Kvelling at Kee Cave. Caving -INTERMEDIATE

OVERVIEW

I am finally back to leading actual cave trips! I want to kick off my unification with caving by kvelling in Kee Cave. What is this unique word you might ask? It means to ” to feel or express joy or triumph” which is how caving makes me feel! So come kvell with me at Kee! For the most part this cave is very beginner friendly but I was spying some gnarly vertical climbs (also a 15′ straight canyon drop that turns out is a slide?!) and some cool squeezes. Basically what I am saying is yes majority of the cave is easy but I wanna go find some hard stuff! So if you have been on at least one prior caving trip, and you feel ready for something more difficult, sign up! Please be ready for more vertical climbs in particular. But I am 5′ on a good day so if I can do it you so got this!! I do make exceptions once in awhile if you have never been caving and still want to go but I do request you have some alternative climbing experience or advanced hiking experience. Please contact me if this is you. We will also restart the tradition of Chipotle post caving (this is completely optional and not part of the trip, we can drop you off prior. If you have financial concerns, please contact me and I will help figure things out!).

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

Schedule:
10:00am – Leave Echols
12:30pm – Arrive at cave and go over safety/conservation information
1:00pm – Start caving
5:00pm – Finish caving, return to car
7:30pm – Back in Charlottesville, maybe Chipotle if people are down but completely voluntary

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 water bottle 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) or (757) 985-9543 (Lillie). 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!