Underground Excursion

It's time for our annual joint venture with the Evansville Metropolitan Grotto to go spelunking. No experience is necessary, but some equipment will be required, along with a sense of adventure! --- More Break --- We'll spend 4-5 hours underground.

Since caves are generally dangerous for the public and we aim to protect them from vandalism, their location is often kept secret. Those that sign up will receive location information directly.

WHO SHOULD JOIN:

People who enjoy caves. We'll be crawling, walking, climbing and wading through underground passages. If you are claustrophobic (tight spaces) or nyctophobic (dark) this is NOT the caving experience you are looking for. These are 'wild' caves without stairs, paths, handrails, and lights. Attendees need to be in good physical health; spelunking can be a strenuous activity.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS for SPELUNKING:

Due to the nature of spelunking - confined spaces with very limited accessibility and zero emergency services - you need to be in good physical health. Be prepared to

• Walk
• Stoop
• Crawl on hands and knees
• Belly Crawl
• Climb
• Wade through water

WHAT TO BRING for SPELUNKING:

• 3 light sources, one of which is helmet-mounted.
• helmet with chin strap (a bicycle helmet is acceptable)
• shoes and clothes that you don't mind disposing of (they will likely get destroyed)
• acceptable shoes: lugged sole shoes are preferred, but tennis shoes will work in a pinch. No sandals or water shoes.
• light jacket
• synthetic tops/bottoms/undergarments. No cotton.
• spare batteries (alkaline) if used to power flashlights
• athletic kneepads (optional, but suggested)
• cloth gloves
• 1L of water
• FULL change of clothes for the ride home
• towel
• small pack (e.g., fanny pack)
• snacks

Pack as lightly as possible! Large and heavy packs make navigation more difficult.

COST:

• This event is free.

GROUND RULES:

• No children
• No pets.
• Leave no trace, and pack out all your trash.

WHERE/WHEN TO MEET:

• We will carpool from Lowe's (Oak Grove). Park in the northeast corner of the lot. Carpool time is listed in the itinerary below.
• I'll be personally checking each person's gear prior to departure. If you don't have appropriate gear with you, you will not be permitted to attend.

TIMELINE (may be updated later):

• 6:45a - Meet at Lowe's (Oak Grove) for gear inspection
• 7:00a - Depart from Lowe's for 
• 8:15a - Rendezvous at Pilot Travel Center (Leavenworth)
• 8:45a - begin spelunking
• 2:30p - finish spelunking
• 4:00p - "Dinner" in Leavenworth, IN or Corydon, IN (restaurant TBD)
• 6:30p - depart for Evansville
• 8:00p - return to Lowe's

Schedule is subject to change. A final itenerary and additional details will be emailed to attendees.

MAPS / INFORMATION:

• Carpool (Lowe's)
• Rendesvous Point (Pilot in Leavenworth)