Kickin’ it in Kee Cave- CAVING BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE

OVERVIEW

Hey hey hey is that a new cave I see? It is indeed!!! ODC was able to explore this cave last year with JMU but I missed the trip sooooo I’m gonna go myself! This is a super chill easy cave but since I am solo leading I am reserving a spot for one experienced caver (hence why the trip says /intermediate). BUT if you are 100% beginner never caved before please sign up! From what I’ve heard this cave has some pretty unique and cool features for us to explore! This will also be a smaller group so I will be able to help you individually way more as well. If there is a lot of interest, I might bump the trip up to 10 (also if I can find more than one experienced caver) so if you see a long waitlist still sign up! I don’t know much about the cave but I know it is very easy and doable with no prior experience. So feel free to reach out to me with any concerns or questions!

***Need a driver! You’ll get priority off the waitlist.

Schedule:
9:00am – Leave Echols
11:00pm – Arrive at cave and go over safety/conservation information
11:30pm – Start caving
3:30pm – Finish caving, return to car
6:00pm – Back in Charlottesville, maybe Chipotle if people are down but completely voluntary
9:00pm- ODC PARTY!!!! (not part of the trip but you should still go its so fun)

Gear: You absolutely need all the gear listed! Please contact me ASAP if you cannot get everything on this list! I know this is an intimidating list so if you have any concerns please please please contact me!

Gear we have:
– Caving helmet
– No fewer than 2 working headlamps
– Gloves
–Knee pads (optional)

Gear to Bring:
– Water
– Snack/Lunch
– 24 hour emergency food supply (just anything that can last you a days worth of meals, worst case scenario type of thing)
– A container for any human waste – pack it in, pack it out (like a small screwable tupperware or old waterbottle works)
– Clothes that can get dirty/ripped/ruined (Long pants, and long sleeves are mandatory- please try to avoid cotton at least for your socks)
– Close toed shoes that can get dirty/ripped/ruined (sneakers or hiking boots, something along these lines)
– 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, I also have some extra)
– Clean clothes/shoes for the car (please please! Also make sure you bring layers! It is still a little chilly out!)

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 work well, we have never had to use the hypothermia kit but again just in case)
– Trash bag for dirty clothes, shoes, and backpack (make sure it’s big enough and can be the same trash bag as hypothermia kit)
– AAA batteries (like 6)

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 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, you are not entering the cave). Please please please reach out to me with gear concerns! I can help you get everything on the list!
– 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 or are unable to pick up gear, my phone number is (970) 294- 8781 (Allie). Also feel free to reach out to me if you just want to talk about the trip! Caving is a super intimidating sport so feel free to reach out to me with anything! See you all Saturday!