texascavers Digest 6 Dec 2013 16:38:55 -0000 Issue 1893
Topics (messages 23119 through 23126):
Cave B ?
23119 by: David
Bexar Grotto Christmas Party
23120 by: Geary Schindel
Bizarre microbes discovered in desert cave in Arizona
23121 by: Lee H. Skinner
TCMA election results are in!
23122 by: Bennett Lee
Re: election results
23123 by: David
Dates for TSA Spring Cionvention: Saturday, May 3 and May 4, 2014
23124 by: caverarch
New Huautla Cave Diving Expedition video online
23125 by: Terry Holsinger
Winter Tech TOMORROW
23126 by: Carol Belski
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--- Begin Message ---
Hard to believe that was nearly 20 years ago.
Was there not a pre-convention trip to Grutas de Carrizal ?
On the subject of Emerald Sink, it is possible that cavers could visit the
first level of the cave without worry, as I think 7 cavers went past the
Junction Room in 94 to look down the drop in Emerald Sink and none of them
reported being sick. They were probably underground less than 2 hours and
would not have been doing anything too strenuous to be taking deep breaths.
The pit is the kind of rappel you would only want to do, if you did not
have access to any other 140 foot, or just wanted to bop it once so you
would know what is down there. Meaning it is boring compared to other 140
foot pits.
The question I have, is what would it take to pump the bat urine out of the
sump and haul out the dirt and rocks and guano. That would make the cave
at least a few deeper. There is probably several thousand years of guano
in the sump, from a colony of 500 bats, very near the sump.
Is there a good map of the sump ? Diving in bat urine sounds sporting,
but I do not recall the diver mentioning anything about guano.
While I am ranting about guano, does anyone know any aquarium hobbyist
using a pinch of guano under the roots of their aquarium plants ?
David Locklear
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Folks,
The Bexar Grotto is holding their annual holiday (Christmas) party on Saturday,
December 14 from 6 pm onward. All grotto members, cavers, and friends are
welcome. This is a pot luck so bring a dish. I'll also have the grill going.
There will also be a white elephant gift exchange so if you would like to
participate, bring an appropriate gift - camo thongs were real popular last
year. If you want to come early, we'll put you to work helping get the house
ready.
Couple of rules about the party. If you bring a tray or find one from last
year, please take it home with you. All the white elephant gifts also need to
go home. Also, if you don't think you can drive home or are coming from a long
distance, we have lots of room and you're welcome to spend the night. We'll
even fix you breakfast (leftovers from the party - last year it was potato
chips off the carpet).
So, come on over for a great time, don't block the neighbor's driveways and
STAY OFF THE ROOF.
Geary and Sue Schindel
11310 Whisper Dawn
San Antonio, Texas
210.479.2151
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
from NBC News:
A team of researchers led by scientists at the University of Arizona in
Tucson discovered communities of microorganisms that live in the
limestone caves of Kartchner Caverns State Park
<http://www.livescience.com/37682-assassin-bug-species-discovery.html>.
These microbial ecosystems thrive by teasing out the limited nutrients
in water runoff that drips into the cave through cracks in the cave's
rocky exterior, the researchers said.
Full story at:
http://tinyurl.com/lchcp5o
Lee Skinner
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
TCMA election results are in!
Saj Zappitello and John Brooks were both reelected. We are glad to have their
continued service on the board.
We would also like to welcome Bill Bentley to the TCMA board. He has been an
avid caver and TCMA member for decades, and we look forward to the
contributions he can make to the board.
I want to note that the race was very close. Denise Prendergast also ran and
was only 5 votes away from being elected. Your votes count! For those of you
missed voting, you could have swung the election. And even though this
election is over, there are still many ways that you can contribute.
Organizations like the TCMA can only exist with the support of people like you,
so get involved!
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
The Board would greatly benefit with Denise involved.
I am not a TCMA member, so I can't make a motion, but if she wants to be on
the Board, then someone should appoint her.
David Locklear
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
After consultation within TSA and with our Convention hosts at Cave Without a
Name, we have determined that the first weekend of May, specifically May 3 and
4, it the best time to hold the Texas Speleological Association's annual Spring
Convention. So please mark that date on your calendars and begin thinking about
the thrilling exploration accounts or insightful scientific reports that YOU
want to present in the grand meeting room within the Cave. Then you will be
ready to respond when Mallory Mayeux issues the call for presentation titles
and abstracts!
In addition, please contact me if you are willing to organize and/or judge on
the mapping and photo salons. We may need another work weekend at CWAN to prep
for camping, etc., but that will be determined at a later date.
Roger Moore
TSA Vice Chair
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Chris Jewell has finally slowed down on his presentation schedule to put
together some video (in 1080p if you have the bandwidth) from the
Huautla Cave Diving Expedition trip Feb 24th- April 14th 2013
Have a look on YouTube here:
http://youtu.be/iajDjEX6jqY
Terry H.
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
In spite of the frigid weather, the SWR Winter Technical Regional will be held
tomorrow at the National Cave and Karst Research Institute (NCKRI) in Carlsbad.
We are going to have a wonderful time and hear a full day's worth of great
talks. Building opens at 8 am, meeting 9-10, talks till about 4:30, and
evening dinner/social 6-10 pm (map to evening events at NCKRI).
Bring your wooly socks and gloves, and travel safely.
Hope to see you all soon!
Carol
--- End Message ---
