Stalactites Galore: Caving at Marshall’s

OVERVIEW

*This is an intermediate trip, due to the difficulty of some of the climbs and the presence of some sketchier sections. We strongly suggest that you have been on at least one caving trip before.*

Marshall’s cave is known for some gorgeous formations and neat features. I haven’t been very deep in at all, so I’m hoping to explore more! We’re also hoping that the recent rain and snowmelt hasn’t caused the water level in the cave to rise enough to be obnoxious… we’ll see! It’ll be an adventure!

Schedule:
10:00am – Leave Echols
12:00pm – Arrive at cave and go over safety/conservation information
12:30pm – Start caving
4:30pm – Finish caving, return to car
7:00pm – Back at Echols

Gear we will provide:
– Caving Helmets for all
– 2 working headlamps per person
– Some kneepads (optional)

Gear YOU need to Bring:
– Water
– Snack/Lunch
– 24 hour emergency food supply
– A trash bag for hypothermia kit
– A container for any human waste – pack it in, pack it out
– Clothes that can get dirty/ripped/ruined (GLOVES, long pants, and long sleeves are mandatory)
– Close toed shoes that can get dirty/ripped/ruined
– A bag or backpack that can get dirty/ripped/ruined
– Backup light source (can be a headlamp, flashlight, phone flashlight, etc.)
– Clean clothes/shoes for the car (please please)
– 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 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).
– 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