Underground Excursion

Beat the heat by staying inside... or underground. No experience is necessary, but some equipment will be required, along with a sense of adventure! 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.

Due to the challenging and potentially hazardous nature of caving, RSVPing for this event does not guarantee participation. We will carefully screen participants to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. If you wish to join us, please RSVP and plan to meet with us in person beforehand. This meeting will help us assess your readiness and ensure that all participants are adequately prepared for the adventure.

WHERE/WHEN TO MEET:

We will carpool from Newburgh or Evansville. Carpool time is listed in the itinerary below.
I'll be personally checking inexperienced caver's gear prior to departure. If you don't have appropriate gear with you, you will not be allowed to attend.

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.
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:

• PFD (life vest)
• 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 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.

TIMELINE (may be updated later):

• 9:00a - Depart from Newburgh, IN
• 11:00a - Rendezvous locally
• 11:30a - begin spelunking
• 3:30p - finish spelunking
• 4:00p - dinner at TBD
• 5:30p - depart for Evansville
• 7:30p - return