Echols Dorm: Brick Wall By Side Door
Echols Dorm: Brick Wall By Side Door
cave
If you’ve ever wanted to see the stars with a truly unparalleled view of the sky, look no further! Caves are one of the only naturally occurring places with absolutely zero light pollution. The view of the sky from deep underground is unlike anything you’ll see above ground. With a bit of luck, we should expect to see as many as zero stars!
All jokes aside, this trip is a beginner caving trip to Hamilton Cave in West Virginia. In this cave you’ll find some unique rock formations, maze-like passages, and challenging crawls. If we make it to the back of the cave with some spare time we can try to squeeze through the infamous Air Pusher passage. No experience is needed to sign up for this trip – I will gladly teach beginners everything they need to know before we enter the cave.
Since I don’t have a car, drivers get priority off the waitlist. Drivers also get gas reimbursed and a 50% tip.
Logistics:
– Leave from Echols at 0900
– Drive two hours to the cave
– Gear up, talk safety, and adventure through the cave for a few hours (1100 – 1500)
– Hike back, clean up/change clothes, and drive home
– Arrive back in Charlottesville around 1700
Equipment list:
– 2 headlamps
– backup batteries for your headlamps
– helmet
– 2 trash bags (one for hypothermia kit; the other for dirty clothes/gear)
– gloves
– water
– snacks/emergency food supply
– sturdy closed toed shoes
– backpack that can get dirty
– change of clothes
– container for human waste (pack it in, pack it out)
Important notes:
– You MUST read the Caving Checklist provided by the club. It can be found under the Member Resources tab (policies > officer policies > caving checklist).
– You are responsible for gathering all of your own equipment. Most of the gear is available at the club’s gear room.
– You should be comfortable crawling around in tight spaces and being in the dark.
– Because caving is such a dangerous sport, I will be very strict in ensuring you have the proper equipment (i.e., if you are not properly equipped with EVERYTHING mentioned above (even trash bags and spare clothing), you are not entering the cave).
– It is a good idea to not have anything important scheduled for the evening of the trip just in case we are delayed.