2016 Florida Cave Crawl Guidebook

Transcription

Welcome…………………………………………………………………………………………………2
Cave Crawl Schedule of Events…………………….…………………………………………………3
Local Information………………………………….…………………………………………………….4
Site Map…………………………………………………………………………………………….……5
History……………………………………………………………………………………………….……6
Flint River Grotto……….………….….…………………………………………………………6
Florida Cave Protection Act………….………………………………………………………...7
White-Nose Syndrome……………………………….…………………………………..…………….9
The Caves-General Information……….……………..………………………………………………10
Interesting Natural Attractions……………………………………………..…………………………11
Aucilla Sinks Trails…………………………………………………………………………….11
Leon Sinks Geographical Area………………………………………………………………12
Hinson Conservation & Recreation Area………………………………………………..….15
Paddling……………………………………………………….…………………………………….….15
Merritts Mill Pond………………………………………………………………………………………17
Florida Caverns State Park……………………………………………………………………….…..18
Cycling……………………………………………………………………………………….………….18
Caves……………………………………………………………………………………………………20
Climax…….…………………………………………………………………………………....20
Hollow Ridge…………………………………………………………………………………..24
Possum Holler, Debbie’s Door Cave, & Allen’s Back Door Cave…………………….....29
Mud Cave…………………………………………………………………………………..….29
Biscuits & Gravy………………………………………………………………………………31
Glory Hole………………………………………………………………………….………….32
Malloy’s Waterfall……………………………………………………………………………..34
Maddox’s River Bluff Cave (Ebro Cave)………………..………………………………….36
Special Thanks…………………………………………………………..……………………37
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WELCOME
On behalf of The Flint River Grotto of the National Speleological Society I would like to welcome
you to the 2016 Florida Cave Crawl at Havana Hideaway! Cave What?! Yes, I said Cave Crawl!
It is a little known fact (except when we are reminded of it every 4 years) when The Flint River
Grotto hosts the annual Florida style “Cave-In”. The name “Cave Crawl” goes all of the way back
to Flint River Grotto’s roots when we were formerly known as the Florida State Cave Club.
We know that cavers have come from near and far so that they can partake in the 32 nd annual
Florida Cave Crawl hence we have planned a lot of great activities to keep you busy while you
are here this weekend: guided cave trips, food, a bonfire, caving, a great band, our “Redneck”
hot tub, caving, freebies, a good time and did I mention caving?
As with any good time, there are some Rules we have in the interest of safety and good taste.
1. No personal camp fires: We already have two bonfire areas.
2. No pets.
3. No fireworks, firearms, carbide or other kind of bombs.
4. Respect the quiet hours: Cavers need sleep too!
5. Be tidy: keep your sites clean and your garbage critter-proof.
6. No washing of cave gear in the showers: A gear wash and decon station is provided.
7. Be safe, be careful, and be considerate.
8. Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures, kill nothing but time.
9. Do not go to the “guided” caves on your own this weekend. We have secured special
access for this event with the landowners.
10. Please don’t go caving alone and let someone at registration know where you are
planning on caving and when you plan on returning.
So whether you prefer to use the term “crawling”, “cavorting” or “caving-in” we don’t care as
long as you are having a good old fun time!
Welcome again to the 32nd annual Florida Cave Crawl!
Michelle Ferro
Guidebook Editor, Flint River Grotto
NSS#64512
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CAVE CRAWL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
THURSDAY
March 17, 2016
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Noon Until??: Get checked-in and set up your tent or camper
Evening Campfire: Come socialize with friends old and new or
try out our “Redneck” hot tub
Quiet Hours: 12:30 a.m.-6:00 a.m.
FRIDAY
March 18, 2016
Check-In: All day
Cave Trips: Self-guided and group-led options- Check the bulletin
board for more information
Evening Campfire: Free oysters, beer & bad movies or try out
our “Redneck” hot tub
Quiet Hours: 12:30 a.m. - 6:00 a.m.
SATURDAY
March19, 2016
Check-In: All day
Cave Trips: Self-guided and group-led options- Check the bulletin
board for more information
6:30: Catered BBQ dinner for those that pre-paid
After Dinner: The Firewater Tent Revival band, bonfire, door
prizes, & beer (for those that purchase a cup for $5.00 on-site)
Quiet Hours: 12:30 a.m. - 6:00 a.m.
SUNDAY
March 20, 2016
Breakfast: Donations accepted- Provided by the River City Grotto
Cave Trips: Self-guided
Clean-Up: Don’t forget to leave your camp area the way you
found it!
5:00 p.m.: Be off of the property & have a safe trip home
As usual, things may change, so remember all good cavers are flexible!
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LOCAL INFORMATION
Medical/Emergency:
In case of emergency, dial 911.
There will also be a basic first aid kit available at the registration tent.
Tallahassee Memorial Hospital: 1300 Miccosukee Rd., Tallahassee, FL. (850-431-1155)
Food & Supplies:
Harveys Supermarket: 102 East First Avenue, Havana, FL. (Open 7:00 am -9:00 pm)
Doller General: 710 US Highway 27, Havana, FL. (Open 7:00 am- 11:00 pm)
Gas:
Marathon Gas: 8703 Havana Highway, Havana, FL. (Open 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.)
Shell: 102 North Main Street, Havana, FL. (Open 9:00 am- 5:00 pm)
Laundry:
Wash Around the Clock: 220 W Tharpe St., Tallahassee, FL. (Open 24 hours)
Pharmacy:
Buy-Rite Drugs: 704 S. US Highway 27, Havana, FL. (Open Friday 9:00 am -6:00 pm &
Saturday 9:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m.)
Restaurants:
Burger King: 703 N. Main Street, Havana, FL.
Hobbit Hoagies: 7771 Fl. GA. Hwy., Havana, FL.
Pizza Hut: 710 S. US Highway 27, Havana, FL.
Subway: 102 E. 8th Avenue, Havana, FL.
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THE SITE- HAVANA HIDEAWAY
Don’t forget to take a moment and thank Tim Lewis for hosting
this year’s Cave Crawl!!
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By Allen Mosler NSS#12940
Flint River Grotto History
The Flint River Grotto started out as the Florida State Cave Club (Florida State University Caving
Club), which was a student group of the NSS, #175. The Idea for a cave club was initiated in
September of 1967 by David Lobdell, a graduate student in biology at FSU and an experienced
caver for over 10 years.
In the summer of 1968, a drive for membership was undertaken. This resulted in 18 dues paying
members. One of the first trips was to Gainesville, Florida and the Florida Speleological Society
where the thought of an NSS Grotto was implanted.
In the fall of 1968 two NSS members, Richard Byrd and Jay Tullos, joined the club and initiated
the drive for NSS membership. Formal recognition as a full University club was granted at this
time.
The primary objective at this time was Climax Cave (partially mapped by the Auburn Grotto in
1956-1957), where previously unmapped areas were explored. Another earlier activity was
mapping the caves and sinks at Falling waters State Park. William Campbell undertook vertical
training.
Possibly the best early exploration and experience that the club had were the northern trips to
Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and the wester USA. These trips added invaluable experience to
several members, especially in the area of vertical training.
The Florida State Caving Club flourished through the 70’s, 80’s, and early 90’s. There were trips
between grottos in the region such as the Florida State Caving Club (FSCC), Florida
Speleological Society (FSS), and Fort Rucker Ozark Grotto (FROG). There were great
discoveries and mapping going on in Climax Cave, Glory Hole Cave, and Malloy’s Waterfall
Cave. There were some great parties as well. Some of us were members of more than one
grotto as our work or college moved us from one city to another.
Being a student organization had its perks. We were given money to buy ropes, helmets, lights,
and carbide. Students could even check out state vehicles to take on caving trips. They were
also able to get per diem to pay for travel expenses. We had a fresh supply of new students
coming in each year.
There were some problems that eventually lead to the formation of the Flint River Grotto #382.
There came a time when Florida State University student organizations required the officers to
be students. (At this time, a number of the members were not students.) To be an NSS
organization, the officers had to be NSS members. Having students that were not financially able
to both made it difficult. The straw that broke the camel’s back was when the university came
out with a policy that any equipment that was bought with school money had to be loaned out to
any student requesting it. As you know, the last thing you want to do is loan out your climbing
rope to someone you don’t know. This could be a life or death situation. In February 1992, the
Florida State Cave Club officially became the Flint River Grotto.
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The main cave of activity has been Malloy’s Waterfall Cave since the Flint River Grotto was
formed. The break through the terminal break-down made for a multi-year project of surveying
over a mile of passage. The grotto also worked on the rebuilding of the gate on Glory Hole. This
was a massive project with help from the following grottos: Middle GA, DCG, TBAG, and FSS.
We are in the process of working on a conservation project there as well.
Grotto members also gated both Climax and Waterfall Caves. Restoration work in Florida
Caverns State Park is a long-term project which we have also had help from the FSS, Central
FL, and TBAG. Some members have helped the Florida Natural Inventories on their work. We
have also assisted the Florida Wildlife Commission and GA DNR in bat counts.
Reference
Mosler, Allen, 2008. Caves and Karst of Florida, 2008 NSS Convention
Florida Cave Protection Act History
In 1974, a very concise and simple cave protection act, outlawing physical and biological
vandalism without owner permission was introduced in the Florida legislature through the efforts
of Richard Reilly (FSS) of Gainesville. The bill passed the House unanimously, but became
(terminally) tied up in the Senate Rules Committee.
In the spring of 1979 FSCC president Karen Witte and law student friend, Jim Brehm, got things
going again. They did research on cave legislation in other states and outlined a prospectus to
be presented to potential House and Senate sponsors. In August Mike Taylor, a pre-law student
with a part-time job as doorkeeper at the Florida House of Representatives, joined the group.
On April 10, 1980, Mike Taylor, Chuck Machovec, and Karen Witte walked into Senator Alan
Trask’s (D- Osceola County) office. The son of Senator Trask lived in the same scholarship
house as Mike Taylor. In 5-10 minutes they presented numbers and distribution of caves,
biological, geological, archeological, and recreational value of Florida caves. Finally, they
presented their bill, which was primarily comprised of carefully gleaned sections of other states
bills.
Senator Trask agreed to sponsor the bill and within 15 minutes he had secured a House sponsor,
Representative John Grant from Pinellas County. The bill then went to Bill Drafting for
clarification.
On Friday, May 2, they got word that SB 91 was scheduled for the Senate Natural Resources
Sub-Committee that day as well. Dr. Paul Boyer of the Fort Rucker-Ozark Grotto (FROG) and
teacher at Fort Walton Community College was called and agreed to attend the hearings.
After our sponsor was introduced as “Caveman Trask” in the Senate Committee, there were no
questions and the bill passed unanimously. In the House committee it was a different story. Dr.
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Boyer and Mike Taylor fielded questions admirably. The only real opposition was from some
lawyer from Hollywood, Florida representing a construction company.
The bill was ready to go before the full Senate and House. Some key help arrived in the nick of
time, now in the form of the Florida Sierra Club Lobbyist, Dave Gluckman. The bill was added
as an amendment to HB 294, a Division of Natural Resources bill. The sponsor was
Representative Sam Pell, House Majority leader. The amendment was adopted May 3. The
Senate had already passed it several days earlier as SB 910.
There were still some problems that had to be resolved because of the changes in the two bills.
Over 400 yea votes later, HB 294 had passed both houses in identical form. It was Friday, June
6th, 1980, the last day of the regular session. The Florida Cave Protection Act received over 600
yea votes and not a single nay. It took effect October 1, 1980.
References
Mosler, Allen, 2008. Caves and Karst of Florida, 2008 NSS Convention
Witte, Karen. 1980. Florida Cave Protection Act. Florida State Caver. Winter/Spring 1980.
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WHITE-NOSE SYNDROME
Overview
By Matt Fischer NSS#29983
A new disease is decimating entire populations of bats in the U.S. and Canada as they hibernate
in caves and mines. Affected bats may spend more time being active and flying during
hibernation, causing them to use up the fat reserves they rely on to survive the winter. Scientists
estimate that over 5.7 million bats have already died.
White-nose syndrome (WNS) has spread rapidly. The earliest evidence of WNS came from a
photograph taken in 2006 in a cave in New York. As of June 2013, bats with WNS have been
found in over 22 states and five Canadian provinces as the disease continues to spread in all
directions across the landscape. Scientists believe WNS has caused the most dramatic decline
of North American wildlife in over 100 years, with potentially dire environmental consequences.
It threatens ecosystems both in caves and above ground, and presents new challenges for
conserving fragile cave environments.
This disease was named “white-nose syndrome” because of the telltale white fuzzy growth on
the nose, ears, and wings of affected bats. Scientists identified a previously unknown species of
cold-loving fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans (previously Geomyces destructans), as the
cause of the skin infection. P. destructans thrives in low temperatures (40–55° F) and high
humidity – conditions commonly found in caves and mines where bats hibernate.
How WNS is Spread
Bat-to-Bat: The fungus that causes WNS is believed to be transmitted primarily from bat to bat
and bat to cave. Recent tagging studies have shown that bats migrate hundreds of miles.
Soil-to-Bat: P. destructans can survive in the soil of caves and mines where bats hibernate.
Healthy bats entering previously infected sites may contract WNS from the environment.
Other Means: Scientists have demonstrated that it may be possible for humans to inadvertently
carry P. destructans spores on their clothing or equipment.
WNS in Florida
We do not currently have a problem with this devastating disease in Florida, and we are trying
to continue to prevent contamination. So please practice safe WNS procedures where
applicable.
More on WNS
For more information on WNS, including decontamination procedures, visit the national
response website: www.WhiteNoseSyndrome.org
For more information on bats and caves, visit:
 Bat Conservation International: www.batcon.org
 National Speleological Society: www.caves.org
 BatsLIVE: http://batslive.pwnet.org
Reference
Fischer, Matt, 2015. Florida Cave Cavort Guidebook.
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Signing up
THE CAVES- GENERAL INFORMATION
There will be guided trips on both Friday and Saturday, and trip signup sheets will be at the
registration area. Please note the times, leaders, and any requirements and limitations. Please
be prompt for the trip meet-up.
Caving Basics
We know, we all know it all. But just to ensure we are all on the same page here…
Equipment
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Shoes: sturdy, good tread, lace-up, boots are preferred, they will get dirty and trashed.
Helmet: Sturdy “bump cap” with good & adjustable suspension, solid & adjustable
chinstrap, light(s) mounted onboard.
Light: no hand-helds as primary, must be helmet mounted & dependable, carry three
sources and spare batteries.
Clothing: Well but loose fitting, non-snag fabric, covers well, synthetic best (Remember the
“ABC’s” of cotton for outdoor adventure clothing).
Gloves: leather work, fabric & nitrile gardening, or water sport gloves are good.
Change of Clothes: Bring a complete change of clothes for after the trip (including shoes),
and a garbage bag to hold your caving clothes.
Cave Pack: to carry spare lights, spare batteries, snacks and water.
Etiquette
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Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, and kill nothing but time
Let someone know where you’re going and when you will be returning. Set a deadline and
stick to it.
Cave with your caving group, stick together, use the buddy system.
Always get permission, sign the waiver, and respect the cave owner’s rules.
Be safe, don’t take chances, don’t cave beyond your skills and confidence, listen to the
leader. A caving emergency will ruin more than your day.
Leaders
Our trip leaders are volunteers, doing this for fun. Make sure they have fun. Treat them with
respect, and follow their lead and directions.
Cave Maps & Descriptions
The maps and descriptions of the caves in this guidebook are the results of many cavers’ work
over many years. They have been lovingly lifted from many sources, and we wish to thank all
that had a hand in developing them. These sources include, but are not limited to:
1. 2015, Cave Cavort 2015 Guidebook, by the River City Grotto
2. 2012, 2012 Florida Cave Crawl, by the Flint River Grotto
3. 2008, 2008 Florida Cave Crawl, by the Flint River Grotto
4. 2008, Caves and Karst of Florida, 2008 Convention
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INTERESTING NATURAL ATTRACTIONS
The Woodville Karst Plain geomorphic province of southern Leon, Wakulla, Jefferson and Taylor
counties is a fascinating region of interesting karst and cave-related geological features. If you
decide to forego (dry) underground activities during part of the Cave Crawl weekend, a visit to
one or more of the following sites will still meet your “minimum daily requirements” for
consumption and/or exposure to cave limestone…
Aucilla Sinks Trail
Aucilla Wildlife Management Area
The Aucilla Sinks Trail follows a scenic portion of the overland path above the subterranean
passages between the location where the Aucilla River sinks underground and where it resurges
at Nutall Rise. Between these two points are a series of steep-sided sinkholes with magnificently
sculptured walls. Some sinks are only a few yards wide while the longest is up to 2 miles long.
The sinks are spread out on both sides of the main river trace. On one hike we counted 70
sinkholes.
Directions:
From Havana, go south on U.S. 27 to I-10. Proceed eastbound on I-10 to U.S. 19 (Exit 225 –
roughly 25 miles), then south on U.S. 19 (5 miles) to U.S. 27. Turn east (left) onto U.S. 27 to
Lamont.
From Lamont, turn right on CR-257A (South Salt Road). After 12 miles, the pavement ends. At
12.6 miles, turn right on Powell Hammock Rd., 13.1 miles stay left, 14.8 miles turn right (west)
on #5049 Power Line Road (also known as Goose Pasture Road). At 15.0 miles look for Aucilla
Sinks Trail sign (shown as the Florida Trail on Figure 1). Parking is available on the north side
of road on side of trail.
Follow jeep trail north to where Aucilla River disappears underground. Look for orange blazes
from here and follow south crossing over Goose Pasture Rd.
Follow orange blazes south a mile or so south until it heads east on road. Turn around here and
retrace your previous steps. There are a few almost dry caves along the trail. One can be seen
from the trail on the east side. There are some possible caves on the west side of the river in
this area as well. To get to the west side of river keep an eye open for a jeep trail that heads
south at the north end of the long stretch of river. - Allen Mosler
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Leon Sinks Geological Area
Apalachicola National Forest
The Leon Sinks area contains a spectacular collection of impressive karst landforms, all
accessible from a scenic, three-mile loop trail. From the parking area, the loop trail passes by
numerous wet and dry sinkholes, sinking streams, natural bridges and flooded cave entrances.
Outstanding features along the trail include Hammock Sink, a blue water sink with an extensive
underwater cave system mapped by former FSCC member Bill McFaden, who perished here
during an exploration dive. A plaque showing his map of the cave system is on display on the
boardwalk overlooking the sink. Bill was a professional draftsman, and his map work is generally
recognized as setting a higher standard for subsequent underwater cave maps.
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Big Dismal is a very impressive water-filled sink, with about 70 feet of relief from the upper rim
to water. Vertical caving techniques are required to reach the bottom (or at least climb out with
dive gear!); however, access to this and other sinks in the Leon Sinks Geological Area is
restricted, and permits are required from the U.S. Forest Service.
Fisher Creek sinks along the southwestern portion of the loop trail, resurges again after passing
under a natural bridge then sinks for good. Dye tracing performed within the last six months has
linked this sinking stream to the Leon Sinks Cave System (including Big Dismal Sink) and
Wakulla Springs, several kilometers to the southeast.
Following the loop trail east toward the parking area brings the hiker to a short spur trail to the
south (“Hutchison Trace” - named for former FSCC caver Frank Hutchison who performed much
of the initial survey of the karst in this area). This short detour leads to Gopher Hole (Culley’s
Cave), a classic “Yogi Bear” cave entrance partially flooded. Another vertical chimney entrance
can be seen uphill to the left of the main entrance.
Directions:
From Havana, go south on U.S. 27 to Old Bainbridge Road (SR-263). Follow this road to the
right (it becomes Capital Circle) all the way south and east around the outskirts of Tallahassee
(approximately 17 miles) until you reach Crawfordville Highway (U.S. 319). Turn right (south)
and proceed approximately 9 miles to the Leon Sinks Geological Area on the right (see Figure
2). If you enter Wakulla County, you’ve gone too far…
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Upper River Sinks
This is another area of sinks near the Leon Sinks area and part of the Wakulla Springs system.
More wooded and undeveloped when compared with the Leon Sinks area.
From the Leon Sinks sign continue .6 mile south and turn left (east) on CJ Spears road.
Immediately turn right (south) and this goes to the parking area.
There is a sign showing the trails.
There are more sinks in the area. Just follow the trails and see how many you can find.
Clear Cut
Go Between
Fish Hole
Log Jam
MM
Smokey’s Chimney
Upper River
Venture
Woods
N30 17 31.6 W84 20 40.8
N30 17 09.2 W84 20 29.9
N30 17 07.9 W84 20 36.4
N30 17 26.6 W84 20 34.8
N30 17 21.2 W84 20 43.0
N30 17 29.6 W84 20 36.4
N30 16 42.1 W84 20 35.2
N30 17 25.7 W84 20 37.5
N30 17 21.1 W84 20 34.7
Marianna Area
Hinson Conservation and Recreation Area
The Flint River Grotto has helped survey the karst features of this new city park in Marianna.
ThiThis park has the Ovens Cave, the Alamo Cave, a small karst window, and a spring. There
is also a canoe ramp located on the Chipola River.
The Ovens Cave is on the river and can be reached by paddling one mile upstream from the
boat ramp. You can also put in on the Caverns Road Hwy 166 just north of Marinna and
paddle downstream five miles to the canoe ramp in the Hinson area. The Alamo Cave can be
reached by walking a short distance north across an open field near the canoe ramp. A short
hand line is needed to get to the bottom of the karst window.
To get to the Hinson Conservation and Recreation Area go one mile south of the courthouse in
Marianna on Hwy 73. Turn left (east) at the sign and follow the road to the river. It is a beautiful
hike along the bluffs of the river.
Paddling
Besides padding upstream in the Florida Caverns State Park, put in at highway 166 (Caverns
Road) and paddle down to the Hinson Conservation and Recreation Area. This is about a fourmile trip. At about a mile from the takeout you will come across Ovens Cave.
There are a number of other sections to paddle on the Chipola. Some have small rapids.
The Wacissa River is another wonderful spring fed river east of Tallahassee and is about a 45
mile drive. Take I-10 east to highway 59 and drive straight south to the launch.
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Merritts Mill Pond
Merritts Mill Pond has a little of everything. There is Jackson Blue Springs, Hole in the Wall
Springs, Gator Hole, Shangri-la Springs, and a number of dry caves. Most of the dry caves are
located near Shangri-la Springs. From the intersection of Hwy 90 and Hwy 71 north go 1.2
miles to Blue Springs Road, then go 2.7 miles to Day Loop. Turn right and go to the Mill Pond.
Put your boat in here and paddle left up Merritts Mill Pond. Jackson Blue Spring is at the end
of pond. Shangri-la Springs is 0.2 miles downstream. One cave is located to the right of the
springs and the rest are in the bluff along the water.
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Florida Caverns State Park
Besides the tour cave and nature trails there is a nice paddle here as well.
Drive back towards the campground and swimming area. Just before the Chipola River turn
right to the boat ramp. Put in here and paddle up stream about a mile. Look for the spring run
to the east. There are two other springs on the river in this area as well and one further in the
woods to the west. This is the Baltzell Spring Group.
Cycling
Tallahassee and the surrounding areas offer some of Florida's best cycling options from road
riding to mountain biking. If you use popular activity tracking apps like Strava, Runkeeper,
MapMyRide, etc you can use the segment explorer options to find most of the trails listed
below. We have also included some links to online maps. For more information on the local
biking scene you can visit the following websites:
http://cccyclists.org/
http://www.tmba.bike/
Tallahassee - Northside trails
https://www.floridastateparks.org/park-activities/Maclay-Gardens#Bicycling
http://www.mtbproject.com/trail/4275945
https://www.talgov.com/Uploads/Public/Documents/parks/pdf/phipps.pdf
http://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/live-oak.html
http://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/redbug.html
http://www.trailahassee.com/
Lake Overstreet/RedBug/Phipps/Cambodia/Silk/Liveoak are all located on the Northside of
Tallahassee and offer a very diverse cycling experience. From technical and rooty Redbug and
Liveoak trails to multiuse trails in Phipps Park and Maclay Gardens State Park. There is ample
parking at Forest Meadows soccer and tennis complex on Meridian Road that will give you
access to all of these areas. There is a $2 fee per person payable to the iron ranger for
entrance to the state park. Your Florida State Parks pass will cover your entry fee if you have
one. We ask you to honor this nominal fee.
"The Lake Overstreet portion of the park offers approximately five miles of multi-use trails that
can be used for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. These trails afford views of Lake Overstreet
and a ravine system that rivals those of North Georgia. In addition, approximately three miles
of designated bike trails provide scenic biking on the Overstreet property. Lake Overstreet is
for use by wildlife only, and for scenic viewing by people. The park offers a limited number of
bicycles for rent. Check for availability at the Ranger Station as you enter the park. Helmets
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are highly recommended for all cyclists and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16
and under."
Tallahassee - Tom Brown Park
One of our beautiful city parks contains some of Florida's best mountain biking trails.
Magnolia, Gun Range, Cadillac, Loblolly trails are classified as intermediate and also offer both
singletrack and multiuse options. There are also wooden features like our very own wall ride
known as "Wally World" and "Nessie" and other skill areas including a pump track when
weather and conditions are acceptable.
http://www.talgov.com/uploads/public/documents/parks/pdf/tombrownpermit.pdf
http://www.mtbproject.com/trail/4249870/magnolia-trail
http://www.mtbproject.com/trail/4276165/west-cadillac-trail
http://www.mtbproject.com/trail/4276102/east-cadillac-trail
Talllahassee - Alford Greenway
Leon County maintained greenway that connects to Tom Brown Park via a new multiuse
bridge that overlooks Lake Lafayette.
"J.R. Alford Greenway covers more than 800 acres of pastures, mixed forests, hardwoods,
freshwater swamp and a lake setting and is another site on the Great Florida Birding Trail.
Among the variety of birds common here are red-tailed hawks, wintering palm warblers, whitethroated and grasshopper sparrows and eastern meadowlarks. It also includes more than 17
miles of multi-use trails, popular with runners, hikers, cyclists and horseback riders." -visittallahassee.com
http://imsinter.leoncountyfl.gov/website/Parks_SDE/Maps/J_R_Alford_Greenway_Trails.pdf
https://cms.leoncountyfl.gov/Portals/0/publicworks/parksandrecreation/ParkMaps/J_R_Alford_
Greenway_Trails.pdf
Tallahassee - Miccosukee Greenway
Leon County maintained greenway that offers multiuse and singletrack trail. There are several
entrances located on Fleischman Rd, Miccouskee Road and Crump Road.
http://imsinter.leoncountyfl.gov/website/Parks_SDE/Maps/MiccosukeeGW_Overview.pdf
Tallahassee - Southside trails
South of Tallahassee there are some cycling options in the Apalachicola National Forest
including Munson Hills, Twilight and the Forest Loop trails. Munson is an eight mile loop with a
few intersecting options that is mostly red clay packed. Twilight and the Forest Loop are longer
rides with very sandy conditions at times. Twilight and the Forest Loop are acceptable trails to
ride when rainy conditions exist. As these trails are more remote than others make sure you
carry enough nutrition and water. Cellular service is generally good in these areas as well.
19
*The Forest Loop is not an officially designated mtb trail nor is it marked or maintained on a
regular basis. Ride at your own risk.
The very popular "St.Marks" trail is also located at the parking lot for Munson Hills and is a
paved 16 mile trail that ends at St.Marks. The trailhead is located on Woodville Highway just
past Capital Circle.
The Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail runs 20.5 miles from Florida's capital
city to the coastal community of St. Marks. Through the early 1900s, this historic railroad
corridor was used to carry cotton from the plantation belt to the coast for shipment to textile
mills in England and New England. Officially part of Florida's Greenways and Trails System,
this state trail has also been designated as a National Recreation Trail®. This was the first railtrail in the Florida's system of greenways and trails to be paved, providing a scenic experience
for running, walking, bicycling and skating. Horseback riding is available on the adjacent
unpaved trail. Here outdoor enthusiasts can hike a portion of the Florida National Scenic Trail,
which joins the Trail at U.S. 98 and continues south. At the main trailhead, there is access to
the Munson Hills/Twilight Mountain Bike Trails in the Apalachicola National Forest. At the
southern terminus of the trail, the coastal City of St. Marks welcomes trail users to enjoy
seafood dining, fishing and entertainment and learn about the history of the area at San
Marcos de Apalachee Historical State Park. The Tallahassee-St. Marks State Trail is a
completed section of the developing, 120-mile "Capital City to the Sea Loop" corridor and is a
destination along the "Big Bend Scenic Byway."
https://www.floridastateparks.org/trail/Tallahassee-St-Marks
http://www.mtbproject.com/trail/4118796
Climax Cave
CAVES
Decatur County, Georgia
GSS No. 36
Allen Mosler NSS12940
Requirements: Hand line for getting down the entrance drop, kneepads.
Notes: A release form must be signed and dropped off at the owner’s house before going
into the cave. No caving on Sundays. Some people have contracted Histoplasmosis when
going into South Climax Cave.
Undoubtedly the largest cave in the area (and second longest cave in Georgia at well over eight
miles THD), Climax has been a local project cave since the late 1960's. Almost any kind of trip can
be had in this cave, from a low-stress tourist trip to a grueling multi-day mapping trip. One can do
sump-push slogs in cool, clear pools or major technical climbs into unexplored high leads.
Sucker-Sherpa-Rambo types can haul in scuba tanks for cave divers more than willing to explore
any of several connected deep pools which serve as windows into the Floridan Aquifer System
near its northern terminus.
There are three natural vertical shafts leading downward into the cave at the bottom of the entrance
sink. One is too large to free-climb, another (the "Wet Chimney") takes in the flow of a small creek
20
during wet weather (once free climbable it has been eroded to the point you now need a rope), and
the third (the "Dry Chimney") is a 3-foot diameter 25-foot deep vertical shaft that is easily climbable
with lots of good hand and foot holds. Even so, it is wise to belay anyone who has not climbed this
entrance before.
In general, the cave extends roughly equal distances to the northeast and southwest from the
entrance. The northern section tends to be larger and more heavily traveled and explored, while
south is the newer wing. New discoveries are possible within twenty minutes of the entrance to
really dedicated snoopers and pushers. A good amount of hands-and-knees crawling is to be
expected on any trip. There are several LARGE rooms in both North and South (more in North
than South), and quite a few nice formation areas in both directions - Dream Room, Kaye's
Palace, New Formation Room, and Razor Hall to name a few.
The cave is also home to a large Southeastern Myotis (Myotis Austroiparius) colony, which usually
resides in the Barrel Room (follow your nose!). Watching the bat flight out of the chimneys at dusk
is a nice way to end a long, grueling trip into this cave. There is also a large colony in the south part
of Climax. Since the passage is low going south, you are crawling in the guano. A number of
Histoplasmosis cases have been reported after trips in this part of the cave.
There is a stream that flows into Climax Cave that drains the road. When improvements were made
to the road in the 70’s this increased the run off. Some improvements were supposedly made to
lessen the problem. This steam has created a 20’ deep ravine and deposited the sand in the cave.
Some dams were made in cave to catch some of the sand and worked for a while until they were
buried. On most trips it usually requires some digging in the sand crawl to get through.
Exploration
The first map of Climax was done by the Auburn Grotto in 1956-1957 but was only a small part of
the cave.
The Florida State Caving Club started resurveying Climax in the 60s with most of the activity-taking
place from 1970 to 1992. Frank Hutchinson was the map keeper and leader of many of the mapping
trips. During times of low water an area called Beyond in the NW part of the cave was pushed. The
more recent surveys have been in South Climax with trips going for days. Much of this part involves
a lot of crawling. There have been 3 different dive trips to push the water filled passages.
Geology
Climax Cave is located approximately 80 kilometers north of the city of Tallahassee, Florida, in rural
Decatur County, Georgia. The only known entrance consists of three adjacent vertical chimneys
at the bottom of a 25-meter deep sink located along the northwest edge of the Pelham Escarpment,
a northeast-trending topographic feature that extends from near Chattahoochee, Florida to the
vicinity of Cordele, Georgia. The top of this escarpment has an average local elevation of 62 meters
above mean sea level, and separates Curry Hill to the southeast from the lower Dougherty Karst
Plain to the northwest. Cave development in South Georgia occurs predominantly along this
21
escarpment, where small intermittent surface streams are captured and diverted underground,
flowing northwestward under the scarp and below the Karst Plain, finally discharging as springs in
and along the Flint River (Beck, 1984).
Climax Cave, while in many ways typical of South Georgia caves, is currently the second longest
in the state, containing over 12 kilometers of surveyed passage. The majority of the passages of
the cave have formed 25-30 meters above present mean sea level (36m below the top of the
entrance sink), and are located within the Oligocene Suwannee Limestone, a tan to yellow massive
to granular fossiliferous marine limestone, with interbedded zones of vuggy, porous dolostone. It is
successively overlain by the lower Miocene Hawthorn Group, which in the entrance sink section
consists of sandy clays interbedded with thin lenses of limestone and dolostone. The stratigraphy
is important, as over twenty vertical shafts or solution domes have been located in the cave, many
reaching upward through the Suwannee Limestone into the base of the Hawthorn Group
sediments. As noted previously, the Hawthorn in other areas is known to contain significant uranium
concentrations.
Cave passage development has primarily occurred along a series of predominant north-northeast
trending joints, with secondary development along west-northwest trending fractures. Ground water
pools are encountered in the lowest levels of the cave, and several have been linked to one another
through underwater mapping. These deep, clear water pools reflect the elevation of the
potentiometric surface of the Floridan Aquifer System within the cave.
References
Beck, Berry F. and Daniel D. Arden. 1984. Karst hydrogeology and geomorphology of the
Dougherty Plain, southwest Georgia: Southeastern Society Guidebook No. 26 1984.
Hutchison, Frank. 1977. Climax Cave Map. Florida State Caver. Volume 8, Number 1.
Maddox, Gary. 2004. April 20th Annual Florida Cave Crawl Guidebook 2004, pp. 23-25.
Mosler, Allen, 2008. Caves and Karst of Florida, 2008 NSS National Convention.
22
Climax Cave, Decatur County, Georgia – Northern Portion
23
Hollow Ridge Cave
Jackson County, Florida
FCS JK-21
Allen Mosler NSS# 12940
Requirements: Kneepads, combination to gate.
Notes: Cave is owned by the SCCi. Consider walking down to the Chipola River to wash
off the mud after caving.
A favorite of Florida cavers for many years, Southeastern Cave Conservancy owns the land on
which this cave is situated. High water from the adjacent Chipola River periodically floods the
cave restricting access. Visitors to Hollow Ridge should have respect for the land and the cave.
This means that you should practice "caving finesse" while in the delicate areas of the cave and
surrounding area above ground. The cave is in a residential area. Please be discrete when
driving up the hill to the cave. Please be out of the cave and gone by sunset.
The four entrances are located on and around a hill on the east side of the Chipola River, north of
U.S. 90. A prominent hole in the top of the hill marks the location of an old limestone quarry. The
concrete and re-bar remnants of an old gate mark the main entrance, located near the crest of the
hill. A sloping passage leads downward into an entrance room from which numerous crawls
emanate. The majority of the cave lies off to the right (east), where the well-decorated crawls
eventually lead to Paul's Pool, Smith & Jones Room, and a vertical fissure passage reminiscent of
some TAG caves. The Signature Room, at the back, is a nice, well-decorated fissure passage, and
a reward for exploring the cave all the way to the back.
This cave is VERY MUDDY, especially in "The Tube" – many ill-prepared neophyte cavers of the
past have come out of this quagmire missing a tennis shoe or two. Hollow Ridge is one of the larger
dry caves in Jackson County.
On February 23, 2008 I went over to Marianna to check on Hollow Ridge after eleven inches of rain
over the previous two days. The spring at the bottom of the bluff was flowing and water was coming
out of the lower entrance. There was water in the flood plain but not up to the bluff. A day later the
Chipola River rose 7 feet more flooding the cave.
History
The first note of Hollow Ridge is when Dr. Paul Boyer and the members of the Fort Rucker Ozark
Grotto finished mapping the cave in February 1974.
In 1983 on a trip to Hollow Ridge, I noticed new survey markers. Upon walking around the land
above the cave it was obvious that something was going on that wasn’t good. I then went to a local
real estate broker the following week and found out that the land had been subdivided. I purchased
the first lot in Nov. 1983. Over the next two years I bought the three lots that were above the cave.
There are some big rooms close to the surface that may have presented some problems with
24
building on the lots; septic tanks would have probably leaked in to the cave. The total area is about
five acres and includes the two main entrances.
A number of caves in the Marianna area have been heavily vandalized over the years. As a result,
the cave was gated in 1987 with the help of the Florida State Caving Club. The gate was not in
long before it was breached. The gate was repaired once but again removed. After this point the
cave has been left open. Other caves in the area continue to be vandalized but so far Hollow Ridge
has not.
In July 1998 I noticed new survey marks on top of Hollow Ridge. One was in the middle of my
property. I went and talked with the local surveyor who informed me that the State Of Florida had
bought the land next to mine. Upon surveying the land they found the boundary to be wrong and
took an acre of my land. In Nov. 1998 a bunch of Quitclaim Deeds were written to supposedly take
care of things but in fact only made things worse. It seems they gave my land to someone else and
gave me more land than I had at the beginning. In 2000 I had decided to sell my land to the State
of Florida but after all the survey hassles, I decided to donate the cave to the
Southeastern Cave Conservancy inc. and on Jan. 27, 2006, the transaction was complete. Upon
discovering that I also owned the access road up the hill, in June 2007 I deeded this to the SCCi
as well.
I am the Property Manager for Hollow Ridge Cave and take care of the land like I did when I owned
it. I just don’t have to pay the taxes and the SCCi pays for insurance. The duties that I take care of
are guided trips, keeping in touch with the neighbors, maintaining the landscape, road, and gate,
and whatever else needs taken care of. At least I know the cave will be safe in the future.
SCCi director Mark Wolinsky put in many hours to help with the donation of Hollow Ridge Cave.
A grad student at Florida State University (Andrew Kowalczk) is currently doing extensive studies
of Hollow Ridge’s CO2, 222 Rn and air flow.
Exploration
The first map was done in 1974. Since then 70 feet were added off of the Smith & Jones room
(took 4 hours to survey) and 30 feet were added during a dive in Paul’s Pool.
There may still be some more passage to be surveyed but most is low and muddy.
Geology
A thick sequence of relatively young carbonate rocks underlies the Florida peninsula and the
eastern panhandle. In Jackson County, outcropping sediments range from Middle Eocene (30
million years old) to Middle Miocene (approximately 15 million years old).
The vast majority of caves found in Jackson County occur in a narrow band trending east west
through the central part of the county. This band corresponds roughly to the outcrop area of the
Marianna Limestone of early Oligocene age, which acts as the roof rock for these caves. The
25
Marianna Limestone is a fine-grained, fairly low permeability limestone. These make it more
resistant to weathering and erosion than the underlying limestone.
Most caves are actually developed in the upper Eocene Bumpnose member of the Crystal River
Limestone that lies directly under the Marianna Limestone. The Bumpnose Limestone is described
as a soft, easily crumbled limestone. It is more granular and fossiliferous than the Marianna.
Especially abundant are the macrofossils of the forminifera of the species Lepidocyclina Chaperi.
A positive structural feature known as the Chattahoochee Anticline extends into the northern part
of Jackson County. The Marianna and Crystal River limestone are exposed along the south flank
of the “anticline.”
The Chipola River and its tributaries played a major role in the karstification of the area. As the river
incised its way into the limestone, it controlled the elevation of the water table and thus the levels
of major cave formation.
Morphologically, two different types of caves are found in Jackson County. Vadose (water table)
caves developed above the water table as water percolated down through the unsaturated zone
on its way to the water table. These caves are characteristically small and well decorated. Their
development has not been jointed or bedding plane controlled.
Phreatic caves developed in the saturated zone just below the water table where water can flow
vertically or horizontally. These cave are generally longer than vadose caves and show definite
signs that their development is related to the presence of joints and bedding planes within the rock.
Marianna caves have little vertical relief and are small by comparison to many other caves. Even
so, many of these caves are interesting, beautifully decorated and well worth exploring.
References
Humphreys, Cindy. 1984, March 23. Cave-related Geology of Jackson County, Florida. 1st Annual
Cave Crawl, p. 1.
Maddox, Gary. 2004, April. Hollow Ridge Cave. 20th Annual Florida Cave Crawl, pp. 50-51.
Mosler, Allen, 2008, Caves and Karst of Florida, 2008 NSS National Convention.
Paul’s Pool Photo by Allen Mosler
26
27
The Gating of Hollow Ridge Cave
On December 5-7, 2014 a group of cavers met to gate Hollow Ridge Cave in Jackson County,
Florida. This was necessary because the county was in the process of building hiking trails just
downhill of the bluff line where the lower cave entrances are located. The gates were constructed
to keep out vandals and to keep people from getting lost in the cave which contains 3400’ of
surveyed passage. There are also rare cave fauna that need protection.
Kristin Bobo designed the cave gates and provided her expertise in installation. Her Assistant,
Uriah Pryor, cut the steel. The hauling group consisted of Allen Mosler, Bufford Pruitt, and Tevis
Kouts. Tiffiny Kouts, Terrin Kouts, and D’Ann Mosler ran errands. Guy Yates helped return some
of the equipment to Tallahassee.
It took three days to build four gates. The gate at Entrance 1 (with lock) was located at the upper
entrance and is 3’x8’ in size. The gates at Entrance 2 were located 70’ inside the entrance and
are 3’x3’ and 6’x2.5’ at the flood plain level. Entrance Gates 3 & 4 were placed 30’ inside the
cave and block three of the mid-bluff entrances. It took about a day and a half to build each gate.
The process was Kristen would measure for the needed steel, Uriah would cut the steel, and
someone would carry the steel to the gate and help Kristen with the installation. The gates were
impressive being made from 6”x6”x3/8” and 4”x4”x3/8” angle iron. They look bullet-proof.
In addition to the people above who provided their time and talent, I would like to thank the
following grottos and cavers that made donations: Flint River Grotto, Florida Speleological
Society, Middle Georgia Grotto, River City Grotto, Tamps Bay Area Grotto, Paul Aughey, Matt
Fisher, Jerry Johnson, Kitty Markley, Roger Moore, Allen Mosler, Steve Nemeth, Ed Pratt, Larry
Rueff, and Philip Walker. Donations of over $4000 were made that covered about 60% of the
cost of building the gates. The extra steel was taken to Gainesville by Bufford Pruitt to be used
in the reconstruction of Warrens Cave gate, a NSS Preserve.
This hard-working and generous group of cavers made this project a success…thank you.
Allen Mosler
Property Manager, Hollow Ridge Cave
Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc.
28
Possum Holler, Debbie’s Door Cave, Allen’s Back Door Cave
FCS JK-1221, FCS JK-1138, FCS JK-1101
Possum Holler, Debbie’s Door Cave and Allen’s Back Door Cave are all located just to the
north of Hollow Ridge along the west edge of the bluff. There is also a spring coming out at the
base of the bluff. Watch out for the water moccasin that lives near the spring.
These caves are on land purchased by the State of Florida for the Chipola River Green Ways
and Trails. The land is now being developed as a park by Jackson County.
Mud Cave
FCS JK-1207
Requirements: Kneepads, must sign release form at owner’s home.
Parking area is about 100 feet from the cave.
There are also a few other caves in this area: Fissure Cave, Buzzard Cave, and Lost Boys Cave.
Some of the names may be for the same cave.
29
Mud Cave is aptly named. It consists of basically two parallel NE-trending fissures connected by
narrow squeeze-crawls. The entrance drops into the south end of the shorter fissure, which is
about 200 feet long. About 100 feet into this fissure, three passages lead off to the left (west) to
the other, longer fissure which has a well-decorated ceiling. This fissure is over 15 feet high in
places and continues northeastward for over 400 feet before pinching out. This is a classic jointcontrolled cave, not commonly seen in this area.
Reference
Humphreys, Cindy. 1984, March 23. Cave-related Geology of Jackson County, Florida.1st Annual
Cave Crawl.
;’’/;
30
Biscuits and Gravy
Grady County, Georgia
GSS 602
Requirements: Need to sign release form.
This cave is located on private property in an old lime rock quarry. It begins as a tight crawl
down through water cut passage and into a hall, which roughly divides the cave. Both sections
are worthy of seeing. There are some large rooms, one around 55 feet by 30 feet! The cave
has many fragile sea biscuits in the walls and care should be taken not to break them. The
cave was found and mapped in 2006 and 2007. There is mud and it is best to see the dry
areas to the left first to reduce the transportation of the mud.
This cave requires no vertical gear and only kneepads, gloves and lights. The cave can
experience flooding during heavy rains but smaller people can exit a tight crack entrance if
needed.
Reference
Kalch, Matt, 2008, The 2008 Florida Cave Crawl.
31
Glory Hole Cave (aka Blowing Hole Cave)
GSS No. 36
Requirements: Small-guided restoration trips, experienced cavers only, must sign
release form.
Without a doubt, this is the premier formation cave in this (and possibly any other) caving area.
The sixth largest cave in Georgia, Glory boasts several rooms full of clear and snow-white
stalactites, Angel's wings, helictites, flowstone, soda straws, and globular mounds of crystalline
calcite.
Of course, there's no free lunch -- the trip to the formation areas is, to say the least, "sporting." A
thirty-foot corkscrew chimney with cold water running down your neck (polypro recommended),
followed by a fifteen-foot-high canyon chimney, followed by a slither through the MUDDY "Birth
Canal", followed by crawling through the sandy "Sewers" brings you to walking passage that leads
to the pretties.
The trips to Glory will be limited due to the delicate nature of the cave, the problems with vandalism,
and the owner’s wishes. The trips will be limited to 5 experienced cavers approved by the trip
leader. These will not be photo trips but you can bring a small “point & shoot” camera. The trip will
be a restoration trip that will require some sort of work.
Reference
Maddox, Gary, 2004, The Florida Cave Crawl.
32
33
Malloy’s Waterfall Cave
GSS No. 27
Requirements: Need to sign release form.
The entrance of Waterfall is in the bottom of a deep, beautiful, steep-sided sink on the northwest
flank of Curry Hill. The cave gets its name from the large waterfall which flows off the ridge and
plunges into the bottom of the sink during wet weather. It is usually dry, however. Access to the
bottom of the sink can be gained by an easy 25-foot handline-assisted climb down.
The cave begins as a climb down to a cobble crawl, which is an overflow stream route carrying
water after heavy rains. A pop-up on the other side leads to a climb up of about 40 – 50 feet to the
breakdown-filled Balcony Room. A long slope on the
The other side of this room leads to the Big Room, the largest room in the older section of the cave.
This room contains part of the overflow stream channel first encountered in the cobble crawl.
Following the stream passage to the left, numerous broken stalactites can be seen. Note the high
water marks on the walls.
The sandy "beach" area to the right is a hands-and-knees crawl to a short belly crawl (several
routes exist). This leads one into the Sand Room. To the left is a small formation area. Straight
ahead, a short walk leads to the breakdown slope that terminates "Old Waterfall". An inconspicuous
passage leading down from the back of the breakdown is the gateway to "New Waterfall". To reach
the spectacular borehole beyond, the traveler must negotiate the "Grim Triangle of Death", an
extremely tight constriction located in unstable breakdown. No other passage into the new section
has been found.
New Waterfall contains large walking passage, many smaller leads, and some peculiar geological
occurrences. Some of the most unique of these are locally referred to as "Mud Volcanoes" - large
conical mud cones derived from the seepage of clays from ceiling fractures. These usually display
colors unlike floor sediment or wall rock. Many beautiful and delicate formation areas exist in the
cave. To conserve the wilderness nature of this part of Waterfall, please stick to the flagged trails
in parts of the cave where they have been delineated.
A few years ago a big rain event filled up the passage going up to the first big room so we have
been using Catfish Crawl. On the last trip this route was filled in but there was some air blowing.
Waterfall is now under new ownership. We have been in contact with the new owner and have
recently dug open Polly’s Lost and removed a bunch of debris from Shingle sink.
We had delayed digging in Waterfall because a group of Southeastern Myotis had taken up
residence in the area where we needed to dig. This prevented digging while they were in
hibernation but there is a digging trip scheduled for Saturday.
34
Reference
Maddox, Gary, 2004, The Florida Cave Crawl.
35
Maddox's River Bluff Cave (Ebro Cave)
Washington County, Florida
Requirements: Kneepads
Cave is roughly 500' from the nearest place to park, along the river bluff and is inundated by
Holmes Creek in times of high water. There are also a few spring caves (fully
submerged) nearby, notably Ebro Blue Spring and Potter Spring.
Maddox's River Bluff cave is a short stream cave in the east side river bluff of Holmes Creek.
The main trunk of the cave goes back about 40' in a classic phreatic type passage that splits in
the back to two smaller passages that continue for a short distance before pinching off. Both
smaller passages have small springs feeding running water that flows through the main trunk
passage. The water enters a swallet near the cave entrance. At the base of the river bluff at
the edge of Holmes Creek, the water from the cave springs from several small vents.
History
Henry Maddox and Raymond Holt discovered this cave in 1980 while boating Holmes Creek.
After a few explorations, the entrance collapsed in and the cave was essentially forgotten
about. Henry pulled together a group of Flint River Grotto cavers out to Ebro to dig out earlier
this year(2016) and a second trip was made to survey the passage.
36
The Flint River Grotto would like to give a special thanks to Tim Lewis for
hosting us once again!
In addition, this year’s Cave Crawl would not have been possible without all of the hard working
members of the Flint River Grotto!
We would also like to thank all of the sponsors of this year’s event, the other Florida Grottos and
the National Speleological Society!
37

2016 Florida Cave Crawl Guidebook

Transcription

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