Underground Excursion

We've been offered an opportunity to go spelunking with the Evansville Metropolitan Grotto. 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. The Co-op and the Grotto will carefully select 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.

RSVPs are due at least one week prior to the event. This permits us time to get each member trained in White-Nose Bat syndrome mitigation and get signed waivers filed.

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.

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):

• 6:45a - Meet at Lowe's (Oak Grove) for gear inspection
• 7:00a - Depart from Lowe's for Bedford, IN
• 9:00a - Rendezvous locally with our cave guide
• 9:30a - begin spelunking
• 12:30p - finish spelunking
• 1:30p - dinner at Casa Brava
• 3:00p - depart for Evansville
• 5:00p - return to Lowe's

IMPORTANT NOTES:

This cave's entrance requires a short scramble along a rock ledge followed by wading through a passage that is 4 foot deep in water. This is why a PFD is required on this trip.

I recommend wet socks if you have them to keep your feet comfortable.
I also recommend using a dry bag on this trip to keep your jacket or extra layer of clothes dry.

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

MAPS / INFORMATION:

• Carpool (Lowe's)
• Rendezvous Point (Big Lots)
• Dinner (Casa Brava)