Currently viewing the tag: "Cave"
While camping in the Washington forest near Greenwater my Buddy Scott was on a “Hike-About” when he came across some boulders arranged so to form a cave – the next day we went to check it out – I was in awe it was so cool as if some mystical giant creature piled some huge boulders for whatever reason. Age worked its magic adding fresh moss and trees to form this awesome sight. It was here also where we stumbled across a geocache site. Geocache being a “game” we had never heard of before this site introduced us to the world wide “hide and seek” game. I would recommend you check out www.geocaching.com as well as this video
A Map For Cave Exploring
Caves can be long, dark and deep. They may stretch for miles inside a mountain to hundreds of feet down into the earth.
It is very interesting to explore a cave and as the explorer will soon notice should this happen frequently is that each one is different leaving the individual in awe every time.
Being either a guide or a spelunker are the two ways to get inside the cave. This is because of the number of visitors who flock here or this is part of the job. One thing you need to explore its vast chambers is a map that is either given or drawn by hand.
Why is a map necessary for cave exploration? This is needed to get the explorers back to the surface. Some passageways look the same and a wrong turn could get the group lost with a slim chance of ever getting out alive.
The group can use chalk to mark the way but are not allowed to so that it can be preserved just the way it is for future explorers and tourists to also enjoy.
In order to make a map, this has to be surveyed by the spelunker using some special equipment such as a compass, inclinometer, measuring tape and a logbook, which will be compiled later.
These people usually work in pairs so one member will use the instruments while the other records the data. This will take hours before the team is able to finish surveying.
The notebooks used to record the data are made of special paper. This will keep the information intact should it get wet from water trickling from above. Sketches and numbers will be written down so the guide or whoever goes there next can use this as a guide.
Once the group gets back to the surface, all the information is fed into the computer. The machine will then make the calculations so that a print out can be made and used as the official map for cave explorers to use into the future.
There are machines that can detect metal or any other structure underneath the rocks. Unfortunately, this can only be used for a short distance and not hundreds of feet below the ground. This is the reason cave explorers still have to go in, climb, crawl and then get out given this is the only way to produce an accurate map.
Visit the About Animals website to learn about pictures of bats and bat facts.
Article from articlesbase.com
It’s time to enter hell feet first, heads up, and brains fried. Let’s make a commotion, gentlemen. NETHER SPELUNKING: bit.ly WEBSITE: www.insanj.squarespace.com
Related Spelunking Articles
Cave Exploring Forums
Cave exploration or spelunking is growing more and more popular these days as more and more people are getting hooked on the adventurous activity. With the growing esteem of cave exploration, many people crave information about exploring caves. Fortunately, today’s spelunkers are blessed with technological advancements that provide them access through a vast ocean of information about everything including cave exploring: the internet. One of the most useful places online for getting help with cave exploration are online forums.
There are practically thousands, if not millions of online forums for various areas of interests on the internet. Each provide enthusiasts with a wide array of resources as well as a venue to interact with other people who are interested in the particular field they like. Likewise, cave exploring online forums also provide cave explorers a means to connect with each other as well as an wellspring of information that could help them enjoy their cave exploring even more.
Among the things that cave exploring online forums can provide are:
1. Information on equipment – online forums are good sources of information about the equipment you will need for exploring a cave. Forum members can recommend what worked best during their explorations and that could easily help you choose the right equipment for your own adventure.
2. Cave exploring techniques and skills – online forums are also good resources of necessary skills and techniques you will need to explore caves. Experienced members usually share how they went about their caving and share their valuable experience to fellow cavers.
3. Information about specific caves – many cavers who belong to cave exploring forums take into account their recent and past experiences with particular caves. They can give valuable information for caves that have already been explored that you might want to try out for yourself. This can really help you if you are a novice or if you aren’t familiar with a particular area.
4. Caving buddies – you can also get to know people that are potential caving buddies in online forums. Forums are great venues for meeting people that are interested in the same things as you are and you can even organize exploration parties with other forum members.
The internet has served many people for various different purposes and among the many useful aspects of the internet are online forums. Cave exploring forums can greatly help you with your caving experience. So why not join one now and see how far you can go with them.
Read about bat pictures and bat control at the About Animals website.
Article from articlesbase.com
Find More Spelunking Articles
August 2nd 2003, Cooks, Carrolls, Taylors, and others take a tour of the beautiful whiterocks cave in Eastern Utah
Having Fun Cave Exploring
Caving or spelunking is the recreational activity of exploring natural underground enclosures. It is the art of moving safely through a cave and getting back to the ground without doing yourself or the cave any harm.
Exploring caves can be very dangerous if done without prior knowledge of the safety rules and guidelines of caving. Hypothermia, injuries from falling and severe physical exhaustion are just some of the risks. If you are interested in exploring caves, it is necessary for you to take the time to learn the basics of caving.
There are reading materials, online and offline, that can provide you with the information you need in exploring caves. The skills needed for each major type of caving are mostly developed by actively taking part in cave tours. You will learn more by observing and emulating how experienced cavers move. Getting some minor cuts and scratches as well as making some mistakes will also teach you what not to do when caving.
Know, remember and practice the techniques and safety rules you need to follow and you will experience the joy and wonder of spelunking. Here are some of the ways you can learn and experience caving and enhance your skills for this physical sport.
Joining a caving club in your neighborhood is a good way to learn how to explore caves. The National Speleological Society local chapters or grottos offer caving trips for beginners. They provide training opportunities, teach and exercise cave conservation, and generally offer the fundamentals for learning about caves.
Various national parks with caves also provide many opportunities to learn how to explore caves. They offer caving tours for beginners as well as wild caving trips that necessitate headlamps, helmets and other safety caving gear.
If you reside in an area with caves, it is possible there are show caves that offer caving tours for a fee. It is a good way to learn and experience caving without spending anything on your own equipment as most of these tours provide you with everything you will need. However, some of these tours can be costly or may not really offer a satisfying educational experience.
Caves are entrepots of valuable scientific and historical information. They are important sources of freshwater for the nation. It is to the best interest of every living thing to preserve and protect these natural geological formations. When you explore caves properly, you learn to appreciate nature’s beauty and do your part in conserving them.
To read about bumblebee bat and how to get rid of bats, visit the About Animals site.
Article from articlesbase.com
Related Spelunking Articles
Information On Expert Cave Explorers
What is something about caves that invites people to come in? There’s really something in it that is very fascinating especially for people who love adventure, for people who are fond of exploration, such people call themselves cave explorers or “spelunkers.” Oftentimes, these people pursue courses and even a degree in cave exploration. When they graduate, they are usually called as ‘speleologists’ or ‘cave scientists’ or the more common term, professional cave explorers.
Why are caves explored?
Caves are large underground openings in rocks. It’s usually structured by rock formations such as stalagmites and stalactites, flowstones, columns and draperies.
Basically, caves or caverns are explored for research. Cave scientists study its wonder. They are mainly concerned with the geologic formations as well living things that reside within. Some spelunkers also do cave mapping.
Some explorers consider caving as a sport or recreational hobby. While others, like those who just pass the caves, consider passing as a great opportunity and experience as they take pictures and while enjoying the alluring landscape it possess.
Caves can also be considered as a natural shelter. In prehistoric times, cavers or cave explorers already existed. They were known as the “cave dwellers”. They used to live in caves, as it was evidenced thousands of years ago with artistically made paintings on walls. This would be one of the reasons why modern cavers take the risk of visiting even the most dangerous caves because of the priceless beauty.
Who Are The Professional Cave Explorers?
Professional cave explorers are people who have the deepest desire to discover caves. Study its geological formations both for self-satisfaction as well as for science contribution.
One of the 1st professional cavers was Warren Netherton. He was considered a caver since 1984 when he attempted to arrange maps of several caves. He has also inventoried and surveyed algae inhabitants and has developed a plan for the restoration of certain caves.
In the following year 1985, Jim Nepstad developed the 1st automated cave map of Wind Cave National Park. His work was considered as the 1st management plan in the area.
Some explorers like Peter Jones had no formal education regarding professional caving. However, through experience, he was one of the greatest contributors of science such that he was able to recognize the distinctive structure of caves.
Some other famous cavers have vast contributions would be Maurizio Montalbini, a sociologist, and Mr. Roger Brucker.
To learn about bat droppings and bumblebee bat, visit the About Animals website.
Article from articlesbase.com
A Beginners Guide to Cave Exploring
Exploring caves is a fun and exciting recreational activity. In caving, also called spelunking, you will discover the beauty of nature and marvel at rock formations and crystals that took thousands, and even millions, of years to shape and develop.
Caves come in different shapes and sizes. There are caves that are horizontal, dry, hot, humid and sandy, while others are vertical, cold, flooded and muddy. There are even caves that are located under rivers and seas.
Much like mountain climbing, cave exploring is a dangerous activity. Many people who dared enter caves unprepared or alone end up being injured, attacked by animals, or even dead. Thus, it is important that you know cave exploration’s basic rules.
Three fundamental rules of spelunking
Don’t take anything, except videos and photographs. Don’t take rocks, crystals or stones as souvenirs of your trip. Remember that stalactites, stalagmites and crystals inside the caves were formed over thousands of years. If you take them, other people who will visit the cave after you won’t be able to enjoy the beauty of the cave the way that you did.
Don’t leave your trash. Bring a bag where you can store your garbage and bring it with you when you get out of the cave. Keep the cave the way it is. Don’t paint or write your names on the walls of the cave.
Respect the animals or any living thing inside the cave. Remember that you are the cave’s intruder or visitor, not the animals. Try not to disturb them or agitate them while you are cave exploring.
Things to remember before cave exploring
Never go spelunking by yourself. Even professional cavers visit caves in groups of three or four so don’t dare set foot in a cave alone. Caves are perilous not only because of animals living inside them, but also because of holes, unexpected vertical drops, slippery ground, and falling rocks or debris.
The one who is the slowest in the group should set the pace. You shouldn’t leave anybody behind. Even if passages seem simple and straight, you shouldn’t break away from your group. Just imagine how scary it is to get lost in a dark and dangerous place alone.
Since cave exploring can be tiring, you should know when to stop for a break. Don’t push yourself over your limit. Cave exploring should be fun, so take your time and enjoy the view.
Learn about bat pictures and bat control at the About Animals site.
Article from articlesbase.com
More Spelunking Articles
Want a Unique Vacation? Explore a Cave!
Cave exploring has become a favorite adventure activity for many Americans. Whether you’re taking a short, self-guided or guided tour of a commercial cave, or engaging in advanced spelunking of non-commercial caves, there’s just something magical about entering a cave. The feel of the cave air, the smells, the quite, the utter darkness when the lamps are turned off.
In caving you will discover the beauty of nature and marvel at rock formations and crystals that took thousands, and even millions, of years to shape and develop. Caves come in different shapes and sizes. There are caves that are horizontal, dry, hot, humid and sandy, while others are vertical, cold, flooded and muddy. There are even caves that are located under rivers and seas.
Another great thing about visiting a cave is that you are able to step back in time a bit, as many caves have served as dwellings for early humans, offering shelter from the outside elements. Another interesting thing about caves – when you’ve toured one, you’re going to want to tour another. Luckily there are numerous caves to explore in America that can keep you busy year after year. Let’s take a look at several which offer guided and self-guided tours perfect for the whole family:
Mammoth Cave National Park – Kentucky
Since 1816, visitors have toured Mammoth Cave, one of the world’s longest and most famous cave systems. The name Mammoth was coined not from the prehistoric wooly mammoth, but because the cave system is so huge – more than 365 miles of it has been explored so far.
Cave tour prices range from to and include tours for all levels of experience, from a 30-minute, self-guided discovery tour to a 6-1/2 hour “Wild Cave Tour” for more advanced cavers which involves free-climbing cave walls and crawling through areas as low as 9 inches high. Temperature inside the cave usually stays around 54° Fahrenheit year-round.
Jewel Cave National Monument – South Dakota
Located just east of the Wyoming border, Jewel Cave is considered one of the best caves in the National Park system, and number three on the list of longest caves in the world! Much of the cave remains unexplored today. But tours inside the cave offer breathtaking walks and intense caving adventure. Aside from stalactites and stalagmites, several varieties of bats reside inside the cave especially during winter.
Jewel Cave offers three different tour packages, each requiring a different level of experience. The easiest tour is the Basic Tour, which most people should be able to manage. Of course, you have to remember this is a cave, so there will be some steps to climb. On the Basic Tour there are 723 steps to manage, but you don’t have to climb them all at once, they are interspersed throughout the 1/2 mile tour. The next tour in difficulty is the Historic Tour which enters and leaves the cave through an historic entrance and views the cave from an unpaved trail. You will carry lanterns on this tour, which is considered strenuous. Children under 6 are not allowed on the Historic Tour. For the experienced cavers, Jewel Caves offers a Spelunking Tour, a 4 to 5-hour tour which snakes through 2/3 of a mile of the Cave. You are provided a headlamp by the park service, but you must provide all your other equipment. In addition, you must be over 16 and pass a number of tests before being allowed on the Spelunking Tour, including proving the ability to wriggle through an 18″ X 24″ passageway. Needless to say, people with a fear of heights or claustrophobia definitely won’t be comfortable on this tour. Reservations are required for the Spelunking tour.
Kartchner Caverns State Park – Benson, Arizona
Located in the southern part of Arizona, Kartchner Caverns was discovered in 1974 by cavers and purchased as an Arizona State Park in 1988. What’s cool about Kartchner is that it’s a “living cave,” in that the formations inside are still growing. It also contains 13,000 feet of passages, boasts one of the world’s longest soda straw stalactites – 21 feet 2 inches, and is in near-pristine condition. Typical of most caves, Kartchner Caverns has its share of bats. In fact, during the summer the Cave’s Big Room becomes a nursery roost with over 1,000 female bats.
Meramec Caverns – Stanton, Missouri
Like your caves on the commercial side? Then you’ll love Meramec Caverns, which has a gift shop inside the entrance of the cave. In fact, Meramec Caverns is the largest commercial cave in Missouri, which is known as the “Cave State” due to it containing over 6,000 surveyed caves. In addition to its natural history, Meramec Caverns has some interesting recent history, as legend has it that the cave was used as a part of the “Underground Railroad” to aid escaping slaves. Legend also has it that Jesse James and his gang hid out in the caves after committing train and bank robberies.
Meramec Caverns also has the distinction of having a ballroom inside the caves which hosts many private and public events, such as an Easter Sunrise Service. The ballroom is an interesting combination of chairs, sound system, lighting and, yes, limestone and stalagmites.
Other Missouri Caves and Caverns
As long as you’re visiting Meramec Caverns, why not check out some of the other caves in Missouri? Some notable ones include:
Fantastic Caverns – Springfield, Missouri
Fantastic Caverns is considered “America’s Ride-Through Cave” and is great for seniors, physically-challenged individuals and people with small children because you don’t walk though the cave, but, rather you take a jeep-drawn tram through the cave.
Marvel Cave – Branson, Missouri
Again, if you like your caves on the commercial side, then Marvel Cave is for you. Marvel Cave is another “living cave” with formations that are still growing, and is now part of Silver Dollar City, an amusement park with over 30 rides and attractions, the cave being one of them.
Mark Twain Cave – Hannibal, Missouri
The Mark Twain Cave was discovered in 1819 and is Missouri’s oldest show cave, providing tours to the public for over 114 years. The cave is named after “Mark Twain,” the pen name of Samuel Clemens, who explored the cave quite frequently and wrote about its wonders. Again, legend has it that Jesse James and his gang hid out in the caves.
If you’re looking for something interesting and unusual to do with your family on your next vacation, do consider visiting one of the many fascinating caves that America has to offer. You may discover a passion you never knew existed.
Shari Hearn is a writer and creator of Top Vacation Spots, where you can learn about such things as Alaska cruise vacations.
Article from articlesbase.com
The tiny midnight caravan Made its way across the black hills As I watched from a distance The slow-going glow Their wandering you know Made me pine For the lamplight Where you lie If I took you darling To the caverns of my heart Would you light the lamp dear? Would you light the lamp dear? And see fish without eyes Bats with their heads Hanging down towards the ground Would you still come around Come around? I believe in you In your honesty and your eyes Even when I’m sloshing In the muck of my demise A large part of me Is always and forever tied To the lamplight Of your eyes, of your eyes
More Spelunking Articles
Being Safe While Cave Exploring
Cave exploration is a fun and educational activity. If you are interested in spelunking (or recreational cave exploring), however, you need to have a good grasp of the basics of cave exploration. Here are some tips that will help you safely enjoy your underground escapade:
Inform someone about your trip
You need to tell your friends or family about your caving trip. Tell them when you are leaving and when you are expected to be back and who are you with. Provide them with directions or a map to where you are going.
Don’t go alone
Even professional cavers know that it is unwise to go spelunking alone. Cave exploration is very dangerous, so you need to go with at least two people, particularly experienced spelunkers if you are new to the activity.
Wear appropriate clothing and safety equipment
Work pants, jeans, tee shirts are best clothes to wear when caving, while military boots are ideal footwear. It is also important to wear good-quality hardhat or climbing helmet, preferably with strong chinstraps and an electric headlamp. Knees and elbow pads are also needed for protection.
Bring at least two reliable flashlights in addition to your headlamp
It is extremely dangerous if you and your companions run out of a reliable light source inside the cave. You should bring with you at least two small flashlights, spare batteries and bulbs. Don’t depend on your companions for extra batteries or bulbs.
Pack extra food and water
It is important that you bring extra canister of water, especially during long cave excursions. You should also remember to carry nutritious snacks for emergencies.
Know your limits
Don’t attempt to do something that you aren’t trained to do, such as vertical caving or cave diving. Keep in mind that you are not only endangering yourself with your reckless actions, but also put others in perilous situation.
Don’t jump inside caves or climb down steep shafts that you think you can’t shin up again. Don’t fool around or show off, doing stupid things injures many untrained cave explorers. Always watch your step and proceed with caution.
No smoking
Don’t smoke inside caves because cigarettes contain ingredients, such as nicotine, that may be harmful to cave dwellers, such as bats. Moreover, the air circulation inside caves is usually poor so the smoke you have created will stay there for quite a long time.
Follow the tips above and you will surely enjoy a safe, educational and fun spelunking experience.
For tips on flying fox bat and what do bats eat, visit the About Animals website.
Article from articlesbase.com
Cave Explorations for Experts
Spelunking, or cave exploring, is a hobby for people who love nature and want to test the limit of physical endurance. Although some caves are very difficult to explore, especially those located under the sea or atop steep terrains, some people have dared to enter them for scientific purposes, or for the sheer fun of it.
If you are one of those who like to flirt with danger or study this mysterious type of land formation, you might want to explore advanced cave exploration areas. The following are caving specializations for extreme spelunkers:
Vertical Caving
Many caves have huge vertical drops, sometimes thousands of meters deep, which can only be accessible through rope work. To be able to explore such caves, you need vertical cave training and equipment.
The vertical cave exploration technique that is widely used nowadays is the Single Rope Technique, which was developed in the United States and Europe. The equipment you will need for vertical caving includes mechanical descenders, ascenders and a single rope.
Cave Photography
Anybody can take videos and pictures of the cave’s inner sections. However, only expert cave photographers can capture excellent photos and videos of the cave. The challenges you will surely encounter in cave photography include difficulty in bringing the equipment inside the cave, lighting up large cave cavities, and taking pictures in dark areas.
Cave Rescue
Many people venture into caves even when they don’t have the proper training and equipment to do so. Thus, some cave exploring aficionados have devoted their time to studying cave rescue. It is also important to note that many spelunkers, who usually become experts in cave rescue, are members of fire, rescue and police departments.
Cave Diving
Cave diving is one of the most exciting cave exploration activities. This is a highly specialized field in caving because you need to undergo training in both cave exploration and open sea diving. You need specialized equipment and rigorous training before you can be a cave diver. It is important to note that many people who have ventured into cave diving without the right equipment and training often get injured or even die.
Finding Virgin Caves
Although there are many caves that have already been discovered, some extreme spelunkers find thrill and excitement in discovering and mapping new caves. Finding an unexplored cave usually means entering very tight holes, digging through rock and dirt, and expanding narrow crevices.
Advanced caving requires lots of training and special skills. If you want to go beyond recreational cave exploration, you need to contact spelunking associations and take on special courses and training.
Find tips about how to get rid of bats and types of bats at the About Animals website.
Article from articlesbase.com
Getting through tight spaces in a cave is part of spelunking that many people find scary;learn about spelunking (exploring caves) and natural facts about caves in this free video. Expert: Laszlo Turi Bio: Laszlo Turi is a caving expert who resides in Budapest, Hungary and has explored a variety of caves for many years. Filmmaker: Paul Volniansky