Re: [Texascavers] KIWI SINK Report
Thanks Mimi, Terry wrote me that we are well over 100 dump truck loads at 7-8 tons each. Wow! Not intending to get too personal here, Mimi, but why do you know that a normal barrel of grease weighs 400#? You can reply off-list if needed. ;-) Lowgun On 2/25/2013 1:07 AM, Mimi Jasek wrote: Logan, A normal barrel of grease weighs 400#, and the often times wet dirt plus rocks that have been in most barrels that have been hauled out when we helped dig weighed that or more. I think the first one we helped with saw either 10 or 14 barrels come out. So at a minimum of 400#, that dig alone netted more than 2 tons! I truly think Gill probably gets around a ton or more for each 5 barrels, not counting the huge rocks brought out singly. Truly an awesome project! Mimi Jasek Gill replied: We were estimating 300 to 600 pounds. But Terry has an in-line scale we could hang up to measure them. Will try to remember to haul it over and weigh a half dozen of so of them. --Ediger On Feb 24, 2013, at 9:10 PM, Logan McNatt lmcn...@austin.rr.com wrote: Gill, Thanks for the report. Can you estimate an average weight for each barrel of fill hauled out? Just wondering if y'all have an idea of the approximate tonnage (fill and rocks) that you have removed since the dig began? Logan - On 2/24/2013 9:01 PM, Gill Edigar wrote: KIWI SINK Dig Report--Sunday 24 February 2013--Andrew and I arrived at a quarter o'ten and got a status report on Kiwi's garden plot. Then we attacked the pit. Our immediate objective was to reduce everything above floor level to about that level before we try to break into the new underfloor passage opened up by Erin a couple of weeks ago. That is to be done so that the many yards of loose fill don't fall into the new lead whilst we're removing them. Currently we have the lead protected with plywood to minimizing infilling from the higher areas adjacent to the floor lead. Today we filled up 6-1/2 barrels and hauled out 6 of um. Then hoisted 3 or 4 lifts of rocks, some in tandem, before we had a mechanical malfunction with the jin-poles on the rear of the truck. 2 or 3 rocks remain to be raised. Many suitcase sized rocks were excavated, loosened, and prepared for removal. Most made the transition to the surface; a few are still awaiting another session or two of backfill removal that will be needed before we can open up Erin's floor lead to see where it goes. A rather large contingent of cavers showed up today, many without caving gear. The list of diggers: Dale Barnard Don Broussard Erin Brown Andrew Davison Gill Ediger Chris Franke Ryan Monjaras John Schneider Terry Raines drove the truck and ran the hoist. ...and visitors: Leslie Bell Jay Jorden RD Milhollan Andy Gluesenkamp Today was very productive. --Gill Ediger - Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com
Re: [Texascavers] KIWI SINK Report
Logan, Not too personal at all. What I've learned could prove useful to others. The company I work for does 90-95% of their business selling all kinds of lubricants to industry, farmers, machinists, etc. So, by necessity, I've had to learn things that have actually carried over into normal life. For caving and digging, knowing specs about barrels, kegs, and pails has proved quite helpful. Barrel = 11-5 gal pails = average 400# 5 gal pail = 35# of oil or gear lube 5 gal pail = 38# grease Or, if totally full or half full, using 40# and 20# works as a good average overall. Easier head math! So, with these facts, if dirt is dry and fluffy, oil weight could work. If wet with rocks, grease weight would be better. Keep track of pails, or barrels, and you get an idea of weight removed. If using 2 gal pails, again, keep track total pails, multiply by 2, divide by 5, then use 35 or 38 to multiply to get approximate weight. (Or 40) I have used this method - counter works well - on digs, and it gives you a real sense of accomplishment to figure how many tons you pull out each dig trip! So, that's how and why I know:) Mimi Sent from my iPhone On Feb 25, 2013, at 2:29 PM, Logan McNatt lmcn...@austin.rr.com wrote: Thanks Mimi, Terry wrote me that we are well over 100 dump truck loads at 7-8 tons each. Wow! Not intending to get too personal here, Mimi, but why do you know that a normal barrel of grease weighs 400#? You can reply off-list if needed. ;-) Lowgun On 2/25/2013 1:07 AM, Mimi Jasek wrote: Logan, A normal barrel of grease weighs 400#, and the often times wet dirt plus rocks that have been in most barrels that have been hauled out when we helped dig weighed that or more. I think the first one we helped with saw either 10 or 14 barrels come out. So at a minimum of 400#, that dig alone netted more than 2 tons! I truly think Gill probably gets around a ton or more for each 5 barrels, not counting the huge rocks brought out singly. Truly an awesome project! Mimi Jasek Gill replied: We were estimating 300 to 600 pounds. But Terry has an in-line scale we could hang up to measure them. Will try to remember to haul it over and weigh a half dozen of so of them. --Ediger On Feb 24, 2013, at 9:10 PM, Logan McNatt lmcn...@austin.rr.com wrote: Gill, Thanks for the report. Can you estimate an average weight for each barrel of fill hauled out? Just wondering if y'all have an idea of the approximate tonnage (fill and rocks) that you have removed since the dig began? Logan - On 2/24/2013 9:01 PM, Gill Edigar wrote: KIWI SINK Dig Report--Sunday 24 February 2013--Andrew and I arrived at a quarter o'ten and got a status report on Kiwi's garden plot. Then we attacked the pit. Our immediate objective was to reduce everything above floor level to about that level before we try to break into the new underfloor passage opened up by Erin a couple of weeks ago. That is to be done so that the many yards of loose fill don't fall into the new lead whilst we're removing them. Currently we have the lead protected with plywood to minimizing infilling from the higher areas adjacent to the floor lead. Today we filled up 6-1/2 barrels and hauled out 6 of um. Then hoisted 3 or 4 lifts of rocks, some in tandem, before we had a mechanical malfunction with the jin-poles on the rear of the truck. 2 or 3 rocks remain to be raised. Many suitcase sized rocks were excavated, loosened, and prepared for removal. Most made the transition to the surface; a few are still awaiting another session or two of backfill removal that will be needed before we can open up Erin's floor lead to see where it goes. A rather large contingent of cavers showed up today, many without caving gear. The list of diggers: Dale Barnard Don Broussard Erin Brown Andrew Davison Gill Ediger Chris Franke Ryan Monjaras John Schneider Terry Raines drove the truck and ran the hoist. ...and visitors: Leslie Bell Jay Jorden RD Milhollan Andy Gluesenkamp Today was very productive. --Gill Ediger - Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com
[Texascavers] Blair Pittman Update
We are IN Terlingua, dealing with the things that became broken, loosened, or not quite functional in our absence. (What do we have to fix THIS time!!). We have yet to see Blair and Jean, but expect to, soon. They seem to be well established in their new old house on the Creek in Alpine, not far from the bookstore. The second-hand reports I get are mixed. From: Blair is doing good. Blair looks very frail. It may take a while before he figures out who you are. Blair still cannot read or write. (That is obviously not correct, as he does correspond with short E-mail messages. See Below.) BUT, he sure tells stories well!!! (THAT, fortunately, has not change!) So we will see. We just missed his birthday party at the Villa. Blair's sister Sue, his lifetime friend Ced Snyder, Sean McPherson and Greg Smith brought Blair and Jean back down to the Villa next to Terlingua Sink to celebrate his 76th birthday. His photographer friend from old Houston days, Clayton McKee, came and has posted photos to look through. http://rcmckee.com/Galleries/index.php/Blair I see locals Terry Anderson, Ring Huggins, Cynta de Navaez, Clyde Replogle and others in the images. Blair has a new email address pittmanbl...@yahoo.com He corresponds and I am sure he would be glad to hear from old friends. Dirt Doc
[Texascavers] Reminder! - Longhorn Caverns Project Weekend- This Saturday, March 2nd!
This just an announcement to remind you about the next Longhorn Caverns Project weekend. We will meet at the parking lot up from the Visitor Center at around 9:30 this coming Saturday, March 2nd. The TPWD has graciously followed through and approved funds and is assigning work crews to begin some long overdue trail improvements to quite a few areas throughout the cave. Other funds for several other projects in the cave are to follow. In the meantime, we will be trying to stay out of the way and work on a few other projects, both in the cave and above the cave, and maybe even try to work in some ridge walking. If you'd like to volunteer, TPWD is requesting that you register as a volunteer at: http://ec.volunteernow.com/custom/1353/ http://ec.volunteernow.com/custom/1353/ All volunteers must apply, then select a location, easiest to plug in Longhorn's zip code, 78611. The new system works faster than the older paper system. (Don't freak out! It's not some One World Order/Black Helicopter/Fluoride in your water conspiracy!). It's not that big of a deal! It's just an easier way for them to track volunteer hours and for YOU to see what's available and needed at parks across the state. As a reward for helping out with this, the park is offering: · Free camping Friday and Saturday nights · Free use of The Basement for wild cave tours (the Crownover back entrance is still off limits). · A Free Vanishing Texas Bald Eagle Boat Cruise Sunday on beautiful Lake LBJ to observe bald eagles! · The usual gathering at Bluebonnet Café in Marble Falls Saturday night. Bring cash or a check, as they don't take credit or debit cards! If you have hand tools (large tarps, shovels, hand saws, limb loppers, chainsaws, wheelbarrows), please feel free to bring them. This is a truly fun and enjoyable project and we try hard to keep it that way and we guarantee a great weekend! If you have any kids interested in getting into caving, volunteer service, camping, and just hanging out with some cool folks, bring 'em along! Come out to a spectacular and historic cave and park, friendly park staff, and the always entertaining camaraderie of cavers! We'll even try to make sure we don't accidentally lock you in afterwards! J Hope to see you next month! Thanks! Mark
[TCMA-List] TCMA February Update
Howdy Texas Cave Supporters, 2013 is off to a great start for the TCMA, and we hope it is going great for you too! In case you haven't heard yet, the board voted in the new officers last month, and we have a new President and Secretary while retaining our incumbent Vice President and Treasurer. 2013 TCMA Officers: President: John Brooks, Vice President: Saj Zappitello, Secretary: Bennett Lee, Treasurer: Michael Cicherski TCMA at TSA Spring Convention (April 5-7, 2013): TCMA will have our spring members' meeting on Sunday morning at the TSA Spring Convention. April 7, time TBA. The annual TCMA fundraising auction will happen on Saturday evening (April 6), so start setting aside your interesting, cave-related, and most-excellent stuff to donate and planning your allowance for the bidding! If you need additional information on the auction, contact Saj at sajar...@gmail.com. There will also be a TCMA fundraising breakfast on Sunday morning (April 7). Please contact John Brooks at jpbrook...@sbcglobal.net if you are interested in volunteering to cook or help with clean-up. Save the date! Robber Baron Open House in San Antonio on April 27. Please contact Joe Mitchell at joemitch...@satx.rr.com to volunteer or for more information. In other news: The TCMA aquisitions committee has been reviewing several potential properties. Nothing has stood out in terms of a reasonable price for a great cave, but they are hard at work trying to meet our goal of aquiring another cave this year. The TCMA preserves committee has been hard at work creating official management plans for our preserves. We hope to get the first complete plan posted to our website soon. If you are interested in more information about the TCMA, please visit our website at www.tcmacaves.org. Thanks for your support! ___ www.tcmacaves.org To subscribe to this list, send an e-mail to tcma-list-subscr...@tcmacaves.org To Unsubscribe, send an e-mail to tcma-list-unsubscr...@tcmacaves.org.
Re: [Texascavers] KIWI SINK Report
Thanks Mimi, Terry wrote me that we are well over 100 dump truck loads at 7-8 tons each. Wow! Not intending to get too personal here, Mimi, but why do you know that a normal barrel of grease weighs 400#? You can reply off-list if needed. ;-) Lowgun On 2/25/2013 1:07 AM, Mimi Jasek wrote: Logan, A normal barrel of grease weighs 400#, and the often times wet dirt plus rocks that have been in most barrels that have been hauled out when we helped dig weighed that or more. I think the first one we helped with saw either 10 or 14 barrels come out. So at a minimum of 400#, that dig alone netted more than 2 tons! I truly think Gill probably gets around a ton or more for each 5 barrels, not counting the huge rocks brought out singly. Truly an awesome project! Mimi Jasek Gill replied: We were estimating 300 to 600 pounds. But Terry has an in-line scale we could hang up to measure them. Will try to remember to haul it over and weigh a half dozen of so of them. --Ediger On Feb 24, 2013, at 9:10 PM, Logan McNatt lmcn...@austin.rr.com wrote: Gill, Thanks for the report. Can you estimate an average weight for each barrel of fill hauled out? Just wondering if y'all have an idea of the approximate tonnage (fill and rocks) that you have removed since the dig began? Logan - On 2/24/2013 9:01 PM, Gill Edigar wrote: KIWI SINK Dig Report--Sunday 24 February 2013--Andrew and I arrived at a quarter o'ten and got a status report on Kiwi's garden plot. Then we attacked the pit. Our immediate objective was to reduce everything above floor level to about that level before we try to break into the new underfloor passage opened up by Erin a couple of weeks ago. That is to be done so that the many yards of loose fill don't fall into the new lead whilst we're removing them. Currently we have the lead protected with plywood to minimizing infilling from the higher areas adjacent to the floor lead. Today we filled up 6-1/2 barrels and hauled out 6 of um. Then hoisted 3 or 4 lifts of rocks, some in tandem, before we had a mechanical malfunction with the jin-poles on the rear of the truck. 2 or 3 rocks remain to be raised. Many suitcase sized rocks were excavated, loosened, and prepared for removal. Most made the transition to the surface; a few are still awaiting another session or two of backfill removal that will be needed before we can open up Erin's floor lead to see where it goes. A rather large contingent of cavers showed up today, many without caving gear. The list of diggers: Dale Barnard Don Broussard Erin Brown Andrew Davison Gill Ediger Chris Franke Ryan Monjaras John Schneider Terry Raines drove the truck and ran the hoist. ...and visitors: Leslie Bell Jay Jorden RD Milhollan Andy Gluesenkamp Today was very productive. --Gill Ediger - Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com
Re: [Texascavers] KIWI SINK Report
Logan, Not too personal at all. What I've learned could prove useful to others. The company I work for does 90-95% of their business selling all kinds of lubricants to industry, farmers, machinists, etc. So, by necessity, I've had to learn things that have actually carried over into normal life. For caving and digging, knowing specs about barrels, kegs, and pails has proved quite helpful. Barrel = 11-5 gal pails = average 400# 5 gal pail = 35# of oil or gear lube 5 gal pail = 38# grease Or, if totally full or half full, using 40# and 20# works as a good average overall. Easier head math! So, with these facts, if dirt is dry and fluffy, oil weight could work. If wet with rocks, grease weight would be better. Keep track of pails, or barrels, and you get an idea of weight removed. If using 2 gal pails, again, keep track total pails, multiply by 2, divide by 5, then use 35 or 38 to multiply to get approximate weight. (Or 40) I have used this method - counter works well - on digs, and it gives you a real sense of accomplishment to figure how many tons you pull out each dig trip! So, that's how and why I know:) Mimi Sent from my iPhone On Feb 25, 2013, at 2:29 PM, Logan McNatt lmcn...@austin.rr.com wrote: Thanks Mimi, Terry wrote me that we are well over 100 dump truck loads at 7-8 tons each. Wow! Not intending to get too personal here, Mimi, but why do you know that a normal barrel of grease weighs 400#? You can reply off-list if needed. ;-) Lowgun On 2/25/2013 1:07 AM, Mimi Jasek wrote: Logan, A normal barrel of grease weighs 400#, and the often times wet dirt plus rocks that have been in most barrels that have been hauled out when we helped dig weighed that or more. I think the first one we helped with saw either 10 or 14 barrels come out. So at a minimum of 400#, that dig alone netted more than 2 tons! I truly think Gill probably gets around a ton or more for each 5 barrels, not counting the huge rocks brought out singly. Truly an awesome project! Mimi Jasek Gill replied: We were estimating 300 to 600 pounds. But Terry has an in-line scale we could hang up to measure them. Will try to remember to haul it over and weigh a half dozen of so of them. --Ediger On Feb 24, 2013, at 9:10 PM, Logan McNatt lmcn...@austin.rr.com wrote: Gill, Thanks for the report. Can you estimate an average weight for each barrel of fill hauled out? Just wondering if y'all have an idea of the approximate tonnage (fill and rocks) that you have removed since the dig began? Logan - On 2/24/2013 9:01 PM, Gill Edigar wrote: KIWI SINK Dig Report--Sunday 24 February 2013--Andrew and I arrived at a quarter o'ten and got a status report on Kiwi's garden plot. Then we attacked the pit. Our immediate objective was to reduce everything above floor level to about that level before we try to break into the new underfloor passage opened up by Erin a couple of weeks ago. That is to be done so that the many yards of loose fill don't fall into the new lead whilst we're removing them. Currently we have the lead protected with plywood to minimizing infilling from the higher areas adjacent to the floor lead. Today we filled up 6-1/2 barrels and hauled out 6 of um. Then hoisted 3 or 4 lifts of rocks, some in tandem, before we had a mechanical malfunction with the jin-poles on the rear of the truck. 2 or 3 rocks remain to be raised. Many suitcase sized rocks were excavated, loosened, and prepared for removal. Most made the transition to the surface; a few are still awaiting another session or two of backfill removal that will be needed before we can open up Erin's floor lead to see where it goes. A rather large contingent of cavers showed up today, many without caving gear. The list of diggers: Dale Barnard Don Broussard Erin Brown Andrew Davison Gill Ediger Chris Franke Ryan Monjaras John Schneider Terry Raines drove the truck and ran the hoist. ...and visitors: Leslie Bell Jay Jorden RD Milhollan Andy Gluesenkamp Today was very productive. --Gill Ediger - Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com
[Texascavers] Blair Pittman Update
We are IN Terlingua, dealing with the things that became broken, loosened, or not quite functional in our absence. (What do we have to fix THIS time!!). We have yet to see Blair and Jean, but expect to, soon. They seem to be well established in their new old house on the Creek in Alpine, not far from the bookstore. The second-hand reports I get are mixed. From: Blair is doing good. Blair looks very frail. It may take a while before he figures out who you are. Blair still cannot read or write. (That is obviously not correct, as he does correspond with short E-mail messages. See Below.) BUT, he sure tells stories well!!! (THAT, fortunately, has not change!) So we will see. We just missed his birthday party at the Villa. Blair's sister Sue, his lifetime friend Ced Snyder, Sean McPherson and Greg Smith brought Blair and Jean back down to the Villa next to Terlingua Sink to celebrate his 76th birthday. His photographer friend from old Houston days, Clayton McKee, came and has posted photos to look through. http://rcmckee.com/Galleries/index.php/Blair I see locals Terry Anderson, Ring Huggins, Cynta de Navaez, Clyde Replogle and others in the images. Blair has a new email address pittmanbl...@yahoo.com He corresponds and I am sure he would be glad to hear from old friends. Dirt Doc
[Texascavers] Reminder! - Longhorn Caverns Project Weekend- This Saturday, March 2nd!
This just an announcement to remind you about the next Longhorn Caverns Project weekend. We will meet at the parking lot up from the Visitor Center at around 9:30 this coming Saturday, March 2nd. The TPWD has graciously followed through and approved funds and is assigning work crews to begin some long overdue trail improvements to quite a few areas throughout the cave. Other funds for several other projects in the cave are to follow. In the meantime, we will be trying to stay out of the way and work on a few other projects, both in the cave and above the cave, and maybe even try to work in some ridge walking. If you'd like to volunteer, TPWD is requesting that you register as a volunteer at: http://ec.volunteernow.com/custom/1353/ http://ec.volunteernow.com/custom/1353/ All volunteers must apply, then select a location, easiest to plug in Longhorn's zip code, 78611. The new system works faster than the older paper system. (Don't freak out! It's not some One World Order/Black Helicopter/Fluoride in your water conspiracy!). It's not that big of a deal! It's just an easier way for them to track volunteer hours and for YOU to see what's available and needed at parks across the state. As a reward for helping out with this, the park is offering: · Free camping Friday and Saturday nights · Free use of The Basement for wild cave tours (the Crownover back entrance is still off limits). · A Free Vanishing Texas Bald Eagle Boat Cruise Sunday on beautiful Lake LBJ to observe bald eagles! · The usual gathering at Bluebonnet Café in Marble Falls Saturday night. Bring cash or a check, as they don't take credit or debit cards! If you have hand tools (large tarps, shovels, hand saws, limb loppers, chainsaws, wheelbarrows), please feel free to bring them. This is a truly fun and enjoyable project and we try hard to keep it that way and we guarantee a great weekend! If you have any kids interested in getting into caving, volunteer service, camping, and just hanging out with some cool folks, bring 'em along! Come out to a spectacular and historic cave and park, friendly park staff, and the always entertaining camaraderie of cavers! We'll even try to make sure we don't accidentally lock you in afterwards! J Hope to see you next month! Thanks! Mark
[TCMA-List] TCMA February Update
Howdy Texas Cave Supporters, 2013 is off to a great start for the TCMA, and we hope it is going great for you too! In case you haven't heard yet, the board voted in the new officers last month, and we have a new President and Secretary while retaining our incumbent Vice President and Treasurer. 2013 TCMA Officers: President: John Brooks, Vice President: Saj Zappitello, Secretary: Bennett Lee, Treasurer: Michael Cicherski TCMA at TSA Spring Convention (April 5-7, 2013): TCMA will have our spring members' meeting on Sunday morning at the TSA Spring Convention. April 7, time TBA. The annual TCMA fundraising auction will happen on Saturday evening (April 6), so start setting aside your interesting, cave-related, and most-excellent stuff to donate and planning your allowance for the bidding! If you need additional information on the auction, contact Saj at sajar...@gmail.com. There will also be a TCMA fundraising breakfast on Sunday morning (April 7). Please contact John Brooks at jpbrook...@sbcglobal.net if you are interested in volunteering to cook or help with clean-up. Save the date! Robber Baron Open House in San Antonio on April 27. Please contact Joe Mitchell at joemitch...@satx.rr.com to volunteer or for more information. In other news: The TCMA aquisitions committee has been reviewing several potential properties. Nothing has stood out in terms of a reasonable price for a great cave, but they are hard at work trying to meet our goal of aquiring another cave this year. The TCMA preserves committee has been hard at work creating official management plans for our preserves. We hope to get the first complete plan posted to our website soon. If you are interested in more information about the TCMA, please visit our website at www.tcmacaves.org. Thanks for your support! ___ www.tcmacaves.org To subscribe to this list, send an e-mail to tcma-list-subscr...@tcmacaves.org To Unsubscribe, send an e-mail to tcma-list-unsubscr...@tcmacaves.org.
Re: [Texascavers] KIWI SINK Report
Thanks Mimi, Terry wrote me that we are well over 100 dump truck loads at 7-8 tons each. Wow! Not intending to get too personal here, Mimi, but why do you know that a normal barrel of grease weighs 400#? You can reply off-list if needed. ;-) Lowgun On 2/25/2013 1:07 AM, Mimi Jasek wrote: Logan, A normal barrel of grease weighs 400#, and the often times wet dirt plus rocks that have been in most barrels that have been hauled out when we helped dig weighed that or more. I think the first one we helped with saw either 10 or 14 barrels come out. So at a minimum of 400#, that dig alone netted more than 2 tons! I truly think Gill probably gets around a ton or more for each 5 barrels, not counting the huge rocks brought out singly. Truly an awesome project! Mimi Jasek Gill replied: We were estimating 300 to 600 pounds. But Terry has an in-line scale we could hang up to measure them. Will try to remember to haul it over and weigh a half dozen of so of them. --Ediger On Feb 24, 2013, at 9:10 PM, Logan McNatt lmcn...@austin.rr.com wrote: Gill, Thanks for the report. Can you estimate an average weight for each barrel of fill hauled out? Just wondering if y'all have an idea of the approximate tonnage (fill and rocks) that you have removed since the dig began? Logan - On 2/24/2013 9:01 PM, Gill Edigar wrote: KIWI SINK Dig Report--Sunday 24 February 2013--Andrew and I arrived at a quarter o'ten and got a status report on Kiwi's garden plot. Then we attacked the pit. Our immediate objective was to reduce everything above floor level to about that level before we try to break into the new underfloor passage opened up by Erin a couple of weeks ago. That is to be done so that the many yards of loose fill don't fall into the new lead whilst we're removing them. Currently we have the lead protected with plywood to minimizing infilling from the higher areas adjacent to the floor lead. Today we filled up 6-1/2 barrels and hauled out 6 of um. Then hoisted 3 or 4 lifts of rocks, some in tandem, before we had a mechanical malfunction with the jin-poles on the rear of the truck. 2 or 3 rocks remain to be raised. Many suitcase sized rocks were excavated, loosened, and prepared for removal. Most made the transition to the surface; a few are still awaiting another session or two of backfill removal that will be needed before we can open up Erin's floor lead to see where it goes. A rather large contingent of cavers showed up today, many without caving gear. The list of diggers: Dale Barnard Don Broussard Erin Brown Andrew Davison Gill Ediger Chris Franke Ryan Monjaras John Schneider Terry Raines drove the truck and ran the hoist. ...and visitors: Leslie Bell Jay Jorden RD Milhollan Andy Gluesenkamp Today was very productive. --Gill Ediger - Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com
Re: [Texascavers] KIWI SINK Report
Logan, Not too personal at all. What I've learned could prove useful to others. The company I work for does 90-95% of their business selling all kinds of lubricants to industry, farmers, machinists, etc. So, by necessity, I've had to learn things that have actually carried over into normal life. For caving and digging, knowing specs about barrels, kegs, and pails has proved quite helpful. Barrel = 11-5 gal pails = average 400# 5 gal pail = 35# of oil or gear lube 5 gal pail = 38# grease Or, if totally full or half full, using 40# and 20# works as a good average overall. Easier head math! So, with these facts, if dirt is dry and fluffy, oil weight could work. If wet with rocks, grease weight would be better. Keep track of pails, or barrels, and you get an idea of weight removed. If using 2 gal pails, again, keep track total pails, multiply by 2, divide by 5, then use 35 or 38 to multiply to get approximate weight. (Or 40) I have used this method - counter works well - on digs, and it gives you a real sense of accomplishment to figure how many tons you pull out each dig trip! So, that's how and why I know:) Mimi Sent from my iPhone On Feb 25, 2013, at 2:29 PM, Logan McNatt lmcn...@austin.rr.com wrote: Thanks Mimi, Terry wrote me that we are well over 100 dump truck loads at 7-8 tons each. Wow! Not intending to get too personal here, Mimi, but why do you know that a normal barrel of grease weighs 400#? You can reply off-list if needed. ;-) Lowgun On 2/25/2013 1:07 AM, Mimi Jasek wrote: Logan, A normal barrel of grease weighs 400#, and the often times wet dirt plus rocks that have been in most barrels that have been hauled out when we helped dig weighed that or more. I think the first one we helped with saw either 10 or 14 barrels come out. So at a minimum of 400#, that dig alone netted more than 2 tons! I truly think Gill probably gets around a ton or more for each 5 barrels, not counting the huge rocks brought out singly. Truly an awesome project! Mimi Jasek Gill replied: We were estimating 300 to 600 pounds. But Terry has an in-line scale we could hang up to measure them. Will try to remember to haul it over and weigh a half dozen of so of them. --Ediger On Feb 24, 2013, at 9:10 PM, Logan McNatt lmcn...@austin.rr.com wrote: Gill, Thanks for the report. Can you estimate an average weight for each barrel of fill hauled out? Just wondering if y'all have an idea of the approximate tonnage (fill and rocks) that you have removed since the dig began? Logan - On 2/24/2013 9:01 PM, Gill Edigar wrote: KIWI SINK Dig Report--Sunday 24 February 2013--Andrew and I arrived at a quarter o'ten and got a status report on Kiwi's garden plot. Then we attacked the pit. Our immediate objective was to reduce everything above floor level to about that level before we try to break into the new underfloor passage opened up by Erin a couple of weeks ago. That is to be done so that the many yards of loose fill don't fall into the new lead whilst we're removing them. Currently we have the lead protected with plywood to minimizing infilling from the higher areas adjacent to the floor lead. Today we filled up 6-1/2 barrels and hauled out 6 of um. Then hoisted 3 or 4 lifts of rocks, some in tandem, before we had a mechanical malfunction with the jin-poles on the rear of the truck. 2 or 3 rocks remain to be raised. Many suitcase sized rocks were excavated, loosened, and prepared for removal. Most made the transition to the surface; a few are still awaiting another session or two of backfill removal that will be needed before we can open up Erin's floor lead to see where it goes. A rather large contingent of cavers showed up today, many without caving gear. The list of diggers: Dale Barnard Don Broussard Erin Brown Andrew Davison Gill Ediger Chris Franke Ryan Monjaras John Schneider Terry Raines drove the truck and ran the hoist. ...and visitors: Leslie Bell Jay Jorden RD Milhollan Andy Gluesenkamp Today was very productive. --Gill Ediger - Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com
[Texascavers] Blair Pittman Update
We are IN Terlingua, dealing with the things that became broken, loosened, or not quite functional in our absence. (What do we have to fix THIS time!!). We have yet to see Blair and Jean, but expect to, soon. They seem to be well established in their new old house on the Creek in Alpine, not far from the bookstore. The second-hand reports I get are mixed. From: Blair is doing good. Blair looks very frail. It may take a while before he figures out who you are. Blair still cannot read or write. (That is obviously not correct, as he does correspond with short E-mail messages. See Below.) BUT, he sure tells stories well!!! (THAT, fortunately, has not change!) So we will see. We just missed his birthday party at the Villa. Blair's sister Sue, his lifetime friend Ced Snyder, Sean McPherson and Greg Smith brought Blair and Jean back down to the Villa next to Terlingua Sink to celebrate his 76th birthday. His photographer friend from old Houston days, Clayton McKee, came and has posted photos to look through. http://rcmckee.com/Galleries/index.php/Blair I see locals Terry Anderson, Ring Huggins, Cynta de Navaez, Clyde Replogle and others in the images. Blair has a new email address pittmanbl...@yahoo.com He corresponds and I am sure he would be glad to hear from old friends. Dirt Doc
[Texascavers] Reminder! - Longhorn Caverns Project Weekend- This Saturday, March 2nd!
This just an announcement to remind you about the next Longhorn Caverns Project weekend. We will meet at the parking lot up from the Visitor Center at around 9:30 this coming Saturday, March 2nd. The TPWD has graciously followed through and approved funds and is assigning work crews to begin some long overdue trail improvements to quite a few areas throughout the cave. Other funds for several other projects in the cave are to follow. In the meantime, we will be trying to stay out of the way and work on a few other projects, both in the cave and above the cave, and maybe even try to work in some ridge walking. If you'd like to volunteer, TPWD is requesting that you register as a volunteer at: http://ec.volunteernow.com/custom/1353/ http://ec.volunteernow.com/custom/1353/ All volunteers must apply, then select a location, easiest to plug in Longhorn's zip code, 78611. The new system works faster than the older paper system. (Don't freak out! It's not some One World Order/Black Helicopter/Fluoride in your water conspiracy!). It's not that big of a deal! It's just an easier way for them to track volunteer hours and for YOU to see what's available and needed at parks across the state. As a reward for helping out with this, the park is offering: · Free camping Friday and Saturday nights · Free use of The Basement for wild cave tours (the Crownover back entrance is still off limits). · A Free Vanishing Texas Bald Eagle Boat Cruise Sunday on beautiful Lake LBJ to observe bald eagles! · The usual gathering at Bluebonnet Café in Marble Falls Saturday night. Bring cash or a check, as they don't take credit or debit cards! If you have hand tools (large tarps, shovels, hand saws, limb loppers, chainsaws, wheelbarrows), please feel free to bring them. This is a truly fun and enjoyable project and we try hard to keep it that way and we guarantee a great weekend! If you have any kids interested in getting into caving, volunteer service, camping, and just hanging out with some cool folks, bring 'em along! Come out to a spectacular and historic cave and park, friendly park staff, and the always entertaining camaraderie of cavers! We'll even try to make sure we don't accidentally lock you in afterwards! J Hope to see you next month! Thanks! Mark
[TCMA-List] TCMA February Update
Howdy Texas Cave Supporters, 2013 is off to a great start for the TCMA, and we hope it is going great for you too! In case you haven't heard yet, the board voted in the new officers last month, and we have a new President and Secretary while retaining our incumbent Vice President and Treasurer. 2013 TCMA Officers: President: John Brooks, Vice President: Saj Zappitello, Secretary: Bennett Lee, Treasurer: Michael Cicherski TCMA at TSA Spring Convention (April 5-7, 2013): TCMA will have our spring members' meeting on Sunday morning at the TSA Spring Convention. April 7, time TBA. The annual TCMA fundraising auction will happen on Saturday evening (April 6), so start setting aside your interesting, cave-related, and most-excellent stuff to donate and planning your allowance for the bidding! If you need additional information on the auction, contact Saj at sajar...@gmail.com. There will also be a TCMA fundraising breakfast on Sunday morning (April 7). Please contact John Brooks at jpbrook...@sbcglobal.net if you are interested in volunteering to cook or help with clean-up. Save the date! Robber Baron Open House in San Antonio on April 27. Please contact Joe Mitchell at joemitch...@satx.rr.com to volunteer or for more information. In other news: The TCMA aquisitions committee has been reviewing several potential properties. Nothing has stood out in terms of a reasonable price for a great cave, but they are hard at work trying to meet our goal of aquiring another cave this year. The TCMA preserves committee has been hard at work creating official management plans for our preserves. We hope to get the first complete plan posted to our website soon. If you are interested in more information about the TCMA, please visit our website at www.tcmacaves.org. Thanks for your support! ___ www.tcmacaves.org To subscribe to this list, send an e-mail to tcma-list-subscr...@tcmacaves.org To Unsubscribe, send an e-mail to tcma-list-unsubscr...@tcmacaves.org.
