Lowkey Lowmoor- EASIER THAN EASY BEGINNER CAVING

OVERVIEW

Have you wanted to go caving but you don’t like small spaces, difficult climbs, complete darkness, and/or thought caving looked lowkey really scary? But you have always wanted to at least try it out? Well do we have the cave for you! Lowmoor was a giant iron mine from 1875-1898 and there is an actual cave in the mine. We can explore both sections depending on how everyone is feeling. Have concerns? Please read the following to determine if this is the trip for you:
Have claustrophobia? The mine area is larger than any of the building on grounds, where the entirety of the cave you can never touch both walls and the ceiling is around 60 feet high.
Hate complete darkness? For a good portion of the mine you can always see a light source. The mine is also super easy to navigate. But at times the only light provided will be our headlamps.
Don’t want hard climbs? There is nothing in the mine shaft area that is any harder than a beginner ODC hike. There is one climb up to the cave part but again we can see how everyone is feeling and decide if we just want to just explore the mine or the cave as well.
Have Kenophobia or fear of large empty spaces? This is not the trip for you. The mine rooms are extremely large to the point you can often not see the other side.
Fear of Heights? So there is a section that has an 80 foot drop, but we can easily avoid this section and/ or only people who want to go can go. Easily avoidable and we can stay on flat ground at all times.
Do I need to be super fit and athletic? Just a myth! You do not need to be in crazy shape. As long as you are comfortable walking/ rock scrambling around for a few hours, you should be good. Like mentioned earlier, same activity level as a beginner odc hike. If you have any other concerns, please feel free to reach out!

***That being said I will be prioritizing beginners for a decent portion of the trip***

Schedule:
10:00am – Leave Echols
12:00am – Arrive at cave and go over safety/conservation information
12:30am – Start caving
4:30pm – Finish caving
7:00pm – Return to Charlottesville and chill at Chipotle!

**Note on Chipotle: This is a completely voluntary part of the trip. We also have the option to drop you off prior to this part. If you have financial concerns, please feel free to reach out to us and we will help you figure it out!***

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 that you do not need to get:
– Caving helmet
– No fewer than 2 working headlamps
-knee pads (optional, not needed for this cave but available if you want them)

Gear to Bring:
– Water (Nalgene size works)
– Snack/Lunch
– 24 hour emergency food supply (just anything that can last you a days worth of meals, in case of emergency gear item)
– A container for any human waste – pack it in, pack it out (anything sealable)
– 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, 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 (please please! Also make sure you bring layers! It is still a little chilly out!)

Gear we have extra of but please first try to bring your own. If you cannot get your own please notify us ASAP:
– A trash bag for hypothermia kit (the Hefty trash bags area perfect size)
– Trash bag for dirty clothes, shoes, and backpack (make sure it’s big enough, can be the same trash bag as hypothermia kit)
– Gloves (the gear room has a bunch, the gardening ones are the best)

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 (feel free to contact us with any questions, we will be reviewing everything before entering the cave)
– 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. Not really needed for this trip but please know you will be pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, especially with 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). That being said please notify me ASAP if you cannot get all of your gear.
– 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

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

If you have any questions or concerns or are unable to pick up gear, my phone number is (970) 294- 8781 (Allie) and (757) 985-9543 (Lillie). Again please please please reach out to either one of us with ANYTHING! We are hear to help!