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 Dec 17, 2006 16:47:24 GMT -5
Greetings Fellow Cavers!
Welcome to U.S. Cavers Forum! We would like to get to know you and for you to get to know us. This thread is the place to make your introduction to the rest of us here on U. S. Cavers Forum. So cut loose and tell us a bit about yourself, your caving experiences and adventures. We'll all be waiting to hear from you!
Update! We moved this whole thread to it's own topic just to make it easy to introduce yourself and for the rest of our guests to read your intro. If you are writing your new introduction please make it a new thread with your own title. Those of us who have already posted an intro can copy their post below into a whole new thread as well if they like. It will make it easier to read about the members that way and personalize each introduction even more.
Thanks!
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Post by tagkaver on Dec 17, 2006 21:59:30 GMT -5
I have been caving in TAG for the last 14 years now. I enjoy wet, multi-drop caves the best, but I still enjoy all caves. I prefer vertical caves, and have been to Mexico and done Sotano de las Golondrinas an 1100' pit and Sotano de Sappillo a 414' pit. I have been involved in some surveying, and am still currently learing more about surveying. I joined the NSS in 1994 and am a member of the Cullman Grotto. I try to go caving every weekend if possible and am always looking for cavers to cave with or trips to TAG along on, so if anyone wants to go caving just email me. I am open to any any all kinds of cave trips. C-YA UNDERGROUND!!
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Post by Azurerana on Dec 17, 2006 23:46:38 GMT -5
2006 is my 20 year caving anniversary. Cave mostly in Missouri. Lifelong interest in geology; got into caving as it was a place I could do some research without a degree. Ended up laid off/corporate mergered from a printing career in 1998--went back to school and got geology degree anyway. Make a strange living from freelance writing and editing, computer home help, website writing, graphic design, and 'odd jobs' in the printing industry. Extremely interested in the large karst springs of Missouri--hung around some years with one of the pioneer Mo. cave divers. Married a caver 13 years ago; have served as NSS Conservation Task Force Coordinator, on the board of the CCMS, as past newsletter editor for the Geo2 section, MSS and MCKC director, grotto chair, and various other offices as required. www.webstershomecave.net, www.missourisprings.com, and www.missouriworld.net. Also have degree in writing; write regular column on geology for hunters and fishermen. I am a horizontal, and slow caver, preferring to take my time and look at the cave, be engaged in cave and geological conservation efforts. Ran Cathedral Cave (MO) restoration project for 10 years while serving as a volunteer interpreter in Mo. State Parks. I know a lot of the right people to bug about Missouri cave and karst issues-- and love to explain things to others. Am married to a 30 year caver with a biology research masters who is the current Treasurer of the CCMS. I'm an NSS fellow of the wrong gender. Have taught night school creative writing, and given numerous public lectures on geological, cave, karst and water issues. If you need someone to write or speak to the public about rocks, geology, water--I'm your person. I don't work free, but I am cheap, and take wonderful photos to boot.
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Kelly
Beginner
Posts: 129
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Post by Kelly on Dec 20, 2006 8:55:34 GMT -5
I started caving 10 years ago, and never looked back. I cave mostly in TAG, but have been to Mexico, Hawaii, and a little in Kentucky as well. I have a degree in Geology, and work as a geologist/hydrologist for my state Environmental Protection Agency, helping to keep our state lands clean and clear. I also serve as the karst expert for our program here at work. For the NSS I currently serve as the Liaison to the Karst Waters Institute, which strives to educated the working population about issues concerning karst and caves. I also enjoy teaching my peers here at work and around the state about caves and cave conservation, and like to lead beginner trips when I'm not caving with friends. I LOVE to survey, and helped out a bit with the Fern Cave Survey project. I also enjoy teaching other cavers to survey. I love to see people's eyes light up when they experience a good survey trip. Its never what they thought it was going to be like. Its like caving in tiny detail, where you get to enjoy the cave and the people more than any other type of trip. My NSS number is too HUGE and unimpressive to bother remembering. I am married to an awesome caver guy, who works in archaeology documenting cave sites among other things.
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Post by graveleye on Dec 21, 2006 14:45:47 GMT -5
My real name is Kevin Glenn.. but you can call me Kev.. heck I'll answer to about anything.
I caved as a teenager and early twenties, then quit for a long time pursuing other things, and I'm back into it again. I dont have a long list of credentials, but I am on the committee for the Kingston Saltpeter Cave NSS Preserve although my role has been pretty small so far as I get to know the works. The KSC was my first non-commercial cave back around 1982 or so. I was hooked then. I dont have a long list of caves to brag about - since my wife and I got back into it, there has been one thing after another preventing us from going caving!! I have my eyes on the new year though, and its going to be a good one.
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Cavemud
Beginner
Cavemud NSS 29718
Posts: 22
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Post by Cavemud on Dec 22, 2006 0:55:55 GMT -5
Hello All! I started caving in 1972...joined organized caving in the mid 80's. Grew up in and mostly cave central PA. I now live in caveless S.E. Ohio(bummer) I do alot of digging...and some scooping...then surveying, while photographing. I'll post some reports and pics here soon. Just opened a new one over OTR weekend. She's a cavers cave all the way!
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caverat46542
Beginner
109' Drakes Pit- Huntsville, Alabama
Posts: 15
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Post by caverat46542 on Jan 3, 2007 22:27:31 GMT -5
I'll throw in my 2 cents.
My name is Van "Cave Rat" Cain. I started caving in TAG 8 years ago. I primary cave in the TAG area, but have caved in Florida and Kentucky.
I mostly do vertical caves and love them.
I am trained in all 5 SRT climbing devices- Rope Walker, Frog, Mitchell, Texas, 3 Knot.
I am also a trained Climbing Instructor and Lead Climb Instructor with the Boy Scouts of America. I am also certified in Red Cross First Aid and Infant/Child/Adult CPR.
I am at this time the appointed Alabama Coordinator for the NSS Youth Groups Liaison Committee.
I was the JSS Caving Trip Coordinator during the 2005 NSS Convention.
I conduct caving trips for BSA Troops in my area also.
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Post by Brad Tipton on Jan 4, 2007 0:23:38 GMT -5
Hello, Brad Tipton here.
I have been caving in TAG since I was 15 years old. So, I guess I have been caving almost 15 years now. I was introduced to caving through my first job as tour guide a Raccoon Mountain Caverns. There I met many long time cavers who told great tales that fascinated me as a teenager. After about a year of horizontal caving, some of the other guides introduced me to SRT. I purchased my 1st climbing system at the TAG Fall Cave-In in 1994 and my 1st pit trip was to Cagle's Chasm that weekend. Deep caves and pits have been my passion since, although I do rather enjoy borehole. I usually try to avoid long, wet, cobble filled belly crawls that go to nowhere.....
I was very fortunate to stumble upon some pretty significant finds in 1997, and I have added a few extra nerdholes to the surveys over the years. I rarely cave outside of my small group, but every now and then I might get caught on a ridge in TAG with "a cast of thousands".
I was a member of both the Chattanooga and Central Alabama Grotto for a few years. I now have no affiliation to a grotto. I am a sustaining member of the SCCi. I donate my NSS dues to the SCCi now.
I have been a member of the Chattanooga/Hamilton Co. Cave/Cliff Team since 1998.
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Timebot
Newby
Once a caver, always a caver.
Posts: 8
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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
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Post by jonsdigs on Jan 17, 2007 22:45:18 GMT -5
Welcome Julie! Weather permitting I'll take you into Moby's next Sunday.
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Post by Sharon Faulkner on Jan 18, 2007 9:25:54 GMT -5
Hi Julie, and welcome to the forum! Sounds like you are living in the right place to see some fine caves. Plenty of good cavers in Colorado to help you out with that very thing.
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Post by madratdan on Jan 18, 2007 10:05:52 GMT -5
Welcome Julie........I'll probably be seeing you on Sunday at Moby's.
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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 Jan 18, 2007 16:06:46 GMT -5
Hi Julie, welcome to the forum!
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Timebot
Newby
Once a caver, always a caver.
Posts: 8
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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
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Tony Anders
Caver
SKSC Caver
See you around, in the underground.
Posts: 329
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Post by Tony Anders on Jan 19, 2007 9:17:01 GMT -5
Hello everyone, please allow me to introduce myself.
I am Tony Anders, 19 year veteran fire Leiutenant/emergency medical technician/fire instructor/deputy fire marshal here in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. I have currently achieved my International Fire Service Accreditation Congress Firefighter I & II certifications. I have also received training in arson investigation and have decided to specialize in Fire Cause and Origin .
I have been a career firefighter since 1993 right after getting married to my wonderful and supporting wife Sherry. Even though she thinks I have a 'death wish' for all the crazy hobbies I have, she still supports me. We have two beautiful boys, Austin(7) and Shawn(5) and they both have started following there dad down into the underground wonders here in the area and all three of us plan on joining the NSS as well.
I enjoy all kind of activities like golfing, camping, backpacking, hiking, rappelling, swimming, snorkeling, and shooting guns.
I plan on hiking backpacking the southern half of the Sheltowee Trace national trail before my time here on earth ends.
Other things I wish to attempt are: Skydiving Hang gliding Scuba Diving certification Getting my private pilots license Getting my amateur radio license(HAM) with the top three I guess you can see why the wife thinks I have a death wish.
I enjoy all the info exchange in this forum. I appreciate all the new caving friends I have made here.
Take care and God Bless
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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 Jan 20, 2007 10:52:12 GMT -5
Nice to meet you Tony!
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Post by SearchN on Jan 28, 2007 12:58:50 GMT -5
Just want to say hello to everyone. My name is David, my family and I live in Gordon County, Georgia. I think it's the search and finding these mysterious realms of the underworld I enjoy most. I recently got back into caving and rejoined the NSS after being out of the community for quite a spell. My son who kept trying to get me to take him got me back into it. We are new to TAG caves and are currently exploring Pettijohns due to knowing it's location and the ease of access not to mention it's size. I have several local leads we need to follow up on. We would like to hear from anyone who caves in our area, if you do post or pm us. We could compare info and go from there. I have caved several states, MO, GA, KS, KY, NM, AR and IN. I'd list TN but since they were show caves I won't. ;D
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guanonoggin
Beginner
Dude Caving
U.S. Caver Dude
Posts: 115
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Post by guanonoggin on Jan 28, 2007 13:04:31 GMT -5
Greets David! Dude you mentioned you caved in KS? That's kansas right? Caves in Kansas? Radical man.... Chuckie
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Post by SearchN on Jan 28, 2007 13:32:17 GMT -5
That's right Chuckie, there are caves in Kansas. The ones I went to were gypsum caves. Some with skylights and you did not even need a light to navigate them, so don't let anyone tell you "Kansas! There ain't no caves in Kansas!" Are too, I've seen em. David
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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 Jan 28, 2007 17:40:09 GMT -5
Hey SearchN we are located in Tennessee. Not quite in your caving neighborhood, eah? If you want to meet some other cavers - attending the SERA Winter Business Meeting (Chattanooga) or the SKTF Clean Up (near Raccoon Mtn) this coming weekend would be a good way to get acquainted with others in the southeastern U.S. and TAG. ;D
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Post by SearchN on Jan 29, 2007 18:37:26 GMT -5
Thanks for the invite Lynn! At the moment though I have plans for this weekend. A co-worker-friend who has never had the opportunity to go caving is really wanting to go to Pettijohns after hearing about it. I think we have a caver in the making. If plans change we may go to the cleanup though. I went to the SKTF website and got the directions, but they don't have a time to meet posted. Do you know when they usually get started?. David
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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 Jan 29, 2007 20:04:57 GMT -5
If plans change we may go to the cleanup though. I went to the SKTF website and got the directions, but they don't have a time to meet posted. Do you know when they usually get started?. David Hey David I will talk with that webmaster and request the times put on the SKTF website. The cleanup at River Gorge Sink will start at 10:00 (eastern) but SKTF will be out there rigging at 9:00 (eastern) so you can arrive at either time. If your cave trip falls through may be we will see you at the sink
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