Re: [Texascavers] Sort of Facebook related

[John Brooks via Texascavers]

Twitter seems to be well suited for letting people know that you are mentally 
stable and a genius. Beyond that - the format tends to reinforce an impression 
contrary to the aforementioned benefit.

Being none of the above - I avoid that medium of instant gratification.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jan 7, 2018, at 12:43 PM, David via Texascavers 
>  wrote:
> 
> I hope to stay off of Facebook in 2018.
> 
> So I was going thru my account and cleaning stuff.
> 
> I stumbled on to Tinker Bucksnort.
> 
> That was Jim McLane's secret page.  He has only been gone 2 years, but I just 
> could not hit the delete button.
> 
> As much as I hate Facebook, there are things it does that are wonderful.  I 
> like that it auto-reminisces for me by sending me a cherished photo that I 
> misplaced 7 years ago.  I like that I can find long lost cousins and old lost 
> friends.  I just now got a message from a girl that I wanted to marry in 
> 2004, and she is still single and even more mental. 
> 
> I just use Facebook postings to vent about crazy stuff in the news, but I do 
> message people when I want to contact them.  I just now tried to contact the 
> former owner of "Bremher Cave."
> 
> It does seem like a convenient way to say Happy New Year to acquaintances.
> 
> I am not feeling an vibes for Twitter, and I have stopped using all the other 
> social media platforms.
> 
> Cheers,
> 
> https://www.facebook.com/dlocklear01
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Re: [Texascavers] speaking of Mars ...

[John Brooks via Texascavers]

Maybe Logan wasn’t really living in Belize.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jan 3, 2018, at 11:25 PM, Don Arburn via Texascavers 
>  wrote:
> 
> Logan, exactly how do you know what a Martian hand looks like?
> 
> 
> --Don
> 
>> On Jan 3, 2018, at 11:19 PM, Logan McNatt via Texascavers 
>>  wrote:
>> 
>> Wow!  Natural or made by Martians? Looks like an obvious handprint on the 
>> right end!
>> 
>>> On 1/3/2018 11:02 PM, Mixon Bill via Texascavers wrote:
>>> 
>>> 
>>> --Mixon
>>> 
>>> A chicken is the egg's way of creating another egg.
>>> 
>>> 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  edi...@mexicancaves.org
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
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Re: [Texascavers] Just reminscing - part 2 of 3

[John Brooks via Texascavers]

There is a first time for everything. 

Several words I swore I would never say..come on David Locklear ! 

Post the final chapter of this Ill fated journey !

Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 25, 2017, at 1:56 AM, David via Texascavers 
>  wrote:
> 
> I left out the part that I was renting a room in Wild Bill Rupley's townhome 
> in west Houston.  I am sure he regrets that.  Wild Bill was still working in 
> his grandfather's fur-coat business ( yes, In Houston if you can fathom that 
> )  That is his story to tell.   It is my theory, that he helped fuel the 
> campfire rumors then that maybe some of my marbles were slightly loose.
> 
> Anyways,
> 
> Rolf Adams and his girlfriend Anne agreed to meet me at Terry Raines' ranch 
> around mid-December ( I think ).   I just recall a fuzzy memory of a 
> dome-shaped wooden structure with a grand piano and some old clutter.   I 
> think that might have been my first real formal introduction to Terry Raines, 
> although I had met him and read dozens of his adventures.  It was dark when I 
> got there, and I think that I had spent an hour just trying to find his house.
> 
> I recall a female caver maybe renting a bungalow there that was maybe a 
> Jazzercize instructor ??
> She was good-looking.  I forgot her name 25 years ago.
> 
> I arrived there from Houston in "The Speleo-Stationwagon."  A 1972 Ford 
> Country Squire with a 1976 400 cu in ( actually 6.6 liters ) V8 that I had 
> proudly installed by myself.  The money and time that I spent on that car 
> over a two-year period was way way beyond super-retarded.  But in those days, 
> I could not afford an Isuzu Trooper or other fancy SUVs that cavers were 
> purchasing.  I had purchased it for $ 200 from my grandpa in 1987 and it was 
> my first car.   So I had some really weird sentimental attachment to it, 
> partly because he and I had years of memories in it prior to that.  It once 
> had an 8-track player mounted to the floor, and a CB-radio.
> 
> 
> Upon arriving at Terry's ranch house, things were quite chaotic.Terry was 
> very intensely preoccupied with the finishing touches of his newest book - 
> one that he was hoping to present two weeks later at the First Mexpeleo in 
> Ciudad Valles, entitled - "The Caves of Mexico."  
> 
> Terry quickly showed me the rough draft, and I can't tell you here what my 
> first impression was.   But it was or would have been today the equivalent of 
> 100 Wikipedia articles on the major caves of Mexico - had he had some 
> assistance and more time ro work on it.
> 
> The 2 Aussies were no where near ready to leave and suggested waiting another 
> day - maybe something to do with their newly acquired beater jalopy - a 
> Datsun pickup ( $ 400 ?? ) [ ~ 1977 ]
> 
> So I drove into San Marcos to get more supplies.   There, suddenly my 
> drive-shaft fell off after the rear U-Joint shattered.I spent most of the 
> night by myself in a parking lot of AutoZone in San Marcos fixing that.  ( no 
> internet or cell-phone )
> 
> I drove exhausted back to Terry's ranch only to break the front U-joint about 
> a half-mile from his ranch.
> 
> Someone claimed you need to replace both U-Joints.   I have no memory of how 
> I fixed that or even if I did.
> 
> It must have been morning time by the time I made contact with the Aussies 
> that I had a unexpected setback.  I was so wiped out.
> 
> The rest of that day and the next gets very fuzzy, but wherever I abandoned 
> The Speleo-Stationwagon . was across the street from Nancy Weaver's house.
> 
> Maybe she has a better memory of that than I do.   She was not a happy 
> camper, as I think it was abandoned there 3 weeks ( or maybe 3 months ?? ).  
> Plus it was in a fairly ugly state of modification at that point.   Meaning, 
> it belonged in a junk-yard crusher.
> 
> I guess the 2 Aussies and I and the Datsun pickup left Terry's ranch 
> uneventfully.  I rode in the back of the camper in a fetal position in a 
> space not any bigger than a large suitcase while breathing toxic fumes.
> 
> I am guessing that was my 2nd of four times to cross the border by car at 
> Matamoros.
> 
> We drove 18 painful hours non-stop to a beach just outside a very tiny town 
> called Nautla in the northern part of the state of Veracuz.
> 
> We camped alone on a very secluded remote beach with no worries whatsoever of 
> being beheaded by a cartel member.   We never saw anybody there.  
> Unfortunately, we slept the whole 5 hours that we were there and never saw 
> the pretty beach in the daylight, except we probably left just after sunrise. 
>  I doubt I pitched a tent, but they did.
> 
> https://goo.gl/maps/AvaNxXw5TCH2
> 
> That area sure looks very tourist-friendly on the Google map link above after 
> just 28 years.
> 
> Our next stop was a quick lunch at a taqueria in Orizaba where we quickly did 
> our final shopping.At that point, I recall wasting money, that I would 
> need later.  Had I just had 

[Texascavers] Lascaux Museum

[John Brooks via Texascavers]

> 
> https://www.archdaily.com/868408/lascaux-iv-snohetta-plus-casson-mann?ad_medium=adbo_17
>  
>  
>  
> New  Lascaux Museum. This is what architects think caves look like.
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Re: [Texascavers] The Elf

[John Brooks via Texascavers]

"Interesting" is not the adjective most people would have selected to precede 
"vision".

Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 21, 2017, at 12:01 PM, Dwight via Texascavers 
>  wrote:
> 
> I don't think David would look very good in a diminutive little green elf 
> suit . Though it is an interesting vision.
> 
> Dirtdoc
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Re: [Texascavers] 2017 related

[John Brooks via Texascavers]

Well said Mr President Schindel. Keep on tweeting. 

My divisive fingers know where the delete button is when I feel the need to not 
read something.

As for David - well I have said it before to him and will say it again to a 
wider audience. Write a freaking book. He is missing out on leveraging an 
obvious talent of gab and speaking from a unique voice about the world he sees.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 12, 2017, at 1:42 PM, Geary Schindel via Texascavers 
>  wrote:
> 
> Folks, 
> 
> I enjoy reading most posts by David and have come to admire him for his 
> eccentric personality and heart felt writing. David has some time on his 
> hands because of the nature of his work. This allows him to explore topics 
> and ponder questions many of us never think about. David is an important part 
> of our caving community and deserves some respect. 
> 
> His posts reminds me of the monograph from Squire Lewis titled Chronicles of 
> the Old Reading Grotto which was published some years ago. It is about a trip 
> Squire and other cavers from Pennsylvania took to the 1968? NSS Convention in 
> California. The book wasn't so much about caving, though they did some as 
> they traveled to California and then back again by way of Mexico, Texas, TAG, 
> etc. but more about the road less traveled and personifies what it meant to 
> be a caver (and maybe still does). 
> 
> David is a kind and gentle soul and would do anything in his power to help 
> you out if you needed it. He has no ill will towards anyone. He sometimes 
> scrapes by in life and yet has one of the most positive attitudes of anyone I 
> know.
> 
> The internet is a big and sometimes ugly place. Some people hide behind their 
> computer screens and write all kinds of nasty things about others, 
> distortions and even outright lies, play passive aggressive games, and bully 
> people. It can also be used to bridge cultural gaps, make friends you'll 
> never meet, educate yourself or hide from society, and it lets you explore 
> the world from your desktop. 
> 
> Charlie loves to tease David in a good natured way and I also enjoy his posts 
> but others go out of their way to harass and even bully. Maybe a little more 
> respect for others would be in order. 
> 
> Geary
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: Texascavers [mailto:texascavers-boun...@texascavers.com] On Behalf Of 
> JAMES JASEK via Texascavers
> Sent: Sunday, December 10, 2017 6:46 PM
> To: texascavers@texascavers.com
> Cc: JAMES JASEK 
> Subject: Re: [Texascavers] 2017 related
> 
> such crap
> 
>> On Dec 10, 2017, at 5:49 PM, David via Texascavers 
>>  wrote:
>> 
>> This post is just an off-topic commentary, and probably is totally 
>> irrelevant, but I think some of it will affect caving in 2018 and beyond.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 2017 is starting to look like 2016 - just a faded memory.
>> 
>> There are just 21 days until the big New Year's Eve parties.  The NSS 
>> is having one.  [  contact:  fennig...@gmail.com ]
>> 
>> So it is almost time to reflect on the past 12 months, and ponder the future 
>> of 2018.
>> 
>> Some of you may recall movies and books in the 1970s and 1980s about what 
>> 2018 would be like.   Some of us, are about to find out for ourselves, in 
>> person.
>> 
>> https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1289962600l/4339742.jpg
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Do not believe the media.   There are things to look forward to in 2018.   
>> The computer and tech world is rapidly changing.   Tiny computers called 
>> SBC's ( like the RaspberyPi ) are going to be a huge opportunity for the 
>> folks that are into that.  Linux on the desktop computer is going to more 
>> user-friendly and work on more hardware.  [  I am working on a blog about 
>> that:  
>> 
>> 
>> http://david-locklear.blogspot.com/2017/12/linux-opinions.html?m=1.  ]
>> 
>> Space companies are going to impress us with launches landings and videos.
>> 
>> Sophia the Robot and her counterparts at Boston Dynamics  are going to do 
>> more fascinating stuff - probably baton-twirling while doing cartwheels, or 
>> tap-dancing with Fred Astaire moves, or moonwalking like Michael Jackson, or 
>> doing the splits while jiving like James Brown.
>> 
>> Talking computers is going to be a big deal in 2018.
>> 
>> The internet will continue to degrade with so many advertisments and 
>> censorship that it will be almost worthless.
>> 
>> A million people will spend over $ 1,000 on their cell-phone plus 
>> accessories.
>> 
>> Millions of people will waste money on a 4K tv in 2018.   
>> 
>> 2018 will be the end of 720p.
>> 
>> Thousands of people are going to die un-naturally in The Middle East in 
>> 2018, but the same thing can be said of Texas just in car accidents.
>> 
>> It is possible the first 100 feet of Trump's Wall will be built in 2018. I 
>> would favor a different approach, but my idea would be way too expensive.   
>> My idea is an artificial wildlife 

[Texascavers] Digging Question

[John Brooks via Texascavers]

I was wondering if anyone had experience or techniques for extracting bailing 
wire plugs from a sinkhole ?

We know where the really good leads are on a ranch because the rancher that 
previously owned the property threw bailing wire into the really nice sinkholes 
to plug the holes up.
We have looped chains through the bailing wire and pulled plugs out of several 
sinkholes successfullyand found several new caves.

The "plugged" sinks are upstream of a very large cave in the recharge area.

But one of the best sinkhole leads has us mystified. 

The bailing wire is rusted and fragile. And there is significant organic matter 
captured in the wire mat. So the previous technique is not working.

We have several untested ideas. 

But thought someone might have experienced this before. Any ideas ?

Please contact me offline with responses.

John Brooks

Sent from my iPhone
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Re: [Texascavers] Road-trippin 102 - 2018 Gangnam Style

[John Brooks via Texascavers]

TCR 2018:

MUD WRESTLING GRUDGE MATCH :

DAVID "Bockbeer" LOCKLEAR VS CHARLIE "OMW" LOVING

For the Sierra Madre Traveling Championship of MUD Wrestling !

The TCMA should monetize betting as a fund raising project.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 2, 2017, at 4:52 PM, David via Texascavers 
>  wrote:
> 
> There is an opportunity for an experienced traveler to write an article 
> describing technique and procedure tips for a 2018 road-trip aimed at 
> Millenials.
> 
> It is my opinion that things are much different than they were in the 1980s, 
> when I was doing most of my travelling.
> 
> Unlike Mr. Loving's born-gifted and lucky old-school curmedgeon approach, I 
> feel a little modern over-thinking helps. 
> 
> We now have the ability using the newest smartphones and GPS and the internet 
> to plan trip details in advance.
> 
> Having a front-seat passenger work as Official Navigator-Person ( ONP ) is a 
> huge help to a succesful road-trip.  Watching for road-hazards, studying the 
> map, working the dashboard controls, feeding grapes to the driver, etc.
> 
> Traffic has become so congested near cities that driving is no longer fun.
> The much higher ratio of a**h*le drivers has increased tenfold.  Having a 
> navigator watch the road with a second pair of eyes and work the Waze App is 
> a huge help.  Those one-horse towns with hidden traffic cops are just 
> ludicrous ( most of Hwy. 59 South of Victoria. )
> 
> Driving at night is easier now with the 20,000 lumen light accessories one 
> can add to the roof and bumper.  And it is so easy now to carry a spare 
> hand-held spotlight.
> 
> Going on a road-trip in 2018 without satelite radio is ludicrous.  Having to 
> drag all those CDs is so 2012.   The bare minimum is to have your smartphone 
> music app tie into the radio.
> 
> And you MUST have a smartphone bluetooth speaker. 
> 
> Good beverages are needed for passengers who are not driving.  Smirnoff Ice 
> does the trick.
> 
> Sitting up high in traffic helps, but you have to be aware of the increased 
> chances of rolling the vehicle in an accident.
> 
> I do not believe you should draw atrention to yourself with a fancy vehicle.  
>  All that shiny chrome stuff and sparkly-glittery metallic paint  is for 
> quasi-road-trippers.
> 
> That being said, meth-heads will steal anything they can find from you.
> 
> So now the question is 
> 
> Is there anywhere still safe to boondocking ?  In the states, we would carry 
> shotguns.  But you can't even carry a water-pistol in Mexico. 
> 
> I think we all agree that travelling in groups is safer. [ Sidenote:   But it 
> did not help those 43 students in Ayotzinapa.  However, my bet is they were 
> most likely throwing moltovs at the cops.]
> 
> I think all gringos have just avoided western Mexico and hot-spots like 
> Guerrero.  Which is sad because the caving potential there is enormous.
> 
> It is really hard now to get a new vehicle with a standard transmission in a 
> passenger rated vehicle.  Automatics are now more efficient and tow better.  
> The cost of replacement of a new tansmission is astronomical.
> 
> Diesels now require DEF.  Possibly a good reason to buy a 2001 Ford 
> Excursion.  Who wants to protect the air we breath ??
> 
> Another thing to consider is rhe ice-chest. Do you really need a YETI-like 
> box ?   If so what size ?
> 
> How can you haul everything if you don't have a Ford Excursion ??
> 
> Having LED lights underneath your vehicle helps drivers see you.
> 
> And having a dashcam to record the wacky moments is fun.  Like near-fatal 
> javelina misses.
> 
> Feel free to elaborate.
> 
> I would like to add that in Mexico small motels might let you take a shower 
> or rent the room for just an hour.  To get off the road and rest.
> 
> There was a motel in Anahauc , north of Bustamante that I used to do that.  
> Who wants to drive for 10 hours and go thru customs covered in dusty guano or 
> worse wet-sticky guano?
> 
> David Locklear
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Re: [Texascavers] Mexican vehicle permit related

[John Brooks via Texascavers]

Great idea. Have babies ! To simplify paperwork for vehicle permits.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Nov 20, 2017, at 11:03 AM, Charles Loving via Texascavers 
>  wrote:
> 
> Ed Alexander went through a year or two of trying to legally own a house 
> there. Lots and lots of paper work and going back and forth to SLP from Real. 
> He finally had a baby in Mexico and the kid now owns the place legally. Red 
> tape is wonderful.
> 
>> On Mon, Nov 20, 2017 at 8:40 AM, MJ Gibbs via Texascavers 
>>  wrote:
>> and your not even applying for citizenship. 
>> 
>>> On Sun, Nov 19, 2017 at 8:27 PM, David via Texascavers 
>>>  wrote:
>>> From David Locklear
>>> Hit delete button now, please.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> I am posting this here because someone might have had some vague intangible 
>>> interest.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> This post is only for U.S.A. people wanting to drive their car deep into 
>>> Mexici, and who do not live near a bordertown, nor want to have vehicle 
>>> importation problems at the "aduana" slow down their trip.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> In Houston, in order to get a "vehicle" permit it is a huge hassle.
>>> 
>>> But before I get to that, you first need to have a car title, or an 
>>> official letter from the leinholder.   It is helpful if that is a credit 
>>> union, and that process of getting them to provide such a letter for the 
>>> first time takes about 24 hours.  They will not give you the letter unless 
>>> you first purchase Mexico insurance.   That really sucks, because you are 
>>> throwing all that time and money down the toilet, if you change travel 
>>> plans.
>>> 
>>> So once you have all that, here is what I had to do:
>>> 
>>> Step 1:call Mexico long-distance and apply over the phone for a formal 
>>> interview appointment. 
>>> 
>>> # 011-52-55-5626-0500
>>> 
>>> You get a complicated voice menu and you enter a 4-digit extension.
>>> 
>>> This has to be done at least 24 hours in advance.
>>> 
>>> The operator will tell you which appointment slots are available with the 
>>> Mexican Consulate Office in the mid-town area of Houston
>>> ( Hwy 59 and Fannin St. ).   
>>> 
>>> Step 2:   Then you have to drive there the following weekday ( or later) 
>>> arriving exactly 5 minutes before the appointment.  You stand in a 
>>> complicated line outside on Caroline St. ( very reminiscent of the movie 
>>> "Soylent Green," waiting for your Soylent Green ration. )  you feel there 
>>> like you are no longer in the USA, nor even in the 21st Century.
>>> 
>>> You have to be careful here for pickpockets and scammers and muggers from 
>>> your parking spot to the line.  There is one security guard at the main 
>>> pedestrian gate which is the only way to enter.
>>> 
>>> Once in line, you do a bizarre childish ritual of musical chairs for an 
>>> hour with some scary looking guys that resemble Enrique Penya Nieto.  In my 
>>> case, there was a super gorgeous lady sitting next to me and so I gave her 
>>> my number and asked her to please forward it to her younger sister who she 
>>> said was single in Mexico.  While in line they pull you out for 5 minutes 
>>> for an interview with person of low IQ.  You have to formally declare your 
>>> religion to them, along with other bizarre questions.
>>> 
>>> Fortunately, I read the fine print of my initial interview form while 
>>> sitting in the line, because the clerk typed that I was from Aruba.
>>> 
>>> At the end of the line - the window ( Banjercito ), you begin the vehicle 
>>> stuff.   It is chaotic - 2 clerks and 2 tourist using the same window.  
>>> There are no holes in the window for speaking, so you have to yell and 
>>> listen carefully. You want to say to yourself, WTF !Nothing is logical. 
>>>   All they ever asked for was a copy of the Texas Vehicle Registration 
>>> paper that you get when you apply for a state registration window sticker.  
>>> I do not recall seeing them look at the credit union letter, nor my 
>>> insurance.   But I would not have done all that without first assuring 
>>> myself that I could get my credit union permission.
>>> 
>>> Then you hand them a credit card, and they charge $ 470.   The $ 400 part 
>>> is a deposit, and there are more bizarre questions, the rest is a standard 
>>> processing fee.They did not ask about my former vehicle papers, but it 
>>> has been 13 years.
>>> I assume I get the deposit back in July ??   I have never ever done 
>>> anything that stupid, that I recall.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> In addition to all that,
>>> 
>>> in my case, I also spent money on gas driving there, as I do not live in 
>>> Harris County, and also paying to park in a place my car could have easily 
>>> been broken into.
>>> 
>>> I will say, that after leaving the Consulate Office with the permit in hand 
>>> that it gives one a warm fuzzy feeling - until you receive the text message 
>>> your charge card was hit with $ 470. 
>>> 
>>> My 

Re: [Texascavers] Jimmy Walker

[John Brooks via Texascavers]

Carl

Very nice memorial. I appreciate that you used actual photos, in lieu of 
combing the Internet for pictures that looked similar.

Mr Walker sounded like an interesting guy. 

Did he ever attend TCR or the Spring Conventions ?

John

Sent from my iPhone

> On Nov 11, 2017, at 10:50 PM, Carl Kunath via Texascavers 
>  wrote:
> 
> Jimmy Walker.
>  
> With heavy heart and a sense of considerable personal loss I report to you 
> that Texas has lost one of the pioneer
> members of its caving community. Jimmy Walker passed away October 12, 2017 
> age 90 after a short final illness.  It
> was my honor to be counted as one of his friends.
>  
> Many of you may now be confused and asking "who?"  Take a look at page 33 in 
> 50 Years of Texas Caving to see
> Jimmy in action.  Also see page 25 for an iconic view of Devil's Sinkhole 
> with Jimmy holding aloft a safety flare.
>  
> <10-2001%20adjusted%20-%20Jimmy%20and%20Carol%20Walker%20(2)%20(Large)[3].jpg>
>  
>  
> Jimmy's prime caving days were in the 1950s with others of the era such as 
> Bob Hudson, James Papadakis, Preston
> McMichael, Bob and Bart Crisman, and the enigmatic Frank Nicholson.  Jimmy's 
> caving exploits while substantial,
> were but a small part of his life. He was a skillful writer.  During his 
> caving career, he wrote several short stories that
> were published in the "adventure" magazines of the time such as "I Fell Into 
> The Lost Cavern" that was set at Cascade
> Caverns.  A later book, Win, A Casino Survival Guide is much more than the 
> title would suggest. 
>  
> Jimmy was an accomplished photographer and consummate painter.  His paintings 
> were photo-realistic and he
> trademarked the term "Absolute Realism."
>  
> 
>  
> Jimmy and his wife, Carol, were world famous collectors of pressing irons and 
> for several years they published Iron Talk,
> a bi-monthly newsletter.  In 2004, when their collection of 1,700 irons was 
> sold at auction, it took several days to disburse
> the collection.
>  
> 
>  
> Jimmy had a professional career as a magician and partnered with Walter 
> Blaney, a sometimes caving companion.  See
> page 318 of 50 Years for a picture of them in the Lower Cave at Carlsbad 
> Caverns.
>  
> Jimmy was one of the early explorers at Caverns of Sonora and was with 
> Preston McMichael for the first explorations
> of Deep Cave.  Here is a photo of Jimmy and  his wife, Carol, in the early 
> days at Caverns of Sonora.
>  
> 
>  
>  
> This short memorial does not do justice to the incredible depth and 
> multi-faceted personality of Jimmy Walker. 
> Moreover, this is the kind of thing that should appear in a nice newsletter 
> such as the now moribund Texas Caver. 
> This bulletin board is a poor substitute.
>  
> We are diminished.
>  
> ===Carl Kunath
> 
>   Virus-free. www.avast.com
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Re: [Texascavers] Midnight Cave -- Lower Entrance

[John Brooks via Texascavers]

It has been discussed in the past - but no, TCMA has not "leased" any caves.

But it seems like a good way to secure access to caves that people would like 
to visit.

It is a shame that Beasley's Cave just sold. It might have been too large of a 
property. But a gyp cave would have made a nice addition to the TCMA.

John Brooks

Sent from my iPhone

> On Nov 6, 2017, at 10:23 AM, Bill Steele via Texascavers 
>  wrote:
> 
> Has TCMA ever leased a cave? 
> 
>> On Nov 6, 2017, at 10:07 AM, Gregg Williams via Texascavers 
>>  wrote:
>> 
>> That's a great idea Bill. The TCMA has committed itself to building a strong 
>> organizational foundation so it can, in the future, partner with 
>> organizations to purchase large tracts with caves. Midnight cave is located 
>> on a very large ranch and big purchases like that are not within the scope 
>> of the TCMA at this time.
>> 
>> Currently the TCMA is actively engaged in the purchase of property with the 
>> TSS to house the yet unnamed Texas caving headquarters. While there isn't a 
>> cave on the property and it is a little less exciting the purchase will give 
>> a permanent home to Texas caving and it's assets and archives. This will 
>> also mean that the TSS's archives will be more easily accessed by cavers so 
>> they can find that new big project or get  their new discoveries recorded 
>> for posterity. 
>> 
>>  Also, as far as I know there is no reason to believe the ranch Midnight is 
>> on is for sale at this time. 
>> 
>> Gregg
>> 
>>> On Mon, Nov 6, 2017 at 9:11 AM, Bill Steele via Texascavers 
>>>  wrote:
>>> How about the TCMA acquiring Midnight Cave and more caves for caving? 
>>> 
 On Nov 6, 2017, at 9:06 AM, Scott C  wrote:
 
 I totally agree with Gregg. This is real caving stuff that is interesting 
 :) Thanks for sharing!
 
 Scott Cogburn 
 GHG
 
 Sent from my iPhone
 
> On Nov 6, 2017, at 8:41 AM, Gregg Williams via Texascavers 
>  wrote:
> 
> This sort of stuff is what this email list should have more of. 
> 
> Gregg
> 
>> On Sun, Nov 5, 2017 at 9:27 AM, James Jasek via Texascavers 
>>  wrote:
>> Great story
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhoneiPhone
>> 
>> On Nov 5, 2017, at 9:21 AM, Logan McNatt via Texascavers 
>>  wrote:
>> 
>> In Carl's message about digging open the lower entrance from inside 
>> Midnight Cave, he didn't mention what happened next--one of many stories 
>> in the lore of the Carta Valley cavers.
>> 
>> Carl's original version is in the chapter on Midnight Cave in his 50 
>> Years of Texas Caving pp. 458-467.
>> It is better than my synopsis below. 
>> 
>> LowGun
>> 
>> The successful dig gave Carl Kunath, Ron Bridgemon, Chuck Pease, and 
>> Nick Lucas a rare opportunity to play a devilish trick on the other two 
>> members of the team. Jan and Orion Knox were at the back of the cave 
>> where they had pushed through the tortuous Corkscrew into a significant 
>> unexplored section of the cave.
>> 
>> The dig crew exited the new entrance, walked over to the pit entrance, 
>> and pulled up the rope. They reentered through the lower entrance and 
>> met up with Jan and Orion, who were not told of the discovery. Arriving 
>> at the bottom of the pit entrance to find no rope, the conspirators 
>> feigned dismay and consternation, but were disappointed at the calm 
>> reaction of Jan and Orion. A brief quest for another way out surprised 
>> them with sunlight coming through the new entrance.
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