The Big Entrance: Beginner Caving at Island Ford!

OVERVIEW

Are you looking for an outdoor activity to get moving again post Disco Cowboy Party? Look no further!
This will be a very chill and relaxed caving trip to a cave known for it’s simplicity and beginner-friendliness. It still has some cool features though, such as the spectacular entrance (which is clearly visible from highway 64). This is a great trip if you’ve never been caving before and want something lower-intensity to try it out.

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