September 1990

THE REGION RECORD
VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3
SEPTEMBER 1990
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VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3
THE REGION RECORD
SEPTEMBER 1990
The Region Record is published four times a year by the Virginia Region of tha National Speleological Society.
Opinions expressed in the Region Record are those of the author, and do not necessarily represent the opinions
of the NSS, VAR, or any of their internal organizations .
. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, except by the NSS or its internal organizations, without written
permission of the Virginia Region.
REGION OFFICERS
Chairman
Vice-Chairman
Secretary
TreasW'8l"
Bill Busse y
Russ "Cave b oy" Carter
120 Manhattan Court
PO Box 478
Tom Spina
3209 Sherry Court
Cary, NC28511
Sharpsburg, MD 21782
Va Beach, VA 23464
H (919)460-8968
H (301 )432-6838
H (804)420-6126
Mary Barrett
Route 1, Box 160-0
Buena VISta, VA 24416
H (703)261-1642
REGION RECORD STAFF
Editor
Printing
Distrib utio n
Russ "Ca vebo y" Carter
Bob Hoke
PO Box 478
Sharpsburg, MD 21782
6304 Kaybro Street
Evelyn Bradshaw
1732 Byron Street
Laurel, MD 20707
Alexandria, VA 22303
H (301)432-6838
H (301)725-58n
H (703)765-0669
CAVING CALENDAR
Sep22
WVACS Classic, Celebration of new research facility. ContactTod Handley 304-485-5804 or
Mark Botkin 304-755-1185
Oct 13-14
Fall VAR Hosted By WVASS at Natural Chimneys, VA. Contact: Lee Stevens 703-451-7663
Oct 20
Tentative date for Bridge Day. No info or contact yet.
FROM THE EDITOR As you will see, this issue is full of stuff from various contributers. You will also notice that the Caveboy's Corner
is not to be found. This is not due to my suddenly becoming cautious about what I write, nor is it because everyone
stopped sending me their newsletters. It is not there because the issue was full without it and I was unable to find
time to write it. I appoligizeto those who truly look forward to the Caveboy's Corner and assure you that it will return
next issue. Also I don't type so well. Since most of you have access to a IBM compatable computer, I would
appreciate getting your stuff on a disk. I have the use of just about any word processing program or I can always
use ASCII text. I also can use 3.5 or 4.25 inch disks. Please, if you can send me things on disks, it would cut down
by as much as eighty percent, the time it takes me to put the Reoord together. If you don't have an IBM comparable,
or if you are just to damn cheap to send a disk (I will return disks if asked), I will be more than glad to retype your
articleS. Thanks and keep those articles comming.
Russ
Page 32
Carter·
VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3
TIlE REGION RECORD
SEPTEMBER 1990
The annual NSS Convention has come and gone. Held in Yreka, CA in early July, this years' convention will be
remembered for, among other things, no rain (we must be losing our touch!), warm temperatures, a bus which
rolled into a lake, lots of lava tube trips, and great scenery.
However, one thing the 1990 Convention staff will remember is the lack of Virginia Region cavers. Only a small
number of Virginia Region cavers shOwed up. Those that did had great fun. Where were you? The rest of
convention really missed you. And you missed a good time.
There were just over 850 in attendance. That makes for a medium size convention by numbers. However, this
convention had the "feel" of a much smaller convention. One could see just about anyone they wanted to see.
Camping, salons, contests, vendors, and fast food were all at the fairgrounds which featured a beautifully shaded
fairway. Thus, there was a lot ofsitting around under the trees talking. Though temperatures were in the 90's and
. low 1OO's most of the week, the dry conditions, nice shade, and fairly constant breeze made it feel much cooler.
The westerners complained a lot about the heat, while most easterners, used to much higher humidity, took it in
stride.
The sessions and meetings were held in largely at the Community Center, an easy drive across town. Shuttle
busses ran constantly between the two sites. The Center's facilities were sized about right, with good acoustics,
comfortable seating, and air conditioning. While the sessions went on as usual, the highlight of the week was
undoubtedly the visiting Rumanian cavers paper at Thursdays' International Session. The salon quality (better,
some have said) slides were incredible! Due to demand, they showed it again Friday.
The convention really got started on Sunday with the Geology and Biologyfieldtrips. From what I heard, it was well
planned and executed; but there was sinply too much to do. N. the faiIlJ'ounds, arrNaIs were treated to a build your
own sunde bar. The Howdy Party on Monday was enjoyable. Food and the band were good, and wine coolers,
beer, and tea were served in take along mugs featuring the convention logo. Speaking of which, the convention
T-shirt was almost worth the price of admission. Have had lots of nice comments from both cavers and non-cavers.
About 300 people enjoyed the Lake Shasta Caverns Excursion on Tuesday evening. Though a prime example of
Murphy's Law runring aJ'TlOk; most seemed to take delight in standing back watching things happen. A bus ran into
the lake, another broke down in the middle of a steep section of road, cave lights were shut down with lightlass
cavers still inside, cave management's tempers flared, the food seMce was slow. It was the closest thing to a fiasco
at the convention. The Caverns actually had buttons already made up saying "I survived the Lake Shasta Caverns
BU$ Ride." Needless to say, the future NSS auction items sold out that night! In a/l fairness, the Caverns simply
overstated their capacity to handle 300 people at one time. They told the convention organizers they could, and
they couldn't. Still, all attendees who got inside really enjoyed having free run ofthis quite beautiful cave.
The rest of the week was tame compared to Tuesday's madness and featured about the usual convention stuff.
Wine tasting, auction, and dance were Wednesday. The Photo Salon on Thursday featured a video on Endless
Caverns by VAR's own Gary Berdeaux. Slides by Kieth Goggin, Ron Simmons, and other VAR cavers were also
shown The awards banquet on Friday was notable for the well orchestrated seMng of food, and a delightfully short
talk by the Speaker and Honorary Membership Award winner, Rob Kerbo. VAP. cavers who received awards
included Janet Thorne, who received the Outstanding Service Award. Phil Lucas was one of the recipients of the
Certificate of Merit. Bob Hoke, Pete Shifflett, and Bill Bussey. received the Fellow Award. AI in al the Virginia Region
came out real well. (Apologies to any I left out.)
In case you were wondering, the many cave trips were fine too. Several VAP. cavers made the hike to the Marble
Mountains, home of legendary Bigfoot Cave, on both pre and post convention trips. The post convention trip top
Ulburn Cave got its share of VAP. cavers as well. While convention staff reminded everyone there were lots of
limestone caves around, most easterners preferred lava tubing during the week. Many wert and cImbed on nearby
14,000+ foot Mt. Shasta Rumor even has it that our own George dasher even made it to the topl Most Virginia
area cavers made the long trip a vacation and visited all over the west before and after convention. Be sure to ask
each about their trip.
Continued on Page 35
CHAIRMAN' SCRAWLS·
Page 33
VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3
THE REGION RECORD
SEPTEMBER 1990
A MESSAGE FROM THE VICE-CHAIRMAN
With the year winding down, it is time, once again, for Faa VAR This VAA we hope to do some different things. ArI:Jy
Reeder, our newly appointed Conservation Co-Chair is planning a conservation project that will need your
participation, I and others are planning survey trips, and there will be plenty of sport caving trips if that's your bag.
'NVPSS and the VSS will, once again, provide the Saturday evenilg entertaivnent in the form rA a slide presentation
on projects being carried out throughout the Region. This is a new tradition that I hope will continue for some time.
Several items will be placed on the agenda for Sunday's Meeting that will require your attention (see agenda items
elsewhere this issue). I hope each grotto will take the time during their meetings before VAR to discuss these items
and instruct your delegates on how to vote.
Also at the Sunday Meeting we will be voting for the '91 Region Officers. Whether we vote in new leadership or
reaffirm our trust in the present leadership is entirely up to you.
The thing that I would like to see most, from you, the VAR Caver, in 1991, is participation. As I see it, participation
can take on many forms and can encompass many things. It can range from taking on responsibility for planning
and organizing a region project, helping write the "History of the Virginia Region Part 2", running for VAR office,
writing forthe Region Record, volunteering to help on one of the region projects, or donating some spare change
to help VAR provide grants for various projects throughout the region. Hell, just helping out on a region project can
encompass a lot of things. If you want to do something and are not sure what to do, just ask. Also don't be surprised
if I or one of the other Region Leaders approach you and ask for your help.
I know a lot of you don't survey caves and rarely take part in conservation projects, etc. In short, you enjoy the sport
and social aspects of caving. So do I. But I suggest that maybe its time to give a little of yourself to the caves that
have given you all these years of pleasure and enjoyment.
-
--_.
. .
Andy Reeder in a personal letter to me concerning his appointment to Conservation Chair stated: "I hate
speleopolitics, I do not want to kiss-ass, and I am not looking for a job. I am not a great caver, nor ever will be. I
draw mediocre maps, drink cheap beer, and deceive women when I can. In short...1 do it because I like it"
Despite all of Andy's self-proclaimed short cOR1ings and reservations, he has decided to donate his time and effort
to giving something back to our hobby/sport. In my way of thinking that would rank him among the best cavers
of the Region.
I hope to see you on the list.
Russ "Caveboy" Carter
REPORT ON GRANTS BY VAR TO EASTERN REGION
NCRC
During the past year, the Eastern Region of the NCRC
has received $400 in grants from the Virginia Region.
During this period, two projects have been funded, in
part, by these grants.
Thefirst project was the printing of 10,000 Cave rescue
stickers for distribution in the VAR and MAR areas.
These stickers are now commonly found on the hard
hats or car dashboards of most cavers
' in our operational area
the second project to which we have dedicated VAR
grants is the production of a Cave Rescue Workbook for
use in training within the region. I presented the first
rough draft of this book at the Spring VAR. On May 20,
1990 we completed final editing. It is anticipated thatthe
grant of $200 received at the Spring VAR will be spent on
printing 500 copies of this text. Our anticipated cost of
production is $4.00 per book, or $2000 total.
Continued on page 44
Page 34
VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3
THE REGION RECORD
SEPTEMBER 1990
LEITER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Mr. Editor:
I was introduced to caving in Virginia by a close knit group of experienced and knowing cavers from the Central
Virginia area during the seventies. Some of these subterranean questers offered that they were former members
of the NSS, VAR, and one or another grottos of the NSS, but had chosen to separate themselves from these
organizations because c:A the public performance reviews or open criticism c:A Is membership by iIs members. They
told me that organized caving was a non-team sport. They detailed how they were embarrassed by politically
motivated individuals seeking to gain another rung on the ladder. Being embarrassed for an associate who had
been publicly humiliated by some self-serving armchair caver through criticisms in a newsletter or during a
.
conservation at a general meeting.
I was indeed fortunate to have happened l4>OO a supportive group c:A knowledgeable, conserVation and safe cavers
as I had. But reasoned that they could not be completely correct about caving organizations. Cenainly there were
good ones that supported the membership and offered a winning team image to the wol1d so that the great deal
of work to be done in speleology could be undertaken and driven in a positive direction Certainly there were
newsletters that dkin't read 6ke the "National Inquirer. I elevated my V3I"I.age point and joined the NSS and several
"
grottos.
I have met some great people over the last several years. I've also bumped into some huge egos in the caving
community. I've learned that it is most times appropriate to ovenook others' shoncomings and to positively
reinforce their qualities. After all, don't we all have faults?
Well, after reading the June 1990 "Region Record", I am amazed to find that I know several individuals that are so
close to perfection that they are nearly transcendental. Wel bow down and kisS their cleats. The "Record"
pareotly didn't
presents a good deal of evidence to support my associates' opinion of organized. cavjng. 'lOY
read the Chairman' Scrawls. Bussey makes some good points that should make us all reflect on our attitudes
toward others.
I was offended by your message concerning Ron Morton. It was undeserved, destructive, and irresponSible. It
never have been included in the publication. Irrespective c:A 8Irf fault Ron may have,
he has made significant contributions to speleology and deserves our support. With regard to the rest of the
"Record", I find it devoid of any positives and am hard pressed to find atr{ value in it at all with the exception of the
maps, OTR information, and a few other tidbits from other contributors. Each time a positive was offered to the
reader, you put a black mark on it.
served no purpose and should
In an effort to promote team building and accomplish the mission and goals of the NSS and VAR, my expectations
are that in the future you should practice someeditoriaJ restraint, focus on the positives of the people and activities
in the Region, and restore some value to the "Region Record". Thank you for your attention and suppon.
Truly, Ted Andrus
[At OTR Ted and I agreed to dsagree. Ron and I dktl't plXlCh each 0Iher Olt and tal<ed a greet deal. As for "editorial
restraint", the First Amendment to The Constitution of The United States guarantees our right to express our ideas
and feelings. I served for 12 years in the US Navy under an oath to defend the Constitution and it's Amendments.
I don't intend to give up that right now, nor would I allow someone else's First Amendment rights to be violated by
my censorship. ED]
Scrawls continued
In all, VAR cavers had a great time at convention. The convention staff did a great job in making this among the
best ever. If you couldn't make it you missed a lotof fun. Stan making plans for the 1991 convention in much closer
Coblskill, NY next summer. Bill Bussey
Page 35
VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3
THE REGION RECORD
SEPTEMBER 1990
THE ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY PROGRAM 0k. . .1 have been staJ6ng! The truth is out nem. I was sup­
Culpeper,
posed to have written an article on the "Adopt-a-High­
T.F. Fasley
wcr{' program months ago, but never managed to come
up with one.
Realizing that I might soon incur the
(703)825-4930
Fredricksburg;
dreaded wrath of the "Elders",1 breezed the article out
H.L Chryssikos
(703)899-4200
article out that now occupies your grubby, cave-en­
crusted fingers. Of course,l could have unfolded toyou
the dramatic saga and accompanying difficulties which
lynchburg;
W.R. Davidson
have prevented me from writing the aforementioned
article. Of how I was kidnaped by harry beings from an
unnamed world, transported deep into the earth totheir
secret laboralory/driva-thru Laundromat, and forced to
(804)947.;,f)599
NorthemVa;
Claude Garver
(703)934-7300
participate in crude EMs impersonations. On the other
Richmond;
hand, I could bore you with the details of my harrowing
Constance Forrell (804)534-6000
escape from my foul smelling captors, by relating how,
through osmosis, I was absorbed into a beer...drank by
Salem;
one of the aliens ... and consequently "pissed" down a
umial towards freedom I
V.W. Sumpter
Naawww...instead...here's the dope on the program.
Staunton;
R.L Moore
It all started in the spring of 1990, when Bob lewis
contacted the Virginia Department of Highways (VD0l)
Suffolk;
in order to gain information on the state's "Adopt-a­
C.A. Cash
Highway" program. He was given forms, filled out
forms, and retumed forms. Eventually, he received a
_ . .
-
(703)387-5320
I could tell you all of that.
--permitfromVDO+FLaterasignwas erect-edbeanng-the
name of the New River Grotto. Collections of garbage
.
..
(703)332-9075
(804)925-2500
In West Virginia, the Federal ga.remment works in coop­
-eFation with the-West Virginia department sf Highways in
the guise of the Department of Natural resources. The
and refuse took place, and all seemed to be going as
individual "County Garages" are responsible for the
planned- until Spring VAR. It was there that I made
Adopt-a-Highway program in the state. Here are a few
mention ofthe program. I was immediately bombarded
of the numbers in cave counties.
with requests for information. Russ even asked me to
write an article. Thinking quickly, I tied through my teeth,
Berkley
(304)363-9631
and promised to supply all the information needed.
Grant
(304)257-4455
Then I stalled!
Greenbriar
But, now that my fingers have begun to mend from my
encounter with Russ' buddy ''Turk''... here it is.
Hardy
Have you got a yen to collect garbage on the side-of­
Jefferson
(304)647-7465
(304)538-6402
(304)725-5821
tha-road, and amaze people with your best "Cool-hand
luke"
imitation?
And
have
you
been
asking
Pocohontas
(304)799-6433
yourself ..."How can I, Joe Average, get involved in the
Adopt-a-Highway program? If you live in Virginia, the
Randolph
(304)636-0565
program is administered by the Virginia Department of
Transportation. Phone calls and queries must be sub­
If your county was not listed, I apologize. For informa­
mitted to the District Administrator. Here are the appro­
tion on those cour1ies, or fer additional information. .. call
priate numbers. Call the closest locality to you.
AnnaShahaunat(304)348-3307. In addition, it must be
noted that both North Carolina and Maryland have
Bristol; similar programs. At the time that this artic1ewas written
.Jack Corley
(703)669-6151 Continued on page 45
Page 36
THE REGION RECORD
VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3
SEPTEMBER 1990
DIXIE CAVERNS FIELD CAMP
Basically, there are two distinct divisions in the world:
MeanwhDe, outside the cave, the campground hUmmed
The truth and a lie. It is a lie that Russ Carter creates
caves in his backyard using concentrated "wind" from
with a variety of pleasant If·somewhat uncoordinated
activity.
the bowels of a Cheese-Wiz gluttoned wino named
placed. There is something rather scary about cavers
Buckl On the ot:l1er hand, it is true that between June 2224, 1990 the First Annual Dixie Cavems Field Camp Was
also painted, but a vote to paint the toilets In the sem·
PicnIc tables were painted and boards re­
using po.ver tools 1 The campground shower house was
narrowly dB8ated bY a filibuster by
held in Salem, Virginia. Since only one of these events
blance of a cave was
really transpired, an explanation of the latter will follow.
VPI. The high-point of the event was the installation of a
state "cave" sign in the cave.
Friday evening found a rather macabre group of indi­
viduals gathering in the twilight at the Dixie Caverns
Campground. Word filtered through the area that a
group of "cavers" had invaded for the weekend, and the
ensuing rush of "RV'ers nearly stampeded one another
In the afternoon, a pleasure trip was taken to nearby
New Dixie Caverns with no injuries. The cavers en­
joyed the beauty of one of the best caves in Roanoke
County. The ownerof Dixie Caverns, Connie Hausman,
in their haste to form their gas guzzling vehicles in a
provided the cavers a spaghetti dinner and a keg of
protective circle. Whether the cavers ever noticed the
beer. Both were enjoyed into the evening where the
defensive posture of their neighbors is questionable.
usual antics were performed by the usual people.
The next morning found over thirty cavers from the New
River Valley Grotto, Blue Ridge Grato, and VPI gathered
This event was put together for several reasons. First, it
together with the usual assorted tools of destruction.
cia cave. Second, it provided the framework for a more
was designed to improve an already existing commer­
The plan was to work both inside the cave, and in the
cohesive understanding between cave-owner and caver.
campground. Work parties ventured inside Dixie Cav­
Third, it brought together several different grottos in a
erns with several objectives. One group, with the help of
Mary Sue Sockey, was to try to remove some moss in
the commercial section. Another group of cavers with
Bob Lewis were to construct light shields to limit further
alge growth. Meanwhile, some individuals were con­
tinuing a "dig" off the trail.
tourists added
Of course, the influx of
common cause. And, in the end... it was fun! The
owners of Dixie Caverns, as well as· all those who
participateddid an outstanding job!- Now. . what about
next year...
.
Andy Reeder
certain note of insanity to the days
events that was greatly appreciated.
WEST VIRGINIA CAVE RESCUES
(Reprinted from The West Virginia Gaver. August 1990, V8N4p11.)
" RESCUE 1
The first rescue of the summer was on the Sunday of
Memorial Day Weekend, May 27th, when a Michigan
man fell 25 feet in Devil's Kitchen Cave, a sandstone
cave located within Coopers Rock State Park. Coopers,
once the second-most popular rock-climbing locale in
West Virginia (until the State closed the area), is itself
Devil's Kitchen Cave is comprised of a single fissure
passage and a large room. Hoth fell in the room around
7 or 7:30 pm. His friends spent two hours trying to
extricate him before calling the authorities.
EMS personnel, when they arrived, discovered that
located astride the Monongalia and Preston County line.
Hoth had a broken femur. He was in a great deal of pain
Halley Hoth, age 27, had been rafting the previous day
although it latter proved not to be the case, it was
with friends. The group spent Sunday exploring the area
north of the scenic overlook, which is a popular attrac­
tion at the park.
and was already becoming hypothermic. In addition,
suspected that Hath had a broken pelvis. Because the
rescuers did not want to carry Hoth out through the
Page 37
VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3
THE REGION RECORD
SEPTEMBER 1990
awkward fiSSU'e entrance and then up the scree slope to
the parking lot, and because many of the rescuers had
spent the day at a vertical rescue practice in nearby
Morgantown, they elected to haul Hoth up and out the
cave via a tiny skylight in the ceiling of the large room.
Hothwas first hauled over a large breakdown block and
attached-in mid-air-to a second hauling system. He
was then moved up through the skylight to the midUne c:A
a Tyrolean traverse and pulled over to a main section of
the overtook. The main haul was about an upward
distance of 75 feet.
Because of Hoth's suspected injuries, he was moved
horizontally through the keyhole in the ceiling of the
cave. This was a tight fit, but it was made possible by a
tender who rode with the stretcher. The hauling took
approximately two hours and Hath wac; in the parking lot
and at the ambulance by 1 :30 am He was reported in
fair condition the next day by a spokeswoman for Ruby
Hospital.
------------------
RESCUE 2
.." -
Rusty, Ray, and Mike followed the main passage back
toward the Water Passage. Then, instead of turning
toward the Shower Room and the blocked entrance,
they cortinued up the Waer passage. . They located the
three "cavers" in the maze beyond the Water Passage.
All were equipped with only flashlights and no one had
a helmet. Only the trip leader's light was still functioning
and it was very dim.
Rusty latter reported: "Only one d the three men was an
experienced caver. Thai" Ighls had gotten dim and they
didn't know the cave well, so they sat down to wait for
help." The three lost "cavers" were escorted from the
cave, and the two combined groups arrived at the
entrance around 11 :10 am.
RESCUE 3
Around 9 am, on Monday, June 18th, a Florida man and
histwo sons entered NewTroutCave. NewTrout is one
of the four NSS owned, Trout Rock Caves and is located
along The South Branch of the Potomac River in south­
central Pendelton County, West Virginia
The second rescue was in Randolph County's largest
cave, Bowden Cave. Around 7 pm on Sunday, May The three cavers-Gary Lutes, age 37; Gary lutes Jr.,
27th, three young men from New Jersey-Robert Hut­
age 13; and Timothy Lutes, age 9-were all equipped
10n,..ga25;-f1auLOsterling.. age_25; and_MarkTbyrum," .. with brand new Premier lamps. They had one pack
age 23-entered the main entrance of the cave. The between them. Gary Senior was a member of the NSS
three intended on exiting one of the back entrances of with twenty years experience as a caver.
the cave.
Unfortunately, this particular back entrance has been
plugged by a large boulder for a good many years. Even
more unfortunately-despite thefact that the trip leader
had been a student of Davis and Elkins Collage, located
a dozen miles to the west in nearby Elkins, and had been
in the cave four or fIVe times previously and reportably
knew the cave-the group group could not find the back
emrance, nor could they relocate the main entrance.
The next morning, when the three had not returned to
their campground near Seneca Rocks, their friends
notified the authorities in Elkins. Fireman and ambu­
lance service personnel were dispatched to the cave
from Elkins, and Chuck Hemple and six cavers re­
sponded from the Old Timers Reunion site at Dailey.
The firemen and EMS personnel arrived at the cave first.
A paramedic, Rusty Doerr, and two firemen, Ray Corco­
ran and Mike Maler, emered the main entrance around 9
am. Chuck, when he arrived, dispatched the cavers to
check the higher entrances and sweep the cave back
toward the main emrance.
All three carbide lamps reportedly ran out of water atthe
same time, and after only 45 minutes in the cave. The
three refilled their lamps with water, and then went off
exploring some low, tight crawlways south and below
the main passage, leaving their pack behind. After
approximately one hour, they started back to their pack.
Tan was in the back c:A the party-his lamp cfled first Gary
Junior was in frOnt-his lamp died several moments
afterwards, and Gal}' Senior's lamp quit almost immedi­
ately after that.
After first deciding to wait for help, then changing his
mind, Gary Seriawm able to Lrinale into tis Iarrp. TIlal
allowed the three cavers to move to a slightly less­
cramped spot in the passage, thenthe lamp again went
out. It was roN noon. The L1Jteses had no food or water,
and they had told no one they were in the cave.
On Wednesday. June 20, the lutes' car-which was
parked outside the cave on U.S. Route 22O-was re­
ported to the state police in nearby Franklin. The state
polic calledGary's address in Florida, but were unable
to locate anyone on Wednesday and Thursday. Finally,
Page 38
VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3
THE REGION RECORD
on Friday, they contacted BarrY Chute of the Potomac
Speleological Club. Barry called Toni Williams, a caver
in Florida, and Toni learned that lhe luteses were in the
Pendelton County area, obstinately to go caving. and
that they had been due at the boy's grandparents in
Virginia on Thursday night. The grandparents-up until
this time- had assumed that the three were havng such
SEPTEMBER 1990
few days. I thought we would be rescued. After the fifth
day. I was beginning to wonder. Toward the end. we
fiQU"ed we were going to die. We were happ,t it would be
with aJlthree of us together and not just one. W e figured
that was better than continuing on like that."
a good time that Gary Senior had decided to keep the
The three luteses were able to exit the cave under their
own. but Timothy had to be carried down the hillside to
boys an extra day.
There is some
the highway. They arrived back aboveground around
confusion over the "hows. whats, and whys" that this
2: 18 am on Saturday morning. All three were taken to
(Author's note:
rescue was begun. This version, although possibly
incorrect, is the most accurate I can reconstruct.)
Rockingham Memorial Hospital in Harrisonburg. Vir­
. ginia for observation. Gary Senior had lost 15 pounds
and each of the boys had lost 5 pounds. Gary Senior
The problem-at the caves-was which of the four caves
later said he intends to give up caving. Bob Hoke's
to search. The Luteses had left no word in the register
located near the entrance of New trout Cave, and be­
face a little after 4 am.
"missing" Trout search
party arrived back on the sur­
cause Gary Senior was known to be a "squeeze freak",
there was some concern that he was trapped in the
Sources: Devil's Kitchen cave: Doctor Bill Ramsey and
Alrblower, a long, tight bedrock constriction in the back
the Morgantown Dominion Post. Bowden Cave: Rusty
of Hamilton Cave.
Doerr and the Elkins Inter-Mountain. New Trout Cave:
Barry was able to field two small caving parties. Dave
West md Karen W&llems checked Flood Cave, the smaiest
PSC's Potomac Caver. The Elkins Inter-Mountain, The
Washington Post, an UPI release, Barry Chute, and Ed
RicketS.
of the four caves on the property. Chuck Wilkinson and
Bob Stratford checked Hamilton andTrrut Caves. Nether
party found any sign of the lost cavers, and Chuck and
Bob established that the luteses had not signed the
registers in Hamilton or Trout. Two local cavers were
sent into New Trout, and Dave and Karen went into
Hamilton to check the Airblower.
. Editors Analysis
_
_
-:: .
.. . _
.
_ __
_
.
_
_
Not much to say about the first rescue. as the how's and
why's of the fall are not known. This kind of thing can
The New Trout party returned first-they had found
nothing.
happen to even an experienced caver. Trying to exe­
cute a seH rescue for two hours was probably not the
most prudent thing to do, but then again I might of tried
the same thing in that situation.
More cavers were contacted inn the West Virginia,
Northern Virginia. Maryland, and D.C. areas. Approxi­
mately 25 cavers converged on the three caves and, by
The second rescue was "the same old story" we hear
midnight, Bob Hoke
time-and-time-again. III equipped people entering an
and Chuck Hemple led other search
parties into Trout and New Trout Caves. Chuck's party
quickly discovered the "Iet-behind' cave
pack and runners
unfamiliar cave environment, not paying attention to
where they were going and not knowing what they are
were sent to the surface. Dave and Karen were quickly
doing. In sort: "a cave accident looking for a place to
found, the Single caver sent into Trout could not locate
happen."
Bob Hoke's group [Way to go George ... ED.]
Chuck's party discovered the lost cavers. They had
been in the cave 4 days and 17 hours. All three were
suffering from hallucinations, exposure, dehydration,
and severe leg cramps, but all were in otherwise good
shape, especially considering that New Trout is a very
dry cave. They had spent the time praying and reciting
TIle last incident bears a more detailed analysis. several
questions come to mind: Why did a NSS Caver, with
twenty years of experience, enter a cave with only one
light source per person? Why did their carbide lamps
run out of water after only an hour, when normally they
last three to four hours? Why did they leave their pack
Bible passages.
Gary Senior later commented, "If it had gone another
day, it would have been a different outcome. For the fm
Continued on Page 42
Page 39
TIlEREGION RECORD
VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3
SEPTEMBER 1990
VANDAL NABBED AT ENDLESS CAVERNS
Reprinted from the July 90 Tidewater OOZE
Sunday June 10, 1990 ... After a full weekend of survey­
restitution by working for a prescribed period in a re­
ing in ENDLESS CAVERNS, Russ Carter and I were in
the process of entering data when I emerged from the
gional park.
office ... headed for the gift shop in quest of a cold drink.
I was confronted by Gary Berdeaux who queried, "Do
you know what a cave vandal looks like?"
Next, the gate at MADISON CAVE was violated. Here,
too, the criminals were juveniles and got away with the
proverbial "slap on the wrist". A couple of years ago a
photograph appeared in a newspaper in the Cumber­
I thought it was one of his corny riddles, but he pointed
in the direction of a man in his late thirties/early forties.
He was being detained pending the anivaI cI the authori­
land area of the state depicting some Uncoln University
students AND faculty members displaying speleothems
they had collected from CUDJOS CAVERNS, a com­
Russ to fill him in. "If the pace picks up out there let me
Protection Act sign is visible behind them.
ties.
mercial cave in Lee County Virginia The Virginia Cave
Anticipating more action I hot-footed it back to
know. I'll teach the bastard all he needs to know about
vandalism!" was his comment.
This attempt at enforCing the law flopped miserably
since the University is leasing the cave and they claimed
they could damn well do what they wanted. Fact is they
Back at the gift shop I learned that the off ender had been
lagging behind on the tour, seeming to be in search of
weren't about to press charges against themselves!
something. Finally, toward the end of the tour, hewas
spotted by a Pennsylvania man to give a healthy kick at
a small stalagmite. The formation broke and the man
stashed it in his pocket. Paul Herber, the tourist from
BUT ... the June 10th happening at ENDLESS might,
hopefully, end on a happier note. First, and most
important . WE HAVE AN EYEWITNESS WILUNG TO
TESTIFY. Second ... WE HAVE THE EVIDENCE. Third
... THE OWNERS ARE W1LUNG TO PROSECUTE. In
..
Pennsylvania and also a NSS and York Grotto member
addition the tour guide haS verified that he did point out
(!), mentioned that he was in violation of the law. The
.. perpetrator, though, imply raised his finger to his ps in
an attempt to hush Paul.
Upon completion of the tour, Paul immediately notified
.
the Cave Protection Act Sign displayed at the entrance
and gave a briefing on the illegality of touching or
breaking formations. And ... this offender IS NOT A
MINOR. Potential for a conviction could not be better.
the Berdeauxs who confronted the man and notified the
Let's cross our fingers!
seat of the deputy's car, Wade, Gary, Paul and the
A SIDE NOTE ... Regarding the possibility of collecting
the $1 ,000 rewcirdfQr iding in getting a conviction, Paul
authorities. WhRe the offender was confined to the back
Deputy headed into the cave to inspect the site. At this
time the stalagmite was still unaccounted for. Paul,
however was willing to return to Virginia to serve as an
eyewitness. Anyway, the vandal was carted off to City
Hall. A short while thereafter Paul's young daughter
found the purloined speleothem stashed on a ledge
outside the gift shop.
This case could be the best test ever of Virginia's Cave
Protection Act. It is nearly impossible to get someone
Huber commented "Look, I'm not interested in any
reward. I'm an NSS member. This guy was wrong.
That's all I'm interested in."
Yes, like his license plate says ... we "have a friend in
Pennsylvania" Thanks for the good attitude, Paul!
Spina
convicted since evidence can only be in the form of
eyewitness, photograph or possession. AND THEN ...
the owner of the property must press charges.
Send corrections/additions to the
Closed/Umited Cave Ust to:
In the past there have been three attempts at bringing
violators of the law to justice. The first was at GRAND
CAVERNS. Some youths had broken into the cave and
did some minor damage. They were apprehended and
tried in juvenile court. They were "sentenced" to make
Page 40
Bob Hoke
6304 Kaybro Street
Laurel, MD 20707
H (301)725-SSn
VOLUME 4 NUMBE R 3
THE REGION RECORD
SEPTEMBER 1990
CAVING'S ANSWER TO HATS OFF TO PHIL
APOLLO-SOYUZ Phil lucas, one of the Virginia Region's living legends,
was honored at the 1990 NSS Convention -in Yreka,
California with a Certificate of Merit. Phil, a native of
Harrisonburg, Virginia, began caving in the late 1950s.
While his adventures, explorations and surveys have
focused on Bath, Highland and lee Counties of Virginia
and Greenbrier County, Wefl. Virginia, it's fair enough to
say that nary an acre of cave country in the Region has
not fallen prey to the infamous "Water Dog." Phil has
served as Chairman of the Region as well as having
pulled time as Director of the Cave Conservancy of the
Virginias and the Virginia Cave Board. Since 1975 he
It was early on the aftemoon of Friday, August 17, 1990
when the message reached me at my office. Wade
Berdeaux called to inform me that the Russians are
comlngl
"Thanks for the tip but I'll never make it
through that goddam Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel
alive. looks like they've got us comered." "No, no, you
damn fool I The Soviet caversl They're in the Statesand
they'll be at Endless Cavems this Sunday! Can you
make it out1" asked Wade. "Hey, no problem! Want me
to bring some fireworks and carbide bombs an' stuff?"
cal Survey and, along with Bob Custard, co-spear­
headed the October 1983 CONCAVE cave restoration at
we don't want you starting a war or
anything...justget over here with your cavin' gear," he
snapped. Sure enough...about 3:00 PM on Sunday the
Fountain Cave, Augusta County, Virginia. Let's not
forget, also, that he played a big role in the adoption of
and Allan Padgett. After touring the DC area for the last
has held the pofl. a President cI the Virginia Speleologi- . "look,
the Federal Cave Protection Act, served as President of
WVACS and is credited with founding the Shenandoah
Valley Grotto.
Soviet cavers rolled up in the company of Bill Bussey
two days they were eager to get underground. One of
the members, Alexander, served as interpreter. He
would really have his hands full with the likes of Bussey,
Padgett, the Berdeauxs and me!
While many of the Region's "stars of the sixties" have
come and gone, Phil continues to hold his own... and to
this day remains one of the hardest charging cavers in
the Region...and beyond. Few have seen more virgin
passage beneath Virginia and West Virginia than Phil.
His escapades and accompnshrnents at "Dirty Old Men",
Culverson, Low Moor, Cumberland and countless other
caves could easily fill volumes and volumes. And while
many relative newcomers to the Region might not know
him personally, they can bet that, no matter what route
they take, it's been cut and paved by Phil!
Somewhere in the depths of Endless, Wade became. er,
misplaced. Alex mumbled "Ivan Sosanian," and pointed
..
to Wade. The Soviets roared with laughter! AI x tater
explained that 01' Ivan was to lead a group of peasants
to safety during a revolution in Russia many years ago.
He got the party hopelessly lost ...so they killed him!
After a few hours in Endless' finefl. passages Gary made
the suggestion "Exit?". To our amazement one of our
guests replied "Okay, fine!" ... a phrase we later found
out was gleaned from
John Scheltens' vocabulary. Beck
in the Endless Cavems gift shop a new wave of Soviet!
So...forgive me, Phil, for more exclusions than inclu­
sions in this brief personal sketch. As you taught me:
"life's too short to dance with ...... I"
American trade began. I had bequeathed our new
comrades each a Tidewater Grotto t-shirt and a copy of
my soon-to-be-published map of the Caverns a Natural
Bridge Village. Gary, not to be out done immediately
perched westem-style straw hats on each of the guests
while Bussey gave 'em yet another lesson in American
$pln@
A NEW COUNTY SURVEY IS
slang..."Howdy, Pardner!" Then the Soviets broke out
countless pins and a massive "pinning ceremony"
commenced. My favorite was the one they had made
especially for the occasion: "Friendship Through
Caving...NSS-U.SA/ACC-CCCP." We also were hon­
ored with commemorative patches inscribed in both
BORN!
English and Russian: 'World of Caves! Common Cause"
and depicting a bat with one wing composed of an
Wade and Gary Berdeaux of Endless Caverns are un­
American flag, the other of a Soviet flag!
dertaking a study of the caves of Rockingham County,
Virginia. They can use all the help they can get, too! I
But the all-time cake-taker of the day was when one of
the cavers motioned me in his direction. As he rum­
maged through a small ditty bag he commented, "For
Page 41
THE REGION RECORD
VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3
you!" He then proceeded to adorn me with a splendid
pin in the form of a bright red star lined in gold...the
likeness of a child's face in the center. This was met with
another splurge of laughter from the Soviets. I obvkJusly
needed Alex's help again.
He explained that when
young children begin their education in the Soviet Union
they are indoctrinated into a "youth league" of sorts.
That red star is their symbol of indoctrination. And there
I stoOO
••.
a 41 year old member of the Soviet Youth
Corps! I guess I came across to the Soviets much as I do
to the Americans!
On the lighter side ...we marveled atthe carbide genera­
tor worn by one of the cavers.1t was made by his caving
club in the Ukraine... and composed ofTITANIUM! One
of the other cavers spoke of his club's ownership of
"Marble Cave"...a large and beautiful commercial cav­
ern in the Ukraine. Then it was on tothe home of Martha
and Sonny Berdeaux fOr a four-course barbecue dinner.
Asl headed for home, barely in time to arrive at theoffice
the next morning, I hoped that our paths would cross
CAVE AT ALLI
SEPTEMBER 1990
And...1f an entrance existed at both
northern and southern extremes of a cave the
whole (oris it HOLE?) survey effort would be negated! I
can see it now. Surveyors would constantly be digging
for new egress to the south and filling known entrances
to the north in an effort to "extend" their projects.
Another great arbitrary means of comparison would be
to measure a cave by its projection on the equatorial
plane. This method has a tendency to "balance out" the
smaller caves of the northern U.S. with the mega-mile
systems of the south! Better stlll why not measure a
...
cave's length in light-years and depth in astronomical
units? Represent it by its projection on the celestial
spherel Use stars as stationsl EClipses of breakdown I
Occultations cI the ertrancel Just think...we could make
surveying so irrelevant that no me would do it anymore!
Now what are we gonna screw up?
$pln@
again some day...perhaps Sll'Veying a cave or two in the
Ukraine...maybe sitting around a campfire in Alleghany
County, Virginia... still struggling to communicate, but
feeling like long lost brothers. If people would only stop
their foolish squabbling and fighting and just go cavin'
Rescues continued
we'd all be a whole lot better off!
$pln@
after they had already had to refill their lamps after the
first 45 minutes in the cave. Why only one pack? Why
didn't urinating in the lamp work long enough to get
PET PEEVES, GRIPES AND
them to their pack?
This rescue should never have taken place. Gary Lute
BITCHES
Ever see a map with "THO", "THP", "THL" or TH .
something-or-other preceding the "length" of the cave?
..
....
This is a reference to ''TRUE HORIZONTAL .." distance,
passage, length or something-or -other. What does this
mean? Why the hell do we care about two dimensions
any more than the other?
violated every rule that the NSS and the rest of organ­
ized caving preaches to each and every one of us:
Carry three light sources EACHI Tell some one
where you are caving and when you will returnl If
they would have had even two light sources, the incident
would have been avoided. If they would have told some
one when they would be out they wouldn't have been in
the cave for fIVe days.
TRUE HORIZONTAL refers not at all to the cave but to
the MAP. It tells us more about how much ink we used
than how much cave we surveyed. The map should
serve to relate as much information about the cave as
possible...not to garble and confuse.
If it would have been me, and sometimes I do do things
that I shouldn't, I think I would have tried to "feel" my
way back to my pack.
Russ Caner
Personally I prefer to relate the length of a cave in terms
of "FNE".. .feet north of entrance. This method of com­
parison is no less arbitrary... tells us no less about the
cave and is certainly more creative and imaginative.
Just think...if a cave trends south it's worse than NO
Page 42
VIRGINIA AREA REGION OF THE NATIONAL SPELEOLOGICAL SOCIETY PRESENTS
CA VE CONSERVATION PROJECTS FOR 1990
James Cave
Radford, V A; July 28 Final cleanup of entrance restoration. Mike Davis 703-639-9014 Stillhouse Cave
Randolph County, WV; August 10-12 Trash removal from entrance. Register with Dave Johnson 216-666-6091 Dixie Caverns
Salem, V A; October 26-31 Cavers needed for Haunted Cave Acting. Contact Andy Reeder 703-674-6501 Bowden Cave
Elkins, WV; September 1-3 (OTR) For details go to the OTR registration table. VAR "Mystery Cave"
clean-up To be announced. H your grotto has a conservation cause and would like to add projects to this list, please contact the Conservation Chairman, Andy Reeder P.o. Box 1355 Dublin, V A, 24084 703-674-6501 VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3
THE REGION RECORD
SEPTEMBER 1990
ISLAND FORD PROJECT PROPOSAL
During the Fall VAR Meeting I plan to place the follOWing
motion on the agenda Take some time to discuss this
item during your next grotto meeting, consider its mer­
its, both pro and con and lets be prepared to take actbn
this fall.
other large articles. this is mainly due to it's convenient
"DrIve-in" entrance. Due to the deposIts of trash and
graffiti, the cave is considered by some local residents
as an eye-sore. The cave is also considered a nuisance
by the Highway Dept.
MOTION
THE PITCH
That the Virginia Region adopt the stretch of Highway
one mile on each side of Island Ford Cave, Allegheny
County, Virginia and participate in the Virginia Depart­
ment of Highway's Adopt a Highway program. In addi­
tion, that a Region Project be formed, to be held in
March/April 1991, to clean graffIti and trash in the cave.
This project should also include communIty group (ie
Boy/Girl Scout) participation. Furthermore, the Region
Conservation Chair, in conjunction wIth the Vice-Chair
should chair a commIttee for the project and be respon­
sible for the planning, publicity, and execution of the
project and that three other volunteers be solicIted from
the Region to aid the project chairs.
Island Ford Cave presents a problem for cavers as It is
a very good "bad example" of how a cave should be
used and treated. It presents a problem to the Highway
Department due to It's location and physical proximIty
to the highway. This Is primarily a management prob­
lem. So far the Highway Department has managed not
to manage the cave. The cave also presents a problem
to the local residents, as It is an eye-sore and local dump
sIte.
RATIONAL
Island Ford Cave is one of the largest, distinguishable
cave entrances located along a major highway in the
Region. The entrance can also be seen from 164. The
cave has been the subject c:I many clean-ups in the past;
however, because of It's location and ease of access, it
has been continually trashed by the local residents. The
cave has been used as a dump sIte for old tires, and
NCRC from Page 34
This project would require a two year commitment from
the Region to participate in Virginia's Adopt-a-Highway
Program. I ask that grottos volunteer to be responsible
for one a mae c:I the required four road cleanLps a year
(8 totaQ.
Island Ford Cave offers the Virginia Region a unique
opportunIty to involve the Government, Local Resi­
dents, and the Cavers c:I the Virginia Region in a conser
vation project that can have a true impact on how non­
cavers view caves and caving.
Russ Carter
this data bank of resources and phone numbers is about
$200 per year. Some of your grant dollars went to
Of this, 10% will be paid by the VAR grant.
paying postage for this years update effort.
Over the next year we anticipate teaching a total of 17
weekends and reaching about soo students. Therefore
this printing will supply our needs for about one year.
The Eastem Region's training program is made possible
by grants from VAR, MAR, RASS, The Robertson Asso­
ciation, and numerous donations of individuals. The
program, along with the excellent support of these
donations, has become a model for the rest of the
country.
Our callout system, coordinated by the Virginia Depart­
ment of Emergency Services, is one of two multi-state
callout systems in existence. The cost of maintaining
In short, we took VAR grants and made them do double
duty by supporting many projects. Because of your
support, I can now state that over the last two years,
when a caver was hurt or in need of help, we were able
to respond with trained CAVER rescue personnel to the
scene wIthin an averagetime of 45 minutes anywhere in
the Eastern Region.
Once again, thanks for your continued support.
Chuck Hempel
Page 44
mE REGION RECORD
VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3
SEPTEMBER 1990
11. Signs noting the program and the participants will
fromPage35
be nstalled at the begiming of the adopted section, one
I had not received the needed information. A call to the
in each direction. The signs will include a fold-down,
local "Highway Department" will probably net you the
diamond-shaped orange sign saying Cleanup Crew
proper numbers.
Working. When the sign is folded up, the back will bear
By now you are probably wondering what you will be
signs will be the only signs used to promote the Adopt­
required to do in order to complete the program. The
a-Highway program along the roadsides.
the Adopt-a-Highway's Dare to Care slogan.
following is a list of "conditions" that must be met for the
Virginia version of the Adopt-a-Highway program. Other
These
12. VDOTwill bear thecost of producing, installing, and
states have similar requiremerts due to federal funding:
maintaining the signs. The participants will be respon­
sible for opening the foJckjown signs before starting the
1. A minimum two-mile section of primary or secondary
highway will be eligible for adopOOn. Utter pickup will be
done on both sides of the roadway four times a year,
pickup and clOSing them after its completion.
more often if necessary.
areas. The residert engineers, or someone assigned by
2.
groups.
13. VDOT residencies will monitor the program in their
them, will be the contact persons for the adopting
Eligible sections will be selected by the VDOT
engineeror an appointed represenative.
14. After each pickup, adopting groups will file reports
3.
Any local community organizations, such as civic,
social, or school groups, will be allowed to adopt high­
ways, as will individuals 18 years or older. Participants
must have approved permit applications on file with the
local VDOT resident engeneer.
4. Businesses that wish to sponcer groups may do so;
the business name will go on the sign in block letters. No
business logos will be allowed.
detailing the number of people involved, number of
bags of litter picked up, hours spent, etc. Preprinted
forms will be furnished by VDOT for making the reports,
which will be filed with the local VDOT residency. Rec­
ords on the program wiD be kept by the residencies, with
the maintenance division serving as the clearing house
of the information for interested groups/media inquires.
15. Adopting groups will be encouraged to schedule
two of their four pickups in April and Octoberto coincide
5. Participants will be required to adopt for two years.
with the statewide cleanups for Historic Garden Week
and Recycling Month, respectively.
6. Groupswith members less than 15years old mustbe
supervised by adults 18 years or older. There will be one
16. VDOT reserves the right to revise these conditions
adult per eight under-aged group members.
Large
groups should be divided into teams of eight or fewer
as needed.
members. Each team should stay on one side of the
road.
While other states will vary their conditions, they are very
similar in nature to Virginia's.
7. Participants must hold meetings at least twice a year
to review safety and other guidelines. No participant
times means taking care of the area that the cave is
may be involved in a litter pickup unless he/she has
attended at least one such meeting a year.
In closing, remember that taking care of caves often
located in. Take pride not only in the cave, but the way
to and from the cave. Besides, what finer thing can one
do than to give some beauty and joy back to the earth
8. \/DOT will supply participants with safety information,
that gives us so much, But remember, if selfish reasons
plastic trash bags and safety vests. The materials will be
suit you better, think of the impact that these programs
picked up from the VDOT residencies or area mainte­
have on the surrounding citizens. Some may think of
nance headquarters during work hou rs the week before
caversas "beer-drinking thugs. " Helping to restore the
the pickup.
fragile bounty of their land can only help our standing. In
9. If participants cannot dispose of the filled trash bags,
pickup can be scheduled with the local VDOT office.
the end, leave the roads and the caves in better shape
than you found them Just watdl out for hairy aliens with
beer breath.
10. Participants are encouraged to separate and recycle appropriate materials for t heir benefit.
JJnOtReedw
[Sorry fer da fingers fella .... Turk]
Page 45
VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3
THE REGION RECORD
SEPTEMBER 1990
REPORT TO VAR ON ISSUES DISCUSSED BY THE
CONGRESS OFGROTTOS ON JULY 11TH, 1990 AT THE
NSS CONVENTION, YREKA, CA.
As requested by the BOG, the COG discussed the
Federal Cave Research Center and what the policy
regarding non-NSS members should be. Both of these
items were addressed in later motions.
Resolved: The BOG be charged to investigate the
legality and advisability of having, as a condition of
membership, bah a signed statement agreeing to abide
by the conservation and safe caving policies of the NSS
and a release of legal liability to the NSS.
The following issues were considered by the COG.
ISSUE 1. NON-NSS MEMBERS (Central Carolina
Borehole Grotto)
The Motion was withdrawn as two parts of the motion
were already being done.
Issue 4. CAVE RESEARCH INSTITUTE (Southwest­
Resolved: The COG requests that the BOG amend
ern Region)
read:
Resolved: The COG requests that the BOG of the NSS
formally support the proposed National Cave Research
Institute.
Paragraph 4.C of the policy for I/O's (Appendix
D)
to
"Internal Organtzatims may, at their option, have members
who are not members of the Society. Non-NSS mem­
bers of Internal Organizations may not hold office in the
Motion passed. 288 for, 0 against, 5 abstained. VAR
organization or count toward representation in the
voted for.
Organizations will be strongly urged to join the NSS by
members and officers of the organization."
Issue 5. CAVE RESEARCH INSTITUTE LOCATION
Congress of Grottos. Non-NSS members of Internal
The motion passed. 274 votes for, 1 against, 16 ab­
stained. This was a procedural motion to bring in line the
wert most grottos of the NSS are handling their member­
ships. VAR voted for.
(Southwestern Region)
Resolved: Urges the U.S. Congress to support legisla­
tion for locating such a facility near Carlsbad, New
Mexico.
Tabled until next COG. This issue was split from issue 4
ISSUE 2 DELEGATES (Florida Speleological Soci­
ety)
as no one knew what the mandate would be. VAR voted
to table the motion until next COG. VAR did voice its
preference to have the facility located in West Virginia
Resolved: The Rules of Procedure, Congress of Grot­
tos be amended in accord with Section X. of such rules,
Rule IV.B be changed to read:
"Each I/O and grouping of NSS members may appoint
any number of delegates up to a maximum of the
number of votes to which it is entitled, but no delegate
can represent or cast more than 10 votes." Such
amendment to take place at the conclusion of the 1990
COG.
Issue 6. F.C.R.P.A. (Sligo Grotto)
Mandate that the draft FCRPA comments being sent to
the NSS Conservation Chairman be immediately sent to
ALL NSS Grottoes and I/O's to comment on, not just
select members of the NSS and Conservation Commit­
tee.
Motion passed. 294 votes for, 0 against, 4 abstained.
VAR voted for.
Motion failed. 48 votes for, 238 against, 8 abstained.
This issue was aimed at limiting large grotto's voting
power and to bring small gotto's on a more equal voting
basis. VAR voted against.
Issue 3.
CONDITION OF MEMBERSHIP
(Florida
Speleological SOCiety)
Page
Issue 7. GREAT DEBATE (M.I.G.)
The Congress of Grottoes wid sponsor a "Great Debate"
on a controversial issue at each convention.
Motion passed. 214 votes for, 18 against, 62 abstained.
46
VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3
THE REGION RECORD
The idea is to serve as a venue to debate and possibly
SEPTEMBER 1990
details d roe of his inver1ions, the wheel. Unfortunately
generate issues. VAR vaed for. If you have arPJ ideas for
for Ted, the rock he chose to use as the first wheel was
topics contact Ray Curl.
comprised of flint. As he hammered away, a spark flew
Into a nearby pile of straw and ignited. This lead to
Issue 8. NCRC (Western Maryland)
another Invention that is accredited to Ted. Fire! Unfor­
Resolved: The BOG shall obtain a legal advisory con­
Department was to be invented, 50 the whole Neander­
cerning the potential legal liabilities and vulnerabilities of
the NSS due to NCRC training activities and shall act to
thai VUlage bumed to the ground.
tunately it would be another 3000 years before the Fire
minimize such potential problems, consistent with the
NSS charter and goals.
Ted did finally perfect the wheel and went en to found the
"F'arestone" Tire company, but that's not the point of this
stay.
Motion Passed. 193 votes for, 2 against, 81 abstained.
A long debate ensued with some interesting findings.
See the BOG minutes for more details. VAR voted for.
After the fire, Ted was evicted from the smoldering ruins
of the Neanderthal village and forced to wander aim­
lessly. Wandering aimlessly was a very common thing
in 1997 BC, as there just weren't that many places to
ELECTION RESLILTS:
wander to.
Fortunately, Ted did not have to wander
alone, for he was accompanied by his faithful compan­
CHAIRMAN
Carol Tiderman (Baltimore Grotto)
7 60 0 Pindell School Road
ion and pet, a mangy Dog-O-Sourous that he called
Ml.tt.
Fulton, MD 20705
(301)792-0742 (Home)
(301 )470-6761 (Work)
As Ted wandered though the fields (common in the
South of France before the grape and wine were discov­
ered) Mutt amused himself by chasing a Rabbitsourous
Rex.
VICE-CHAIRMAN
Jerry Johnson (Florida Speleological Society)
529 NW 84th Street
Gainsville, FL32667
(904)332-6575 (Home)
Although Rabbitsourouses were slow, Dog-O­
Sourouses were even slower, so the chase, although
boring, was a fair one. Eventually Mutt managed to
comer the rabblsourous near a small outcrop of rock (IS
this story starting to sound familiar ?). Ted, thinking
dinner was soon to be at hand, watched in amazement
I was pleased to be chosen to express the views of the
as the rabbit50urous and then Mutt disappeared into a
Virginia Region at the COG. Well that's all.
shadow.
Submitted by:
When Ted went over to investigate, he discovered that it
Craig Hindman
a small hole in the ground. Ted was amazed. Never
wasn't a shadow into which Mutt had disappeared, but
before had anyone seen a hole in the ground. He could
hear Mutt yakking (descriptive word for the noise Dog­
THE mSTORY OF CAVING
PART I
O-Sourouses made) in the depths below. Being a
naturally inquisitive Neanderthal (reads stupid). Ted sat
to contemplate on how he might enter the hole to
retrieve his dinner and Mutt. As he sat, he noticed a
muskratorsourous was moving about near the entranced
of the hole, uri1ating as it moved and using the sent of its
It is a little known fact that the first caver in history was a
urine to retrace its steps. This gave Ted an idea. He had
Neanderthal by the name of Mr. Ted Andropolis. Mr.
to pee.
Andropolis lived about 4000 years ago in what is now
known asthe South of France. Among his other accom­
Ted entered the hole, urinating every couple d feet, until
plishments, Ted is also credited with the invention of the
he was beyond were he was able to see daylight. He
wheel. Itwas while he was working on this invention that
then tumed around, and using the sent of his urine,
Ted first discovered caving.
backtracked to the entrance. Ted was quite happy to
In the year 1997 BC Ted was hammering out the final
world was effective. He named this melhod of sublerra-
see that this method of navigating in the subterranean
Page 47
VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3
THE REGION RECORD
nean travel "Pee-Lung." Being the egotist that he was,
Ted also proclaimed himself the Pee-lu1g Kilg. (Unfor­
tunately when Teds stone diary was discovered 3000
years later this was miss-translated as Spelunking and
became the term for exploration of caves.)
SEPTEMBER 1990
Ted then began the long journey out of the hole, with his
companion Mutt faithfully by his side. Upon reaching
the surface. Ted was met with a angry mob of Neander­
thals, who thrashed him about the head and shoulders.
This group later became the first cave conservationist.
Although Pee-Lunging was an effective way to go into a
hole and not get lost, Ted realized that he would have to
be able to see in the hole in order to find Mutt. !twas then
But that's another story.....
TheCaveboy
that Ted recalled the fire he had started the previous
night. Net crly did the fire provide warmIh and oIjiterate
the village, it had given off a tremendous amount ighl
Ted quietly snuck back to the village to retrieve his
ANOTHER NOTE FROM
THE EDITOR
wheel.
A short while later Ted had succeeded in setting the field
afire and grabbed up a buming bush. Holdingthe bush
in one hand, Ted re-entered the cave and found thatthe
fire did indeed illuminate the hole. Unfortunately, the
bush was smaD and dry and bumed rapdly, causin;;J Ted
a great deal of pain, and forcing him to rely on Pee­
Lunging to exit the cave.
Ted reasoned that a bigger bush, or better yet a tree,
would last longui. Ted later made this entry in his diary:
"Finding the largest, nearby buming tree, I re-entered
the hole. The tree bumed for hours, affording me the
timeto investigate the hole tl'!oro.u h,Iy. I f el it is most
important to carry a Tree Ught Source when explOring
holes." This also was miss-interpreted, thus causing
modem
cave explorers to carry "three light sources",
I am currently looking into offering advertising space to
various cavingsupply vendors. The intent isto keep the
quanity and quality of the Region Record up and keep
the cost down. This year the Record has come close to
using the full three deBar ITISrnbership cost, if not slightly
more. I know you don't want to see dues go up and I
don't think that the Region's cavers want to eliminate the
grants that we have been able to provide our various
I/O's. Things that I have to consider are:
1.
Postal regulations for advertising in mail
dstributed lIlder a non-prat organization permt
2.
Cost per page to print the record.
so as to be safe when exploring caves.
3.
As Ted explored the hole he eventually came to a place
Since the Record has a readership of over 500, I think
that we could expect to offer a fair price for advertising
where the soda-straws constricted the passage and
hampered further exploration. Ted reasoned that he
would need a club to smash these formations. So he
retumed to the surface to find such a device. Ted's diary
. Amount I can get for a half page of advertising.
and defray the cost of publishing.
If you have any
feelings one way or the other let me know.
indicates that he named this club the Neanderthal Soda­
straw Smasher .or NSS for short. Ted wrote: "I formed
Also, the Record needs your artwork for front covers.
the NSS to further the exploration of holes."
drawings, line art is the best. If you have any artistic
ability and wish for an outlet for artistic frustration.please
With the NSS, Ted once again retumed to his hole.
Smashing his way through the soda-straws, he finally
found Mutt, who had entirely devoured the rabbitsour­
ous. This saddened Ted. who was by now extremely
hungry.
Since the PSC press doesn't do well with photos or dark
send the results to the editor.
Thanks,
TheCaveboy
Being somewhat artistic, Ted decided that he would
draw a mural to commemorate his discovery of the hole.
Using a bloody rabbitsourous bone he began painting
on the wall of the hole, and in so doing, became the first
cave vandal.
Page 48
VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3
THE REGION RECORD
SEPTEMBER 1990
CAVING PROJECfS
The Caving Projects section is intended to provide information to the Region's Cavers on cave related projects
in the Region. If you have a project that you would like to have in this column, let me know. Some projects have
special requirements. Contact the person listed if you think you can help.
Paxtons Cave Resurvey
Regular monthly survey trips are scheduled. The people running the
survey are willing to take on newcomers to surveying. Contact Tom
Spina 804420-6126 or Tom Kaye 703-379-8794
Project weekends are the second full weekend of each month. \NVACS
VNACS
is involved in the survey and study of the caves of Greenbriar County,
VN. Newcomers must be sponsored by a VNACS member. Contact
BobHandley 304-727-1420
Alleghany County Cave Survey
Trips are scheduled almost weekly. The ACCS is resurveying all caves
in Alleghany County, VA and locating new caves. Contact the
·Caveboy· 301-432-6838.
Cave Mountain Cave Survey
The DC Grotto is resurveying Cave Mountain Cave. Contact Bob Hoke
301-725-58n
Simmons-Mingo Cave Project.
Rockbridge County Cave Survey
DC Grotto again. Promise to train new surveyors. Contact Unda
Devine 703-255-1584
RASS is conducting a resurvey of all Rockbridge County, VA Caves.
Contact Mary Barrett 703-261-1642 or Ted Andrus 804-239-9135
Shenandoah County Cave Survey
The Annapolis Grotto is surveying the caves of Shenandoah County,
VA. Contact Brad Blase 301.-588-2841
Botetourt County Cave Survey
The Blue Ridge Grotto is conducting a survey of the caves of Botetourt
County, VA. Contact Randy Winoker 703-586-3941
r----------------------------------------,
Like oh-my-Gawd! I want to get theREGIONRECORD delivered to my home fer-sure dude. I am
sending you a HOLE lot of money.
$3.00 for 1 year
Name
$6.00 for 2 years
------
$9.00 for 3 years
NSSNumber
Street Address
Ci
__
______________________________
State
______
_
ZIP
Grott<� that I claim (primary) or that will claim me, if any.
Make ,your checks Payable to VAR and send it to:
Evelyn Bradshaw, 1732 Byron Street Alexandria, VA 22303
___________________
------------------J
. -"
"
"
.
.
NOD Profit Org.
U.s. Postage
PAID
Merrifield, VA
Permit #993
NATIONAL SPELEOLOGICAL SOCIE1Y
1732 Byron Street
Alexandria, VA 22303
FOWARDING & RETURN POSTAGE
GUARANTEED.
ADDRESS CORRECfION REQUESTED.
Pot
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U '99Cf9 -R-egi on Record
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o.icSpeleOl oqi'C'ai ,Cl
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3245" Rio" llMv.r.S64 ' ,
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