Re: [Texascavers] TPWD park re-openings word from the top

[Vivian Loftin]

just a psa here. Designer scarves do qualify as face coverings for public 
purposes. Cloth coverings are what the general public is being asked to wear. 
This does not protect the wearer. It prevents infected people from coughing it 
all over others. If everyone does it, it helps. This is not the same as 
respirator masks, which protect the wearer, and are used by health care 
professionals and others dealing directly with covid19 patients prevent 
inhaling virus.

> On Apr 26, 2020, at 1:49 AM, Mimi Jasek  wrote:
> 
> Besides no masks, not a pair of gloves in sight either. You wonder if they 
> all go immediately to wash their hands per guidelines as we the masses are 
> told to do?
> 
> But wait, I did see The Pelosi wearing a designer scarf over her face on the 
> way into the last stimulus vote meeting! The kind we are told is useless. But 
> it coordinated with her outfit!
> 
> Seriously, though, I can see none of those people going to the store for 
> groceries or medicine, or worrying about running out of toilet paper etc. So, 
> in their world, I guess our precautions are not necessary? Wonder if it would 
> make a difference if one of them became infected or died from the virus?
> 
> Me, I will take no chances with my life or that of my husband. Discomfort or 
> not. Masks, gloves, sanitizers - bring it!
> 
> Mimi Jasek
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Apr 25, 2020, at 11:28 PM, Carol Belski  wrote:
>> 
>> Has anyone else noticed that all of those involved in the “press 
>> conferences” (aka campaign rallies) go up to the podium and immediately put 
>> both hands on the sides of the podium?  They might as well be shaking and/or 
>> holding hands.  And yeah, no masks in sight.
>> 
 On Apr 25, 2020, at 4:35 PM, Dwight Deal  wrote:
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
 its interesting that none of our rulers ever wear a mask. 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> I have not seen this ruler in person when he sent the comment, so I cannot 
>>> comment.  Other than he is an A---s H---e if he does not wear a mask.  
>>> Perhaps that is only so they can speak clearly?
>>> D
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>> 
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Re: [Texascavers] Cave Blocks For Sale

[Vivian Loftin]

yeah, as a landscape architect I've built retaining walls, benches, outdoor 
classroom seating, and sound blocking walls with these commercially available 
"cave" rock. I think the texture comes from bedding plane seams, too planar for 
actual cave walls.
Vivian 

> On Feb 29, 2020, at 1:29 PM, James Jasek  wrote:
> 
> Jon I would love to have one of these Cave blogs how much do they cost and 
> how would I get one to Waco
> 
> Sent from my iPhoneX
> 
>>> On Feb 29, 2020, at 8:09 AM, John Brooks  
>>> wrote:
>>> 
>> The greater cost for those blocks is the transportation. We use those 
>> blocks for benches and landscape elements for projects in central Texas - 
>> and the cost is reasonable. But every time, we try to use those in North 
>> Texas, the transportation costs are excessive.
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> 
>>> On Feb 29, 2020, at 7:43 AM, Robert B  wrote:
>>> 
>> 
>> Good morning.
>> I found this FB marketplace post amusing. Hope ya'll will too.
>> If I had a need or such large stone blocks, I would prefer the rough natural 
>> look to the smooth cut surface.
>> 
>> Cave Blocks For Sale 
>> "These are the very popular cave blocks made from the cave formations in 
>> central texas."
>> 
>> https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1951451184998483/
>> 
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[Texascavers] Ernie Garza Second Line

[Vivian Loftin]

 We'll be sending Ernie off in high style at TCR this year. The Ernie Garza 
Memorial Band will be leading a short Second Line (New Orleans style funeral 
parade) in his honor. It will be right after dinner. So come prepared to sing 
and dance along. Parasols and fancy hats encouraged. 
 If you play an instrument, please join the band! Email me privately for 
charts. Or just show up with a tambourine or whatever.
-Vivian Loftin
 
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[Texascavers] Call for musicians

[Vivian Loftin]

 This is an open call for anyone who can play an instrument or keep a beat 
to join us in making joyful sounds to celebrate the life of Ernie Garza by 
helping lead a New Orleans style second line parade. Ernie loved music. This 
will take place just before the awards ceremony on Saturday night at TCR. 
Contact:
Vivian Loftin
vivb...@att.net
512 659-9486
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[Texascavers] Ernie

[Vivian Loftin]

 I'm sorry to report that Ernie Garza has drawn his last breaths. It's 
official as of 4:30am. He went peacefully in the end. It was my great honor to 
be holding his hand as he crossed over into limitless virgin passage. So much 
to say about this wonderful man. He had such a strong will, just as tough as 
they come, and full of human kindness. Gonna miss you, buddy.
Vivian Loftin
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Re: [Texascavers] The New and Improved UTG

[Vivian Loftin]

Thanks for keeping us compliant with the details, Denise. I see this form asks 
what info we want made public. How public are we talking? You mean paper lists 
handed out at grotto meetings only? or a searchable public database? or a 
members-only, password protected page?
just checking,
Viv

> On Nov 16, 2018, at 8:55 PM, Denise P  wrote:
> 
>> Greetings Cavers and Caver-like Persons,
>> 
>> With the rebirth of the Underground Texas Grotto (UTG) as an official 
>> organization with IRS 501(c)(3) status, we are inviting those who wish to be 
>> members to officially join the new organization. To be assured of full 
>> compliance with all interested parties, we are NOT importing any membership 
>> information from our previous incarnation. 
>> 
>> You can join by filling out this Google Form:
>> 
>> https://goo.gl/forms/UndMeFNq5DbmD3bp1
>> 
>> Dues are still paid directly to our Treasurer (me), in cash and in person. 
>> They are $2 for new members and $10 for all others.
>> 
>> Cheers,
>> Denise Prendergast
>> UTG Secretary/Treasurer
> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
> 
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Re: [Texascavers] Deep and Punkin Caves Nature Preserve Manager Retires:

[Vivian Loftin]

Don has been amazing and dedicated. Too bad he’s not on texascavers any more to 
see this. Like so many before him, he has been run off of this list by the 
trolls.
Viv

> On Apr 27, 2018, at 8:59 PM, Joe Ranzau  wrote:
> 
> Anyone who has spent time with Don knows of his irreverent sense of humor and 
> dedication to his Texas Caving family. Don became Preserve Manager for TCMA's 
> Deep and Punkin Caves Nature Preserve in early March, 2010. A position I 
> suspect he planned to keep for just a year or two as a way to help us out.
> 
> During his more than 8 years as preserve manager, he has been instrumental in 
> herding cats, err... cavers, to continually improve our field station and 
> work tirelessly to keep the preserve open and ready for the next group of 
> cavers to come out and visit.
> 
> For many of us, Don and Lucy have been the first faces we see each time we 
> arrive. They've been out ahead of the group to double check things and take 
> care of any last minute issues. I'd hesitate to guess how many miles they 
> have driven between San Antonio and the preserve, I venture it's a ton! Among 
> the many accomplishments during his tenure, the surface trail system was 
> vastly expanded giving groups ready access to many parts of the preserve and 
> providing for better birding and hiking opportunities. We've built a group 
> shower facility to handle the hoards of happy cavers after a long day 
> underground. We've cleared the property lines, doubled our camping area, 
> performed major restoration on the cabin at least three times, fixed numerous 
> gates and the road more times than we can count, and transformed the back 
> porch into a retreat for cavers.
> 
> Please join me in thanking Don for his dedicated service and congratulating 
> him on a well deserved break!
> 
> Regards,
> Joe Ranzau | President
> Texas Cave Management Association
> 
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Re: [Texascavers] Fwd: Ezells Cave workday planned -- mark your calendars!

[Vivian Loftin via Texascavers]

For the record, I don't disagree about the round up and am happy to support 
that decision.
Vivian

> On Feb 16, 2017, at 8:26 AM, Michael Cicherski via Texascavers 
> <texascavers@texascavers.com> wrote:
> 
> Vivian,
> 
> Thanks for working in the past on the property. I know Ron has told me many 
> times how grateful he was for your assistance.
> 
> We are looking for ways to raise the canopy of the trees in and around the 
> fenced in area, and to allow more grass and wild flowers to take hold on the 
> property. This will not be a wholesale, indiscriminate whacking and stacking 
> of tree limbs and such. For example, we have a number of dead limbs and 
> branches on the fence that need to be lifted off and placed in an area where 
> they can decompose.
> 
> In regards to being counter to all wildlife preservation goals I can tell you 
> that we will be careful to not turn this preserve into a manicured English 
> garden. 
> 
> We do disagree on one issue. I am strongly against all use of chemicals - 
> especially Roundup. I will stand firmly against the use of this extremely 
> dangerous product, or those products made from glyphosate on the property. 
> There are plenty of other options that work equally as well. Ron has said we 
> have used it in the past to eradicate some species but I don't want my name 
> associated with it while I manage the property. So, we may have to disagree 
> on this one and I will buy you a beer and discuss it offline .
> 
> 
> Michael
> 
> 
> 
>  
> 
>> On Feb 16, 2017, at 07:33, Vivian Loftin via Texascavers 
>> <texascavers@texascavers.com> wrote:
>> 
>> I have helped with this property in the past and am interested in helping 
>> with tasks that further preserve goals. But I am concerned that removing 
>> dead and low hanging branches on the property runs directly counter to all 
>> wildlife preservation goals. I can't in good conscience show up for this.
>> What is the purpose of this action? 
>> Vivian Loftin
>> 
>>> On Feb 15, 2017, at 8:38 AM, Michael Cicherski via Texascavers 
>>> <texascavers@texascavers.com> wrote:
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Second notice of the upcoming work day planned for Ezells Cave. This is a 
>>> reminder to add it to your calendar if you have an interest in helping out 
>>> with the upkeep on one of the TCMA properties.
>>> 
>>> The next notice will have details on our objectives for the day.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Michael
>>> 
>>> Begin forwarded message:
>>> 
>>>> From: Crash Kennedy via Texascavers <texascavers@texascavers.com>
>>>> Date: January 22, 2017 at 22:49:57 CST
>>>> To: CaveTex <texascavers@texascavers.com>
>>>> Subject: [Texascavers] Ezells Cave workday planned -- mark your calendars!
>>>> Reply-To: texascavers@texascavers.com
>>>> 
>>>> Sent for Michael Cicherski, Ezells Cave Preserve Manager:
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> First Call for assistance
>>>> 
>>>> Saturday, April 1st at 9am will be a workday at TCMA’s Ezells Cave 
>>>> Preserve.
>>>> 
>>>> The Preserve is located on Brown Street in San Marcos, Texas.
>>>> 
>>>> Our objective will be to clean up the grounds inside the gated are 
>>>> immediately surrounding the cave, clean up the area directly next to the 
>>>> street, remove any dead, low hanging branches on the property and pick up 
>>>> garbage along the property line.
>>>> 
>>>> I would like to ask if anyone has access to a trailer to haul out gravel, 
>>>> rubble, and cobbles that was once located inside the gated area. We need 
>>>> to find a way to haul this off the property, and a place to haul it. If we 
>>>> are able to get a volunteer with a stout trailer we will form a bucket 
>>>> brigade similar to what we have done on other projects.
>>>> 
>>>> We will also be inviting folks from the neighborhood, EAA and The Nature 
>>>> Conservancy to come out to help us on the workday. I do not know if anyone 
>>>> will be taking us up on the invite, but just in case you see some new 
>>>> faces be aware that they may not be members of the caving community.
>>>> 
>>>> Please bring:
>>>> 
>>>> • Work gloves
>>>> • Shears, pruners, and loppers
>>>> • Rakes, shovels, hoes, and other digging implements
>>>> • Gas-powered trimmers with eye and ear protection 

Re: [Texascavers] Fwd: Ezells Cave workday planned -- mark your calendars!

[Vivian Loftin via Texascavers]

I have helped with this property in the past and am interested in helping with 
tasks that further preserve goals. But I am concerned that removing dead and 
low hanging branches on the property runs directly counter to all wildlife 
preservation goals. I can't in good conscience show up for this.
What is the purpose of this action? 
Vivian Loftin

> On Feb 15, 2017, at 8:38 AM, Michael Cicherski via Texascavers 
> <texascavers@texascavers.com> wrote:
> 
> 
> Second notice of the upcoming work day planned for Ezells Cave. This is a 
> reminder to add it to your calendar if you have an interest in helping out 
> with the upkeep on one of the TCMA properties.
> 
> The next notice will have details on our objectives for the day.
> 
> 
> Michael
> 
> Begin forwarded message:
> 
>> From: Crash Kennedy via Texascavers <texascavers@texascavers.com>
>> Date: January 22, 2017 at 22:49:57 CST
>> To: CaveTex <texascavers@texascavers.com>
>> Subject: [Texascavers] Ezells Cave workday planned -- mark your calendars!
>> Reply-To: texascavers@texascavers.com
>> 
>> Sent for Michael Cicherski, Ezells Cave Preserve Manager:
>> 
>> 
>> First Call for assistance
>> 
>> Saturday, April 1st at 9am will be a workday at TCMA’s Ezells Cave Preserve.
>> 
>> The Preserve is located on Brown Street in San Marcos, Texas.
>> 
>> Our objective will be to clean up the grounds inside the gated are 
>> immediately surrounding the cave, clean up the area directly next to the 
>> street, remove any dead, low hanging branches on the property and pick up 
>> garbage along the property line.
>> 
>> I would like to ask if anyone has access to a trailer to haul out gravel, 
>> rubble, and cobbles that was once located inside the gated area. We need to 
>> find a way to haul this off the property, and a place to haul it. If we are 
>> able to get a volunteer with a stout trailer we will form a bucket brigade 
>> similar to what we have done on other projects.
>> 
>> We will also be inviting folks from the neighborhood, EAA and The Nature 
>> Conservancy to come out to help us on the workday. I do not know if anyone 
>> will be taking us up on the invite, but just in case you see some new faces 
>> be aware that they may not be members of the caving community.
>> 
>> Please bring:
>> 
>> • Work gloves
>> • Shears, pruners, and loppers
>> • Rakes, shovels, hoes, and other digging implements
>> • Gas-powered trimmers with eye and ear protection 
>> 
>> As we get closer to April 1st, I will provide additional information on our 
>> objective for the day.
>>  
>> 
>> My contact information is:
>> 
>> Michael Cicherski
>> 830-481-6388 (cell)
>> coastalca...@me.com
>> 
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Re: CaveTex: UT Grotto Meeting 21 July

[Vivian Loftin]

The UT grotto meeting is this coming Wednesday evening at 7:45pm.


 Nine Women in Lech
 Seven days in cave. Or four
 with rabid cat bite 

 Daily Hai ku chronicled the first all female week-long survey and exploration 
expedition in the breathtaking Lechuguilla Cave in Carlsbad Caverns National 
Park, New Mexico this past May. Hazel Barton and I (Vivian Loftin) co-led this 
team of awesome, talented, and experienced caver goddesses to do work on our 
quad maps in the Deep Seas and Chandelier Graveyard areas of the Western Branch 
of the cave. Despite Hazel having only 3 survey days in the cave to accommodate 
her rabies shot schedule, and despite Pat Kambesis injuring her shoulder on the 
way into the cave, we surveyed and re-surveyed well over a mile of passage 
including some nice little bits of virgin booty. And we had a rockin good time 
doing it. Creature found another bat skeleton, and we found lots of cool 
fossils.  Several of these Lovely Ladies of Lechuguilla did bring cameras 
along, (and only one of them drowned in a pool of urine) so we've got lots of 
pictures to show you.