy, it takes too much brawn. (might as well do one on myself too - heh) There’s a novice caver named Julie Who sometimes can be quite unruly But down in a furrow, she bends nice and thorough As some can witness to, truly. Hope these suit. I'm quite busy today...
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Timebot
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Once a caver, always a caver.
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Post by Timebot on Feb 12, 2007 8:27:34 GMT -5
Both of those are great poems, Jon. So I'll post this, coming from my Breezeway experience... Killing Mortal FearTo be caught above the crevice Looking up and looking down No standing in this place for long No solution is around.
If you let go, then you may fall So deep and come to mortal harm By strength of will you are held up And facing fear, you feel alarm.
There is no staying in this place For those behind you must get out No rescues without losing grace You must overcome your doubt.
Get mad, feel fear, but face the must! You know what happens if you waiver. The strength within you, you must trust Your only line to your life saver.
Push, and in the pushing feel The desparate need to up and out It’s your life, you’re at the wheel This is what it’s all about.
Elbowed, footing found and held One more push and then you’re up The fear within has now been quelled Drink now from achievement’s cup!(And drink I did!)
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Timebot
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Once a caver, always a caver.
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Post by Timebot on Feb 2, 2007 11:34:10 GMT -5
Glad you are enjoying this! I think Jon's the better poet - I just write more, not better. lol! Julie WOW, you are all talented poets! They all have been great. My personal fave so far has been We Dig For Nothin’, Pard. It's been helping me get through the dreary winter up here in Far North TAG!
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Timebot
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Once a caver, always a caver.
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Post by Timebot on Feb 1, 2007 17:40:40 GMT -5
*grins*
In the Up Direction
Ascending an abstruse chimney Upwards in unacustomed muscle flex, Mostly undaunted, But slightly mistified On how others navigate These obstructions, which Threaten my undoing.
Voice from below, Coaching me forth -- Encouraging... Move this way and that, Footholds found, My own pressures exerted With elbows greased.
Memories of other exertions Deliveries in the past, Come to my subconscious; I made it then; I will make it now.
Circular stance, Another stable step, Shove harder, and POP This wellspring down deep Has birthed me!
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Timebot
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Once a caver, always a caver.
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Post by Timebot on Jan 29, 2007 9:37:38 GMT -5
Transmission's Tomb
Shadows penetrate the walls Where life lives underground, And me, I shall live there again When Sunday rolls around.
To excavate my happiness With an adventure there Is mining deep within my soul The luckiness to share.
Crawling through the mind's neurons In tunnels of subconscious wish No matter which continent we're on One planet is our deepest bliss.
Rock hard the walls in caverns deep Sepulture all troubles there Put them carved and placed to sleep Now I am underground aware!
Follow me as slithered through Any space to which I fit You and me are born anew Back surfacing to then transmit.
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Timebot
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Once a caver, always a caver.
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Post by Timebot on Jan 29, 2007 9:30:28 GMT -5
Oh wow.. Well, some of my written work tends to be "highly personal", but here's a modification of one...
Belowground Awake(2)
The energy runs underground In reason's lack of sleep; Excitement lives in silent sound Well down beneath's earth's keep.
The physics of the cloven rock Lies well beneath my thoughts, It's promise does dislodge the block Within the treasures sought.
My hope; soon to see the way Into another cave... Where even now, my thoughts do stray And now I am earth's slave.
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Timebot
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Post by Timebot on Jan 21, 2007 22:23:00 GMT -5
A really developed sense of adventure, curiousity, and a really nifty person willing to show me the ropes! And I'm a poet too, so of course I'll write about it.
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Timebot
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Once a caver, always a caver.
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Post by Timebot on Jan 25, 2007 20:49:39 GMT -5
I have my amateur license (have had it since 1982 or so) and find the subject interesting. I would think it would be difficult to transmit from underground unless wired in to an antenna on the surface. I'm curious about experimenting but don't have access to anything but 2-meter at the moment. (And that won't do!) Julie (N0vde)
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