Caving with the Hokiebird! CAVING- INTERMEDIATE

OVERVIEW

**WAITLIST: The first four people to sign up get on then the last four spots are randomized***

What another collab? This time with Virginia Tech’s caving club! We will spend a weekend exploring the Hokiebird’s territory and going to caves NEVER BEFORE EXPLORED by UVA caving!!! We will vibe with some epic cavers, trade cool cave stories, do some vibey camping, and in general, have a great time! The trip is intermediate because I don’t know what level of difficulty the caves will be. Prior caving experience with ODC is not needed but recommended!

**Need a driver! You will get priority off the waitlist!**

Schedule: TBD!! Write your availability in the questions!
FRIDAY
4:30 PM – Leave Cville and drive to Blacksburg
6:30 PM – Arrive in Blacksburg, set up camp, eat dinner
7:00 PM – Go to the Virginia Tech Caving Meeting and meet some vibey people
SATURDAY
Find a cool cave, go inside, romp around, vibe, vibe some more
SUNDAY
Maybe find another shorter cave, vibe, leave
3:00 PM Drive back to Cville!

Ok Gear: I know this long list can be intimidating so feel free to reach out to us with any questions! We have extras of almost everything so if you have any concerns just let us know and we will help you get what you need.

Gear we have:
– Caving helmet (please don’t use the club’s climbing helmets; the caving helmets are the old Petzl Ecrin Rocs or the new Petzl Boreos)
– No fewer than 2 working headlamps with spare batteries
– Gloves
-knee pads (optional)
– Tents and general camp supplies (stoves, fuel, trash bags, etc)
– First Aid Kits

Gear to Bring:
– Water
– Snack/Lunch
– 24 hour emergency food supply (just anything that can last you a days worth of meals)
– A container for any human waste – pack it in, pack it out (old water bottle or screwable tupperware)
– Clothes that can get dirty/ripped/ruined (long pants and long sleeves are mandatory- please try to avoid cotton)
– Close toed shoes that can get dirty/ripped/ruined
– At least 1 spare light (can be a headlamp or flashlight or even your phone )
– A bag or backpack that can get dirty/ripped/ruined (can be found at the gear room as well)
– Clean clothes/shoes for the car
– Clothes and toiletries for the weekend
– Food for the weekend (we will probably stop at a store along the way)
***If you cannot afford food for the weekend, please let me know! This will not prevent you from joining the trip, and we will make sure you get enough food!***
– Sleeping Bag
– Sleeping Pad
– Utensils, general personal camp stuff

Gear we have extra but please first try to bring your own. If you cannot get your own please notify us ASAP:
– A trash bag for hypothermia kit (hefty trash bags are good)
– Trash bag for dirty clothes, shoes, and backpack (make sure it’s big enough)

Important notes:
– You MUST read the Caving Checklist provided by the club. It can be found under the Resources tab on the website. I have also linked it here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Lv1Hz8qOIvGb0BgVwFrU6NH1EyT3wPqt/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=115487946960226883937&rtpof=true&sd=true
– 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, you are not entering the cave).
– It is a good idea to not have anything massively important scheduled for the evening of the trip in the unlikely event we are delayed

If you have any questions or concerns please let me know: (970) 294-8781