Underground Excursion 🎆 July 4th Edition 🎇

If you're into wet caves (and I mean WET) this is going to be super trip. You practically swim into this cave for about 200ft.

This is NOT an ideal first-cave trip, but I've been hoping to share this experience since I first visited a few years ago.

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.

For this particular cave, I have waivers that need returned to me by WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2026. 

WHO SHOULD JOIN:

People who already enjoy caves. We'll be mostly walking and wading through tall underground passages, but the water in this cave is nearly 5 feet deep. A PFD will be required, and a wetsuit might be appropriate for those who get hypothermic easily.

Attendees must be in good physical health.

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:

To wear/bring into the cave:

• PFD required!
• dry bag
• 3 light sources, one of which is helmet-mounted.
• helmet with chin strap
• shoes and clothes that you don't mind disposing of (they may 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. Avoid cotton/denim.
• spare batteries (alkaline) if used to power flashlights
• athletic kneepads
• cloth, high dexterity gloves
• 1L of water
• snacks

In your recovery bag (left in the car):

• FULL change of clothes for the ride home
• towel
• black trash bag

Pack as lightly as possible! Large and heavy packs will 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 allowed to attend.

TIMELINE (may be updated later):

• 7:00a - Depart from Lowe's (Oak Grove) for Salem, IN
• 9:00a - Rendezvous at Bradie Shrum Elementary
• 9:30a - begin spelunking.
  We might add a second, nearby cave
• 3:30p - finish spelunking
• 4:30p - dinner in Salem (TBD)
• 6:00p - depart for Evansville
• 8:00p - return to Lowe's

SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. A FINAL SCHEDULE WILL BE EMAILED.

MAPS / INFORMATION:

• Carpool (Lowe's)
• Rendesvous Point (Bradie Shrum Elementary)