Re: [Texascavers] Speleo-vehicle related

[Carl Kunath via Texascavers]

David:
There aren’t enough hours in the day to correct you.
Start with getting the model designation correct.  The new model is the JL.
I consider myself a respectable off road enthusiast.  I own a 2015 Rubicon JK.
Disposable?  Really?  My 1982 CJ-7 is still quite serviceable.

Is this JK green enough for you?

Oh, well. . . .

===Carl Kunath






From: David via Texascavers
Sent: Wednesday, December 13, 2017 12:33 PM
To: CaveTex
Cc: David
Subject: [Texascavers] Speleo-vehicle related

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler will soon be at the dealers.

The minimum price for a 4-door Rubicon is $ 41,000.   Of course, the dealers 
will mark that up.  And no respectable off-road enthusiast would purchace the 
Rubicon version.

This is a disposable car.   The automatic transmission has no dip-stick, nor 
fluid filler tube.  Hopefully there is a way to service the filter.   Right ??

The aluminum wheels are off of a Chrysler passenger sedan, meaning most owners 
will desire to immediatley upgrade those with after-market wheels at a cost of 
$ 2,000 or more.

But they still offer a manual transmission.  Probably the last series to offer 
that.

The interior now looks like other new SUVs.

And they brought back the front-axle disconnect, but now it is electric with a 
switch on the dashboard.  Meaning, not amechanical vaccuum a switch that 
allegedly was very prone to failure.

This new Jeep gets the JK label replacing 2011-2017 JL model.

Why can't auto-manufactures listen ?   What is their problem ?  Why can't they 
see that most rich people build their own Jeeps, or purchase something else.   
Even poor people build their own Jeeps if they have the capabilities and a work 
area.

Feel free to correct me.

I bet there is probably somebody out there smart enough to build a 
green-colored Jeep.

Watch out if you buy the Sahara version.   It allegedly now has CVT joints.  
Those rubber boots eventually fill with wet grit, corroding and eroding all the 
rotating parts.

David



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[Texascavers] The caves at Langtry

[Carl Kunath via Texascavers]

OK.  I’ll try to straighten out the confusion about the caves at Langtry.

A roadcut on US 90 west of Langtry exposed two fissure caves on opposite sides 
of the road.  One, the eastern-most was called Langtry East Gypsum Cave.  The 
other, nearby, slightly west and on the opposite side of the road was called 
Langtry Gypsum Cave.  Both these caves were destroyed when the highway was 
rerouted some years ago.

Elsewhere, near Langtry, are Langtry Lead Cave, Emerald Sink, Langtry Quarry 
Cave, and Fisher’s Fissure.

They were, for a time in the early 1960s, frequently visited by cavers from UT 
Austin and Sul Ross-Alpine.  They are all “sporting” caves.  After a time, 
access became difficult and Texas cavers moved on to other challenges.

These caves are all well described in the TSS literature.

===Carl Kunath





From: Katherine Arens via Texascavers
Sent: Saturday, October 21, 2017 11:29 AM
To: texascavers@texascavers.com
Cc: Katherine Arens
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Langtry caving

Langtry Lead, Langtry Quarry, Langtry cave
k

  On Oct 21, 2017, at 12:41 AM, Fritz Holt via Texascavers 
 wrote:

  Thanks, David. June and I enjoyed visiting with you at TCR. Fritz Holt

  Sent from my iPhone

  On Oct 19, 2017, at 7:35 PM, Charles Loving via Texascavers 
 wrote:


I went to Langtry Leads twice. And to a sink out there somewhere. Did some 
caving on the Alamo Village Ranch for Happy Shahan looking for guano to mine. 
All a long time ago.

On Thu, Oct 19, 2017 at 11:43 AM, Fritz Holt via Texascavers 
 wrote:

  David,
  Good information. What are the names of the other two caves? I have made 
the drop into the main cave in the Hwy. 90 cut at Langtry some years ago with 
Preston McMichael and other friends.
  Fritz Holt

  Sent from my iPhone


  > On Oct 19, 2017, at 10:53 AM, David via Texascavers 
 wrote:
  >
  > I mentioned last month that I had discovered that the landowner of the 
3 big caves out at the big ranch north of the town of Langtry had passed away.
  >
  > I made a diligent effort to contact his large family and offer 
condolences.
  >
  > They are now aware of my intentions.
  >
  > I can only hope that someday one of them will contact me expressing 
interest in assistance with visiting the caves or reach out on their own to 
another caver.
  >
  > I have guided several trips into each of the 3 caves, but the last time 
was at about 19 years ago.  I am not in good enough health to do it any time 
soon.
  >
  > These caves are warmer and dustier and drier than caves in the Hill 
Country.Emerald Sink probably has a huge bat population.
  >
  > Proper gear is just a caving quality headlamp ( $ 30 to $ 70 from Frys 
), jeans and t-shirt, plenty of water or Gatorade and some lightweight cotton 
gloves and any kind of helmet.
  >
  > Thin kneepads for those who can not tolerate occasional crawling.
  >
  > Maybe something new will happen in 2018 in the Langtry Caves.
  >
  > But as of October 19, I do not know if they want cavers to contact 
them, or who in their family wants to be the cave contact, or even if any of 
them still own the ranch.
  >
  > I do not plan to ever reach out to them again.   The ball is in their 
court.
  >
  > If my effort fails, then another caver should try, or attempt a 
different approach method, but at least wait a few months.
  >
  > David Locklear

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[Texascavers] TCR 2017 and beyond

[Carl Kunath via Texascavers]

Don:
Thanks very much for your outstanding and unselfish service as TCR Jefe.  
You’ve done a wonderful job and your place will be hard to fill.  The position 
receives little thanks but I hope you know that for each person that openly 
says “thank you,” there are dozens of others that silently echo the thought.

>From me to you personally:  “Thanks, and well done!”

===Carl Kunath







-Original Message-
From: Don Arburn via Texascavers
Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2017 6:25 PM
To: TSA Cavers List
Cc: Don Arburn
Subject: [Texascavers] [TCR 2017 Success!]

Hey everyone, another successful Texas cavers reunion is behind us now, well 
done! Good job everybody! It was awesome! IT WAS!

Not much to report in the Lost & Found Department this year, for once, yay!

The owner is happy, the park is clean. Next years deposit is paid, no date set 
yet.

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HELP!!!

I didn’t want to harsh your mellow, on Saturday night, but 2017 was my last TCR 
as Director. I did six TCRs. I’m sorry folks, it was fun, rewarding and an 
adventure! My resignation is on a high point, I feel, with TCR is in good shape 
with a head start on 2018, with a year to solve my absence.

The music was very very good!
The food was very very good! Great job!!
We had INTERNATIONAL Cavers visit from Mexico!
We had David Locklear!
The NSS represented!
The Texas Contingent represented!
The Aggies had a challenging Speleolympics course!
There was a REBELAY course!
We had a hot tub, sauna AND spring water!
There was a SLIDESHOW!
There were POWERWAGONS in service!
There was a HUGE board game.
There were barbarian Viking HOARDS!!
We had MUD GLADIATORS!!
There was schmoozing, I SAW IT!
People smiled!
What more can you ask for?
I’m happy!

Thank you
—Don
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Re: [Texascavers] Caving Article in the San Saba Star 1963

[Carl Kunath via Texascavers]

I clipped the original article in 1963 from the San Angelo paper.  TSS should 
have that clipping.  It was part of a larger stash I donated to the archives 
many years ago.

===Carl Kunath

From: jerryat...@aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2017 1:23 AM
To: texascavers@texascavers.com
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Caving Article in the San Saba Star 1963

The TSS may have an original of the article in its paper files.

Jerry Atkinson.

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 10, 2017, at 8:21 PM, Kris Pena via Texascavers 
 wrote:


  The August 26, 1963 issue of the San Saba Star had an excellent article 
titled: "Spelunkers will explore caves in area during holiday weekend".

  It includes such important warnings as "if you see heads popping out of the 
ground, you are not losing your mind" and asked landowners to report any caves 
and "a dirty, but courteous caver will appear at your door"

  Does anybody happen to have a high quality scan of this issue? It's referred 
to in 50 Years of Texas Caving and I found a copy on newspapers.com, but the 
quality isn't great. On the off chance that someone has a higher quality scan, 
I'd love to get a copy of it before our presentation at Colorado Bend's 
Heritage Day this weekend. It would be an awesome addition to our presentation! 
Thanks!

  Kris Pena
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[Texascavers] Bill and Pete

[Carl Kunath via Texascavers]

Congratulations to these two bastions of Texas caving and thanks to Logan for 
his work in helping to recognize two of Texas’ most important caving 
personalities.

===Carl Kunath

From: Logan McNatt via Texascavers
Sent: Sunday, July 23, 2017 1:28 AM
To: Texas Cavers ; swrcav...@googlegroups.com
Cc: Logan McNatt
Subject: [Texascavers] special presentation at UTG meeting

We had some fun at the UTG (Austin) meeting Wed July 19th. About 50 people were 
there, the usual mix of caver generations ranging in experience/membership from 
"young" (< 5 years) to "mature" (5 to 25 years) to "venerable" (25 to 40+ 
years).


I announced that I had a presentation that would require group participation.

"Everyone who has been to at least one NSS Convention please stand up."
about 25 stood
 "at least 5 Conventions, keep standing; the rest sit down"about 15 
still standing
 at least 10about 12
At this point I mentioned that this impromptu survey was "a bit skewed" 
regarding age, and the absence of many middle/venerable cavers (e.g. Terry 
Raines, Don Broussard, Bill Stone, to name just a few)
 at least 204  Gill Ediger, Jim Kennedy, Pete Strickland, and Bill Mixon
at least 30 2  Pete and Bill
at least 40 2--Pete and Bill
at least 50 2--Pete and Bill

I said that both of them had been unable to attend the convention in 
Albuquerque this year because of health problems, breaking Pete's string of 47 
straight years since an interruption for military service. But I had something 
for them, and presented each their 2017 NSS Certificate of Appreciation "for 
his long-term commitment to the NSS."  They got an enthusiastic round of 
applause.

After the meeting several photos were taken; the attached is by Dylan Beeler. 
Bill had been sitting the entire time (with his hand raised during the 
questions) because he is too weak to stand that long, but you can see he held 
the rail for the photo. I noticed that Bill's NSS #5728 was on his certificate, 
but Pete's #8298 was not on his. So I called NSS President Geary Schindel in 
San Antonio, and he will send a corrected certificate to Pete. Geary is the 
person I initially contacted before the Convention (I didn't go) to do 
something special for Pete and Bill. I was hoping for something a little more 
personal than the generic NSS Certificate (like mentioning Pete's hot tub), but 
it worked out ok.

Congratulations and Thanks to Pete and Bill,
Hope the attached photo comes through.

Logan McNatt
(at least 5 NSS Conventions)
NSS 11274

P.S. William B. White, NSS 2237, apparently holds the record, with well over 60 
Conventions attended, including 2017!




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[Texascavers] Cannon Shot at 2016 TCR

[Carl Kunath via Texascavers]

Follow this link to see a very short video clip of the Charlie Yates 
commemorative cannon shot at the October 2016 TCR.

Cannon Shot 2016 TCR

Charlie Yates, Ron Fieseler, and Bob Burney built the cannon.
Ron Fieseler is firing the cannon.

===Carl Kunath



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[Texascavers] Nice headlamp new to the market

[Carl Kunath via Texascavers]

At the risk of usurping David Locklear’s domain, I’ll point to a nice headlamp 
recently purchased at Home Depot.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Coast-HL7-Focusing-LED-Headlamp-19261/204800762

This single LED unit will focus from wide to spot, can be continuously varied 
from dim to bright, and will tilt to the desired angle.
It works well.  Comes with batteries for $24.88.

I don’t suggest this for rigorous caving activity but it will be a nice item 
for above-ground activities.

===Carl Kunath
carl.kun...@suddenlink.net

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[Texascavers] The Texas Caver

[Carl Kunath via Texascavers]

No thanks, Diana.
I did my 12 monthly issues of the Caver back in 1970 and then I did the 50th 
Anniversary issue that finally completed the four issues due to TSA members for 
the 2005 volume of the Texas Caver.  I’m sure you remember that year.

I have always supported the Texas Caver in one way or another and always 
responded to the editor’s requests for help.
Many of the people who publicly note Caver shortcomings have also offered 
assistance, myself included.  There was plenty of constructive criticism 
offered.  For example:  “How about captions for the photographs?”  In many 
cases we were ignored or rebuffed.  I think most finally gave up.

If the Caver is somehow rejuvenated, I stand ready to be a supporter.

===Carl Kunath
carl.kun...@suddenlink.net







-Original Message-
From: Diana Tomchick via Texascavers
Sent: Wednesday, October 26, 2016 12:31 PM
To: Cave Tex
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] The Texas Caver

This leads me to ask—Carl, since you have so much time to critique the issue 
and write at length about it, and you care so deeply about it, would you 
volunteer to edit the Texas Caver?

Diana

**
Diana R. Tomchick
Professor
Departments of Biophysics and Biochemistry
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
5323 Harry Hines Blvd.
Rm. ND10.214A
Dallas, TX 75390-8816
diana.tomch...@utsouthwestern.edu
(214) 645-6383 (phone)
(214) 645-6353 (fax)

> On Oct 26, 2016, at 11:05 AM, texascavers@texascavers.com wrote:
>
> The Texas Caver
>
> So here we go again with the Texas Caver.  Every few years we are seeking a 
> new editor or at least discussing options that might disburse the rowdy 
> crowds that are assembling at the gates with torches and pitchforks.
>
> What is gong on here?  Why is it that every few years there is a Texas Caver 
> crisis and a less than graceful transition to a new editor?
>
> There is lots of talk about the Texas Caver.  From the outset, there seems to 
> have been some confusion regarding the difference between good journalism and 
> nice graphic arts. Unfortunately, neither has been regularly in evidence.  
> Maybe I've missed it, but I can't recall anyone praising the Caver for high 
> quality journalism or the reliability of production.  The editor has a few 
> passionate defenders who are willing to do battle with any and all 
> detractors, but the current editorial has now acknowledged what has been 
> evident for several years.
>
> The coming transition is an opportunity to learn from previous mistakes. 
> Texas cavers appreciate good grammar, proper spelling, and nice graphics but, 
> failing that, are willing to forgive a lot if the Caver shows signs of having 
> been carefully crafted with attention to detail:  nice photographs properly 
> captioned and credited; articles well laid out with all elements present; no 
> space used as a personal blog; and perhaps most importantly, timely 
> production.
>
> I was handed a copy of the most recent Texas Caver at the TSA meeting Sunday 
> morning, October 16.  When I looked at the cover, my first thought was "huh?" 
>   I rotated the page through 360 degrees as I searched in vain for a person 
> or anything for scale.  Despairing, I then looked inside for the caption 
> information.  I didn't find much.  The picture credits Peter Bosted and 
> apparently depicts a scene from the Big Island, Hawaii.  I infer that it 
> pictures something within a cave and is not merely a hand sample from a flea 
> market or mineral show.  As usual, there is no proper caption information.  A 
> closer look at the cover reveals "haul" to be misspelled and a Government 
> Canyon report proffered as being from "2105."  Those errors are egregious 
> and, sadly, are but a preview of others to come.
>
> In the present issue (the word "current" can't properly be applied since it 
> is about six months late),  pages 4 and 5 are mostly filled with 
> pictures—none with caption information—and the top photo on page 4 suffers 
> from a lack of pixel information by at least one order of magnitude.  Where 
> is the graphic arts expertise we are often reminded of?  If a photo is 
> essential and a small file is the  best available, then please reduce the 
> printed size.  At the top of page 5 there is a full half page devoted to two 
> guys stirring a large pot of food. What about the "hero" shot at the top of 
> page 6?  Neither photo is captioned or credited.  It's a poor use of space 
> that TSA's  hard copy subscribers are paying for.  In fact, there is a lot of 
> "white space" in every issue.  I am reminded of some prior issues with long 
> personal "blogs" that should never have appeared in the Caver.  Furthermore, 
> we are subjected to the new English word, "givin."   Page 8  treats us to 
> another low resolution photo 

[Texascavers] The Texas Caver

[Carl Kunath via Texascavers]

The Texas Caver



So here we go again with the Texas Caver.  Every few years we are seeking a new 
editor or at least discussing options that might disburse the rowdy crowds that 
are assembling at the gates with torches and pitchforks.



What is gong on here?  Why is it that every few years there is a Texas Caver 
crisis and a less than graceful transition to a new editor?



There is lots of talk about the Texas Caver.  From the outset, there seems to 
have been some confusion regarding the difference between good journalism and 
nice graphic arts. Unfortunately, neither has been regularly in evidence.  
Maybe I've missed it, but I can't recall anyone praising the Caver for high 
quality journalism or the reliability of production.  The editor has a few 
passionate defenders who are willing to do battle with any and all detractors, 
but the current editorial has now acknowledged what has been evident for 
several years.



The coming transition is an opportunity to learn from previous mistakes. Texas 
cavers appreciate good grammar, proper spelling, and nice graphics but, failing 
that, are willing to forgive a lot if the Caver shows signs of having been 
carefully crafted with attention to detail:  nice photographs properly 
captioned and credited; articles well laid out with all elements present; no 
space used as a personal blog; and perhaps most importantly, timely production.



I was handed a copy of the most recent Texas Caver at the TSA meeting Sunday 
morning, October 16.  When I looked at the cover, my first thought was "huh?"   
I rotated the page through 360 degrees as I searched in vain for a person or 
anything for scale.  Despairing, I then looked inside for the caption 
information.  I didn't find much.  The picture credits Peter Bosted and 
apparently depicts a scene from the Big Island, Hawaii.  I infer that it 
pictures something within a cave and is not merely a hand sample from a flea 
market or mineral show.  As usual, there is no proper caption information.  A 
closer look at the cover reveals "haul" to be misspelled and a Government 
Canyon report proffered as being from "2105."  Those errors are egregious and, 
sadly, are but a preview of others to come.



In the present issue (the word "current" can't properly be applied since it is 
about six months late),  pages 4 and 5 are mostly filled with pictures—none 
with caption information—and the top photo on page 4 suffers from a lack of 
pixel information by at least one order of magnitude.  Where is the graphic 
arts expertise we are often reminded of?  If a photo is essential and a small 
file is the  best available, then please reduce the printed size.  At the top 
of page 5 there is a full half page devoted to two guys stirring a large pot of 
food. What about the "hero" shot at the top of page 6?  Neither photo is 
captioned or credited.  It's a poor use of space that TSA's  hard copy 
subscribers are paying for.  In fact, there is a lot of "white space" in every 
issue.  I am reminded of some prior issues with long personal "blogs" that 
should never have appeared in the Caver.  Furthermore, we are subjected to the 
new English word, "givin."   Page 8  treats us to another low resolution photo 
with no credit or caption.  Page 9 credits the photographer  but tells us 
nothing else.  More of the same on pages 10-11.  Sadly, this trend continues 
throughout the remainder of the issue with a few other photos offering no 
information whatsoever.  This has been a problem for many years.  The Editor 
seems unable to grasp the notion that a picture without caption information 
looses a major portion of its potential value.  On pages 13-17 there is a 
change from two columns to three; then a change back to two columns for pages 
18-22.  Page 23 reverts to three columns once again.  Oh, well.  I wonder where 
the back cover photo was made.  Is it a continuation of the "Forged in Fire" 
photos from the previous two pages?  Who authored the few words of text that 
accompany the photos?  "I had the good fortune. . . .  We spent a day. . . ."



It's discouraging to think that this is the best that Texas cavers can manage,



The Texas Caver has a long tradition of service to the Texas caving community.  
It is the face that The Texas Speleological Association and Texas cavers show 
to the world.  Prior to the advent of the Internet and all that it entails, 
both good and bad, the Caver was the primary means of communication within the 
Texas caving community.  Its appearance on a timely schedule was critically 
important.  When the Caver faltered, so did Texas caving.  See pages 169-172 of 
50 Years of Texas Caving for a more detailed story of the Texas Caver.



Some feel that Facebook and other social media are an effective substitute for 
the Texas Caver.

I disagree.  Most of those postings will disappear quickly and do not 
constitute an archive of events in Texas caving.  Moreover, they are not worthy 
venues for the occasional 

[Texascavers] James Estes

[Carl Kunath via Texascavers]

*James Estes*



You may have noticed the recent announcement of the death of James
Estes.  There
was a somewhat lengthy obituary associated with that announcement but it
fails to note most of the real reasons his passing should be mourned by
Texas cavers.



In 1960, the Texas Region of the NSS was faltering.  The *Texas Caver* had
been produced by a loose coalition of Austin Cavers and only two issues (24
pages) had been accomplished for the entire year. Worse, the NSS had
discontinued the internal structure wherein Texas cavers were recognized as
the Texas Region of the NSS.  In some ways, organized Texas caving was in
trouble.  In November 1961, Texas cavers met in convention at Uvalde and
formed the Texas Speleological Association (TSA) as you know it today.  The
first officers were Arthur Carroll, Dudley Roberts, and James Estes who
served two terms (1961-1962) as Secretary –Treasurer.



That’s not the important part.  James also offered to resurrect the *Texas
Caver* and serve as Editor.  James produced an on-time monthly newsletter
every month for the next four years.  Forty-eight issues!  Six hundred and
one pages!  On time!  All this was done with a typewriter and with only
minimal assistance from his fellow cavers in Abilene, Texas.

Texas caving was rejuvenated.  Compared to the sometimes dismal performance
of *Caver* Editors in later years, this is an almost unbelievable
performance.



Beyond all this, James was a worker in other ways.  He assisted with many
TSA conventions and projects and was always a willing worker when needed.  He
was the Chairman of the 1964 NSS Convention in New Braunfels.



James was an early member of the Abilene Grotto.  Here’s how that happened.
He was browsing the public library and came across an issue of the *NSS
News* that contained Bart Crisman’s story about an adventure at Ogle Cave.  He
noted that Bart was a resident of Abilene and went knocking on his door.  The
Abilene cavers were a close group but James refused to leave Bart’s home
until he was accepted into the Abilene Grotto.  He remained a staunch
member of that group for as long as it existed.



Yes, James drifted away from caving in later years, but he stands as a
shining example of the sort of leadership and dedication that every
successful organization hopes to be blessed with.



It was my good fortune to count James as my friend for more than 50 years
and to have been caving with him a few times.  His passing leaves a gap
that will not be filled.



We are diminished.



===Carl Kunath

carl.kun...@suddenlink.net
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[Texascavers] Head count

[Carl Kunath via Texascavers]

Sam:
My number was just a guess based on the vehicles and people that I actually 
saw.

Somewhere, there is an official NSS registration. . . .

Dusty old photos are at least as interesting as pictures currently posted on 
Facebook.  Go for it.


===Carl

-Original Message- 
From: Sam Young via Texascavers

Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2016 11:06 AM
To: Texascavers@texascavers.com
Subject: [Texascavers] Sequoia in 1966

Carl,

I enjoyed the photos from Sequoia.  Diane and I were there.  I don't
know if you included us in the 10-12 Texans who were in attendance.  We
were one year removed from the UT Grotto and drove over from Salt Lake
City.  I think that we were camped near or in Groad Hollow but not in
the picture.  And yes, I think that is Ken Laidlaw's truck.

I have an old cardboard box with 35mm slides on top of my book case.  I
am sure there are some dusty old photos that I took at Sequoia.  Shall
I?  .. Sam Young

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Re: [Texascavers] 1966 & 1964 NSS Convention photos

[Carl Kunath via Texascavers]

7
On Jul 11, 2016 4:29 PM, "Diana Tomchick via Texascavers" <
texascavers@texascavers.com> wrote:

> Having grown up in the Pacific NW, much of my backpacking and camping was
> without a tent—we took a rain fly for the occasional downpour, but the
> mosquitos were almost non-existant.
>
> Diana
>
> **
> Diana R. Tomchick
> Professor
> Departments of Biophysics and Biochemistry
> University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
> 5323 Harry Hines Blvd.
> Rm. ND10.214A
> Dallas, TX 75390-8816
> diana.tomch...@utsouthwestern.edu
> (214) 645-6383 (phone)
> (214) 645-6353 (fax)
>
> > On Jul 11, 2016, at 4:18 PM, Cave Tex 
> wrote:
> >
> > Very interesting photos, Carl. My favorite is the first one, showing the
> vehicles, the traveling gear (suitcase on boulder; decorated pillow), and
> the cavers sleeping on the ground without tents. Yes, they were tough--one
> of them is even sleeping like a log!
> >
> > Logan
> > lmcn...@austin.rr.com
> >
> > 
> > ___
> > Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com
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> > http://lists.texascavers.com/listinfo/texascavers
>
>
> 
>
> UT Southwestern
>
>
> Medical Center
>
>
>
> The future of medicine, today.
>
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[Texascavers] Powell's Cave Gate Project update

[Carl Kunath via Texascavers]

Well said, Jerry!
Ignore the detractors and keep up the good work!

===Carl Kunath

From: Jerry via Texascavers
Sent: Thursday, June 23, 2016 11:52 PM
To: texascavers@texascavers.com
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Powell's Cave Gate Project update :



Our "poorly organized" effort got the gate constructed in a period of less than 
a month from first finding the vandalism, has reached its financial goal 
(thanks to all that contributed !), did it without needing to make formal 
overtures to the "54 SP500 companies that are headquartered in Texas", did so 
without creating a massive headache by making sure that there was a 501(C)3 
organization receiving the funds for shuttling to a third party, and did so by 
using a poor-boy version of crowd-sourcing from within the caving community. No 
excuses for dinner tonight.

Jerry.



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[Texascavers] Bittinger-Morris video

[Carl Kunath via Texascavers]

Thanks to Robert Bisset for posting the remarkable and historically important 
YouTube clip of Craig Bittinger and Neal Morris demonstrating vertical 
techniques of the 1970 period, spinning Goldline and all.  It was a special 
treat to see Craig demonstrating the “three boot” ascending method.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYpSHAi-mcg

A copy of this video will be in the permanent archives of the Texas 
Speleological Survey.

===Carl Kunath

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Re: [Texascavers] Camp Stove

[Carl Kunath via Texascavers]

Kerosene?  Really?  Not “white” gas?
===ck

From: Sam Young via Texascavers
Sent: Sunday, March 06, 2016 10:34 AM
To: texas cavers
Subject: [Texascavers] Camp Stove

I have an old kerosene burning camp stove.  I don’t know if anyone uses these 
any more.  Someone left it with me and it looks like it is in good shape.  If 
you would like to have it and save me from taking it to Goodwill, let me know 
off of Texas Cavers.



……. Sam Young, in San Marcos



Sent from Mail for Windows 10






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[Texascavers] America's First Commercial Caves

[Carl Kunath via Texascavers]

Click on this lengthy URL for an interesting story about some of the first show 
caves in this country.
===Carl Kunath

http://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/show-caves-arent-telling?utm_source=Atlas+Obscura_campaign=8ffaca8167-Newsletter_3_3_20163_2_2016_medium=email_term=0_62ba9246c0-8ffaca8167-60404097=t(Newsletter_3_3_20163_2_2016)_cid=8ffaca8167_eid=4a86218c00

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[Texascavers] Good Article --- Sandia Man Cave

[Carl Kunath via Texascavers]

This incredibly long URL will take you an interesting article about Sandia Man 
Cave near Albuquerque, NM.
===Carl Kunath

http://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/enter-sandia-man-revisiting-the-site-of-a-20th-century-archeological-scandal?utm_source=Atlas+Obscura_campaign=ba6d90fe5d-Newsletter_2_19_20162_18_2016_medium=email_term=0_62ba9246c0-ba6d90fe5d-60404097=t(Newsletter_2_19_20162_18_2016)_cid=ba6d90fe5d_eid=4a86218c00

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[Texascavers] Spring TSA meeting

[Carl Kunath via Texascavers]

Let us hope that the 2016 TSA Convention can be held in Rocksprings for it 
would be a significant historic exclamation point.

These days, we accept an annual convention of Texas cavers as a routine thing 
but it was not always so.  Texas cavers were plodding along 
with no such thing until 1956.  In that year, cavers of the newly formed Texas 
Region of the NSS (not yet the Texas Speleological Association) 
had their first State-wide gathering at Rocksprings, Texas.  With a couple of 
notable exceptions and a few really poor examples, it has been
an annual event ever since.  A caver convention in Rocksprings in 2016 would be 
the 60th anniversary of that seminal event.

You can learn more about that first convention in 1956 by opening your copy of 
50 Years of Texas Caving to page 41.

===Carl Kunath
carl.kun...@suddenlink.net




-Original Message- 
From: Jim Kennedy via Texascavers 

Folks, please belay any previous announcements about the TSA Spring Convention. 
They are premature. We do not yet have confirmation on the dates or the site 
yet. But if all goes as planned, it will be the dates and site mentioned. 
Believe me, after the first of the year you will be inundated with my big media 
blitz promoting said event. 

Jim "Crash" Kennedy
TSA Vice-Chair Elect
and TSA Spring Convention Coordinator

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[Texascavers] Jim McLane photo

[Carl Kunath via Texascavers]

Like all of you, I was shocked to receive the news of Jim’s passing.
He was an irrepressible adventurer with a extraordinary intellect.
We will certainly miss his presence in the caving community.

I don’t have too many photos of Jim but I especially like this one 
(photographer unknown) taken 
in his younger days on a visit to Gruta de Carrizal in November 1964.

We are diminished.

===Carl Kunath


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Re: [Texascavers] Punkin Cave Photo

[Carl Kunath via Texascavers]

Arburn doesn't know.
I sent a note to Bunnell seeking that information.
It is a great photo!

===Carl Kunath

-Original Message- 
From: Mixon Bill via Texascavers

Sent: Monday, September 07, 2015 7:09 PM
To: Cavers Texas
Subject: [Texascavers] Punkin Cave Photo

Anybody know who took that very nice but uncredited photo of Punkin Cave 
that is in the September NSS News? -- Mixon


True bravery is shown by performing without witnesses what one might be 
capable of doing before all the world.


You may "reply" to the address this message
(unless it's a TexasCavers list post)
came from, but for long-term use, save:
Personal: bmi...@alumni.uchicago.edu
AMCS: a...@mexicancaves.org or sa...@mexicancaves.org

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[Texascavers] Elizabeth Smith has died

[Carl Kunath via Texascavers]

Many of you are too young, but you older cavers will surely remember Elizabeth, 
first wife of A. Richard “Dick” Smith and mother of their sons Gehren and 
Preston.  Elizabeth was a very active UT caver in the early 1960s and was 
probably the first female to reach the “end” of Indian Creek Cave at the South 
Siphon.  She was a vivacious person and always fun to be with.  She will surely 
be missed.

This message just arrived from her friend and old UT caver, Tom White:


I am sorry to report that Elizabeth Kelly Smith passed away yesterday
morning (4-17) after a short bout with cancer. I am in contact with her
niece but no plans have made as yet for funeral or memorials. I will
pass that on as I hear about them.


You can learn a little more about Elizabeth from the several references in 50 
Years of Texas Caving.

I shall miss my friend.
We are diminished. . . .

===Carl Kunath

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[Texascavers] More about Nicholson

[Carl Kunath via Texascavers]

If you just can’t get enough of the lore and legend of Frank Nicholson, I point 
you to one of the best reports of his exploits at Carlsbad Cavern in Issue #25 
of Canyons  Caves, the Newsletter of Carlsbad Caverns National Park for summer 
2002:

http://www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/upload/cc25.pdf

The whole Newsletter is a worthwhile read (Texas’ own ex-pat Dale Pate was the 
Editor) but the portion dealing with Nicholson is amusing.  Recommended reading.

As for Nicholson’s academic credentials, the “Dr.” title appears to be 
completely without factual basis -- an affectation he did nothing to 
discourage.  Among those who met Nicholson was Robert Nymeyer who found him “of 
significant arrogance and insignificant stature.”

Read more about Nicholson in Carlsbad The Early Years by Nymeyer and Halliday.  
Recommended reading.

===Carl Kunath
carl.kun...@suddenlink.net





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[Texascavers] Frank Nicholson

[Carl Kunath via Texascavers]

Nicholson was quite an interesting fellow but he did his best speleology with a 
typewriter.

He is cited a number of times in 50 Years of Texas Caving ( AKA: The 
Encyclopedia of Texas Caving):

Pg 21, 294:  Cascade Caverns and Longhorn Cave
Pg 35, 308:  There is a brief mention of a grandiose expedition to Cueva de El 
Abra with Bob Hudson and Jimmy Walker
Pg 424:  A note of Nicholson visiting Devil’s Sinkhole

I could have included quite a lot more about Nicholson but the space was better 
reserved for more factual, perhaps more entertaining, accounts.  One of the 
best stories involves his plan to explore a lofty dome in Carlsbad Cavern with 
the use of a balloon.  Explorers would rise to the desired level in a basket 
and step out into unknown passages.  This didn’t happen although it’s a pity as 
we might have learned how he planned to create the necessary clearance above 
the top of the balloon in order to reach the upper area of the dome and also 
how he planned to deal with those sharp, pointy stalactites. 

Nicholson was nothing if not consistent.  Every account of his exploits that he 
authored is wildly exaggerated.  In addition to the Cascade Caverns story 
related below, check out this account of the Devil’s Sinkhole: 

SEPT. 2, 1934

Kerrville – Dr. Frank E. Nicholson, explorer of Carlsbad Cavern in New Mexico, 
has announced that the Devil’s Sinkhole, 65 miles from here, is larger than the 
famous New Mexico cave. Dr. Nicholson recently visited the Clarence Whitworth 
ranch, site of the sinkhole, and conducted a series of explorations. He found 
that the cave’s mouth is about 90 feet in diameter and looks down upon a 
600-foot “mountain peak” which rises to within 271 feet of the surface of the 
ground. The subterranean mountain is a mile in circumference at the base. Dr. 
Nicholson explored several miles of passages with striking and colorful 
formations and saw many other corridors leading away for unknown distances. The 
cave is one of the country’s greatest natural wonders, Dr. Nicholson said.



===Carl Kunath

carl.kun...@suddenlink.net







-Original Message- 
From: Mixon Bill via Texascavers 
Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2015 3:31 PM 
To: Cavers Texas 
Subject: [Texascavers] unique Texas cave 

Published, apparently seriously, in the News-Letter of the Exploration  
Location Committee of the NSS, #1, Jan. 1943:

A condensation of information on the exploration of a limestone cave near 
Boerne, Texas, about 1932 by a party headed by Dr. Frank E. Nicholson, 
indicates that it is perhaps the most unusual phenomenon in our science. The 
information is from an old reference, and anyone having further information on 
this cave please contact this committee. 500 feet within the cave is a 
subterranean lake overhung by stalactites which reach to the surface of the 
water, requiring swimming under water for 200 feet. Occasional pockets permit 
breathing. This expedition penetrated beyond the lake to a great vaulted 
tunnel, which contained a bottomless pit, subterranean spring, and stream. 
Progress was possible to a point one mile from the entrance and 600 feet below 
the surface. The most unusual feature of the cave is that in it were found 
white colored blind crayfish, pheletrodroid salamanders, and blind, white 
translucent frogs. Most unbelievable is the report that at the cave's lowest 
level (one mile from entrance and 600 feet underground) 50 Spanish oak and 
Hackberry trees were found growing. That trees can grow in complete darkness 
with the complete absence of light and sunshine is a phenomenon that demands 
further investigation by speleologists.

The chairman of the committee and presumably author of the piece was Erwin 
Bischoff. Scan of original can be found at
http://www.karstportal.org/FileStorage/NSS_news/1941-v001-001.pdf
--Mixon
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Re: [Texascavers] website of vertical devices

[Carl Kunath via Texascavers]

It's an amazing collection!  I took many pictures of it when it was on 
display at the 2009 ICS.  Did you see it then?

===ck

-Original Message- 
From: Logan McNatt via Texascavers

Sent: Friday, February 13, 2015 11:36 AM
To: texascavers@texascavers.com ; s...@caver.net
Cc: Gary Storrick
Subject: [Texascavers] website of vertical devices

Dr. Gary Storrick (NSS 12967FE, Michigan) has a website showing every
type of vertical device (ascenders, descenders, belay, and
miscellaneous) that he has been able to collect. Over 1900 items and
constantly increasing. You will recognize many of them commonly used in
caving. Many others are not familiar to cavers, and some are truly
unique, imaginative, or downright bizarre. Check out the photos and
other info:

http://storrick.cnc.net/VerticalDevicesPage/VerticalHome.shtml

Thanks to Gary Storrick for creating this website, and to Bill Steele
for telling me about it today.

Logan McNatt (NSS 11274FE, Texas)
lmcn...@austin.rr.com
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Re: [Texascavers] Reporters Editors

[Carl Kunath via Texascavers]

My experience with the press has been much like Mark Minton's:  Some good; some 
disastrous.

National Geographic was very conscientious as was Texas Highways.

My relationship with AM Press (the Pittman book, Texas Caves) was so bad as to 
be almost black humor.  Suffice to say that despite repeated assurances that I 
would have the opportunity to review my text and photo captions, it didn't 
happen and, as a consequence, there are serious errors.  To top it off, I had 
to threaten to sue to get some of my slides returned.  Live and learn.

My experience with newspaper reporters/columnists has been varied but I am 
always wary and hoping for the best.

Newsletter editors vary quite considerably in expertise and enthusiasm but good 
basic journalism is a quality that really ought to be placed ahead of spell 
checking.  If “two, too, and to” are misused or if “it’s is confused with its,” 
or if an occasional sentence is repeated, we can mostly overlook that so long 
as the photos are properly captioned, credited, and appear in the correct 
location.  As others have pointed out, sometimes the task appears to be above 
pay grade.

===Carl Kunath
carl.kun...@suddenlink.net





-Original Message- 
From: Mark Minton via Texascavers 
Sent: Sunday, January 18, 2015 8:18 PM 
To: texascavers@texascavers.com 
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] reporters 

  My experience with reporters has generally been less accommodating than
George's. Most have not been willing to allow me to review their work
before publication. A couple of notable exceptions have been The New
Yorker and National Geographic, both of which seem to be very
conscientious about fact checking and getting things right.
Unfortunately even then inaccuracies manage to make their way into the
final piece. I suspect that George and others are right - the subject
may be so foreign that they don't really understand the implications of
their errors, or care. Sigh.

Mark Minton
mmin...@caver.net

On Sun, January 18, 2015 3:22 pm, George Veni via Texascavers wrote:

 ask to review the draft article for technical accuracy,

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Re: [Texascavers] TCR 2015 Survey

[Carl Kunath via Texascavers]

Don:

Paradise Canyon is the hands-down favorite for me and for nearly everyone I 
know.
The lack of water is inconvenient but doubtless a temporary condition.
Last year’s site had water but it was so distant and inconveniently placed that 
it was a non-issue for nearly everyone.

October 15-18 is the best date.

Thanks for your efforts in keeping this event going and running smoothly.  I 
plan to make a motion to double your compensation.

===Carl Kunath (the real one)





-Original Message- 
From: Don Arburn via Texascavers 
Sent: Wednesday, January 07, 2015 10:30 AM 
To: TSA Cavers List 
Subject: [Texascavers] TCR 2015 Survey 

Ok, Cavers, I'm starting to think about this upcoming TCR, locations and dates. 
Paradise Canyon called me yesterday, and asked me to ask around and spread the 
word that if we have any need for a meeting site, he'd be happy to help. We all 
like PC, but they still have no water. It's not a deal killer. It's an option 
for TSA, TCMA and TCR.
How do y'all feel about this site?

Next is the date. There have been several traditional weekends and many 
suggestions etc. I've penciled in the weekend of October 15-18 as a target date.
How do y'all feel about that?


--Don
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[Texascavers] Princeton Tec warranty question

[Carl Kunath via Texascavers]

I can't speak directly to the corrosion warranty problem but I can tell you 
that they have been cooperative in sending replacement parts for the poorly 
engineered and prone to crack battery compartment doors on their *FUEL* 
headlamps.  Call 1-800-257-9080 and talk to them about your problem.  I 
wouldn't expect PT to be especially sympathetic about your failure to 
monitor battery condition but you never know.

===Carl Kunath

-Original Message- 
From: Mallory via Texascavers

Sent: Thursday, December 04, 2014 11:56 PM
To: CaveTex
Subject: [Texascavers] Princeton Tec warranty question

Does anyone know if Princeton tecs warranty is rendered null and void if 
there's evidence of corrosion inside the battery pack? I apparently put 
rayovac brand batteries in my backup apex Tec some time ago, they leaked, 
battery connectors got corroded and now my light isn't working. :( it's not 
a huge deal, since I have better lights (thanks, Lee Jay!) but I sure would 
like to get it fixed for the cost of shipping if that's an option.


Any advice or input is appreciated!

Mallory Mayeux
mmay...@gmail.com

Sent from my iPhone
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Re: [Texascavers] Bill Helmer

[Carl Kunath via Texascavers]

I think we have everything.  Nearly all was included in 50 YEARS.
===Carl (still in Moab)

From: Fritz Holt via Texascavers
Sent: Tuesday, September 23, 2014 1:59 PM
To: texascavers@texascavers.com
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Bill Helmer

Thanks, Carl. Does TSA have a collection of Helmer's art work?
Fritz

Sent from my iPhone

On Sep 22, 2014, at 10:40 PM, Carl Kunath via Texascavers 
texascavers@texascavers.com wrote:


  Yes, I have been in contact with Bill for many years.
  He does live in Boerne.

  ===Carl (from Moab, Utah)

  From: Fritz Holt via Texascavers
  Sent: Sunday, September 21, 2014 10:27 PM
  To: texascavers@texascavers.com
  Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Bill Helmer

  In the late 1950's when I first became interested in caving, I enjoyed seeing 
Helmer's clever Texas Caver covers and other art work. I don't have them now 
but they were priceless. Hey Carl, do you think he could really be living in 
Boerne?
  Fritz Holt
  fritz...@gmail.com


  Sent from my iPhone

  On Sep 21, 2014, at 10:04 PM, David via Texascavers 
texascavers@texascavers.com wrote:


Joe Pearce mentioned Bill Helmer.That is a name I haven't heard spoke 
of in

caving circles in a while.When I was a newbie, sitting around the 
campfire in
Carta Valley, or somewhere out west, cavers spoke of him like a legend.

The 2 links below are related and mention someone with the same
name.Is this him ?

http://www.myalcaponemuseum.com/id59.htm


http://www.angelfire.com/mo/crimeinc/page3.html


If so, the article says he lives in Bourne, Texas ( where ever that is )



Somebody could write a nice article for the Texas Caver about
Bill Helmer.   Right ?

David Locklear
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Re: [Texascavers] Bill Helmer

[Carl Kunath via Texascavers]

Yes, I have been in contact with Bill for many years.
He does live in Boerne.

===Carl (from Moab, Utah)

From: Fritz Holt via Texascavers
Sent: Sunday, September 21, 2014 10:27 PM
To: texascavers@texascavers.com
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Bill Helmer

In the late 1950's when I first became interested in caving, I enjoyed seeing 
Helmer's clever Texas Caver covers and other art work. I don't have them now 
but they were priceless. Hey Carl, do you think he could really be living in 
Boerne?
Fritz Holt
fritz...@gmail.com


Sent from my iPhone

On Sep 21, 2014, at 10:04 PM, David via Texascavers 
texascavers@texascavers.com wrote:


  Joe Pearce mentioned Bill Helmer.That is a name I haven't heard spoke of 
in

  caving circles in a while.When I was a newbie, sitting around the 
campfire in
  Carta Valley, or somewhere out west, cavers spoke of him like a legend.

  The 2 links below are related and mention someone with the same
  name.Is this him ?

  http://www.myalcaponemuseum.com/id59.htm


  http://www.angelfire.com/mo/crimeinc/page3.html


  If so, the article says he lives in Bourne, Texas ( where ever that is )



  Somebody could write a nice article for the Texas Caver about
  Bill Helmer.   Right ?

  David Locklear
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[Texascavers] The Preston McMichael Award

[Carl Kunath via Texascavers]

Recently, Fritz Holt was wondering, “What ever happened to the Preston 
McMichael Caving Award?”
Fritz, the award is given at the discretion of the TSA Executive Committee or a 
committee appointed by the TSA Chairman.  The subject arises occasionally when 
TSA leaders are mindful of their responsibilities and opportunities.

Here's the short history of the award:

“At the TSA Members Meeting held at the 2003 TCR, the membership decided to 
reinstate the Preston McMichael Award.  The Preston McMichael Award was 
established in 1969 at the 19 April TSA BOG meeting at Southwest Texas State 
University, in honor and recognition of the passing of Preston McMichael.  
Preston was an excellent example of a caver who pioneered caving in a new area 
of the state and carefully cultivated cave owner relations at the same time.  
Preston’s caving activities began in the late 1950s and ended with his untimely 
death in January 1967.  He was a talented artist and musician and had a great 
future ahead of him in many ways.  We were diminished as a result of his loss 
but may continue to profit from his example.

James Reddell was the first recipient of the award in October 1969.  The second 
recipient was Carl Kunath and the staff of the Texas Caver in October 1970.  It 
was awarded sporadically throughout the 1970s and faded from collective memory 
in the early 1980s.

As currently defined, the Preston McMichael Award:

“shall be awarded annually by the Texas Speleological Association in 
recognition of meritorious contribution to Texas caving.  The award shall 
consist of $50.00 as well as recognition at a TSA function and in a TSA 
publication.  If the recipient is not a current member of the TSA, honorary 
membership may be awarded.  The award may be retroactive.  Choice of awardees 
shall be made by the Executive Committee or a committee appointed by the TSA 
chairman.”

Despite the operative phrase shall be awarded annually it doesn't happen very 
often.  If you know of someone that has made a lasting and significant 
contribution to Texas caving and has not already received the award, please 
send your nomination to the TSA Chairman.

===Carl Kunath
From: Fritz Holt via Texascavers 
Sent: Tuesday, September 02, 2014 5:12 PM
To: texascavers@texascavers.com 
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] a road-trip story

Yes, unfortunately, my old friend and caving buddy, Preston McMichael has been 
dead for a number of years. What ever happened to the Preston McMichael Caving 
Award? It was resurrected a few years ago but I haven't heard of it in recent 
years. Preston was quite a guy and the most gung-ho caver I ever knew. 
Fritz Holt
fritz...@gmail.com
(Triple Creek Ranch)

 

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Re: [Texascavers] Photos Luckenbach Sept. 1978

[Carl Kunath via Texascavers]

Bob:
Thanks for posting those photos.
Would you furnish those to the TSS archives  as versions with somewhat more 
resolution?
Maybe 300K to 1 MB or so.

Thanks,
===Carl (TSS archives staff)


From: Bob West via Texascavers 
Sent: Saturday, August 30, 2014 12:34 PM
To: texascavers@texascavers.com 
Subject: [Texascavers] Photos Luckenbach Sept. 1978

Here is a link to facebook photo album of all the photos I have of 1st Texas 
Old Timers' Reunion...
...gathering at the old cotton gin in Luckenbach...

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.127431190689270.21883.12671681186type=1l=eef680bf0f

Carl,  thanks for posting the registration sheets!


Bob West
rawest...@hotmail.com




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