Re: [Texascavers] REI wild caving trip in Statesman

2016-10-24 Thread Geary Schindel via Texascavers 
Or, someone from the grotto can volunteer to make a presentation on caving 
every few months as part of their education and outreach program. I've already 
done one here in San Antonio and we picked up a couple of new members. Probably 
should get into the regular rotation.

I do have to agree with Chris about the descender issue. ATC's are acceptable 
and commonly used descender for rock climbing. The rappelling is actually 
occurring outdoors on pretty clean ropes so there probably isn't an issue with 
equipment wear, considering the length of the drop.  The ATC's provide pretty 
good friction. I think Chris is right, the scope of the article was limited and 
we want to be careful about being to nitpicky. I think REI offers some quality 
instruction for rock climbing and hope they take the same level of care for 
caving. 

Asking if you could put up a flyer announcing the grotto meetings and web page 
is also a good idea.

Geary Schindel
gschin...@edwardsaquifer.org

-Original Message-
From: Texascavers [mailto:texascavers-boun...@texascavers.com] On Behalf Of 
Diana Tomchick via Texascavers
Sent: Monday, October 24, 2016 3:43 PM
To: Cave Tex 
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] REI wild caving trip in Statesman

At the very least, someone from the UT Grotto might want to contact REI and get 
them to hand out information about the grotto to their caving trip participants.

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 24, 2016, at 3:39 PM, texascavers@texascavers.com wrote:
> 
> Nichols Outdoor Adventures doesn't offer a rappelling tour, since our 
> insurance doesn't cover ropes. 
> 
> Also, it was our understanding that they were doing a one time trip with the 
> previous superintendent. We had no clue that they were making this a 
> recurring event, and it will be interesting to see how this works out, since 
> we use that cave too. 
> 
> -Heather
> 
> 
> 
> 
>> On Oct 24, 2016, at 3:24 PM, Diana Tomchick via Texascavers 
>>  wrote:
>> 
>> Wow, $145 for a guided trip into Gorman Creek Cave, complete with the wrong 
>> kind of rappelling device for a caver!
>> 
>> Nichols Outdoor Adventure should charge more than $50 for their trip.
>> 
>> 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 24, 2016, at 3:08 PM, texascavers@texascavers.com wrote:
>>> 
>>> http://www.mystatesman.com/news/lifestyles/recreation/get-a-new-pers
>>> pective-on-colorado-bend-state-park-/nssxs/
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>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> UT Southwestern
>> 
>> 
>> Medical Center
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> The future of medicine, today.
>> 
>> 
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Re: [Texascavers] REI wild caving trip in Statesman

2016-10-24 Thread Chris Lafferty via Texascavers 
It’s not often that I add my two cents to these discussions, but in this
case it’s worth mentioning an interested person could do much worse than
paying for a guided caving trip through the REI Outdoor School. I think
it’s a great thing that REI is endorsing these trips and raising caving
awareness. Those who get hooked can then track down a local grotto with
simply a quick internet search. Heck, I got hooked after a few trips
through Enchanted Rock cave with a few friends, fewer flashlights, and a
few cellphones for additional light. And I’ve known others who have become
active cavers following guided “wild” caving trips at commercial caves.


REI is a well-known company who advocates for the same values of
preservation and enjoyment of nature that cavers endorse. They lend a sense
of legitimacy that frankly, I don’t think the NSS and the local grottos
receive from the general public. Those in the know, i.e. cavers, know
better, but I would guess the typical REI member has never heard of the
NSS. I could be wrong, but it would be a surprise to me.


*I think it’s worth the effort roping in (pun intended) those who attend to
show that we have better cave access, better training resources, and a
friendly and welcoming community*. Diana’s suggestion of contacting REI
about handing out UT Grotto information is a good one.


As far as the descender choice, it’s adequate for Gorman Creek and those
leading the trip are familiar with the use of ATCs. Many of those involved
in the trip might also have crossover experience from climbing. I have some
strong opinions about descender choices, vertical competency, and
self-rescue, but I think it’s a bit nitpicky to criticize them in this
circumstance.


I'm also glad the article mentioned Nichols Outdoor Adventures as an
alternative in the footnote.



Regards,

Chris Lafferty

Sent from the Last Frontier

On Mon, Oct 24, 2016 at 12:43 PM, Diana Tomchick via Texascavers <
texascavers@texascavers.com> wrote:

> At the very least, someone from the UT Grotto might want to contact REI
> and get them to hand out information about the grotto to their caving trip
> participants.
>
> 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 24, 2016, at 3:39 PM, texascavers@texascavers.com wrote:
> >
> > Nichols Outdoor Adventures doesn't offer a rappelling tour, since our
> insurance doesn't cover ropes.
> >
> > Also, it was our understanding that they were doing a one time trip with
> the previous superintendent. We had no clue that they were making this a
> recurring event, and it will be interesting to see how this works out,
> since we use that cave too.
> >
> > -Heather
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >> On Oct 24, 2016, at 3:24 PM, Diana Tomchick via Texascavers <
> texascavers@texascavers.com> wrote:
> >>
> >> Wow, $145 for a guided trip into Gorman Creek Cave, complete with the
> wrong kind of rappelling device for a caver!
> >>
> >> Nichols Outdoor Adventure should charge more than $50 for their trip.
> >>
> >> 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 24, 2016, at 3:08 PM, texascavers@texascavers.com wrote:
> >>>
> >>> http://www.mystatesman.com/news/lifestyles/recreation/
> get-a-new-perspective-on-colorado-bend-state-park-/nssxs/
> >>> ___
> >>> Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com
> >>> Texascavers@texascavers.com | Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/
> texascavers@texascavers.com/
> >>> http://lists.texascavers.com/listinfo/texascavers
> >>
> >>
> >> 
> >>
> >> UT Southwestern
> >>
> >>
> >> Medical Center
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> The future of medicine, today.
> >>
> >>
> >> ___
> >> Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com
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> texascavers@texascavers.com/
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>
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Re: [Texascavers] REI wild caving trip in Statesman

2016-10-24 Thread Diana Tomchick via Texascavers 
At the very least, someone from the UT Grotto might want to contact REI and get 
them to hand out information about the grotto to their caving trip participants.

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 24, 2016, at 3:39 PM, texascavers@texascavers.com wrote:
> 
> Nichols Outdoor Adventures doesn't offer a rappelling tour, since our 
> insurance doesn't cover ropes. 
> 
> Also, it was our understanding that they were doing a one time trip with the 
> previous superintendent. We had no clue that they were making this a 
> recurring event, and it will be interesting to see how this works out, since 
> we use that cave too. 
> 
> -Heather
> 
> 
> 
> 
>> On Oct 24, 2016, at 3:24 PM, Diana Tomchick via Texascavers 
>>  wrote:
>> 
>> Wow, $145 for a guided trip into Gorman Creek Cave, complete with the wrong 
>> kind of rappelling device for a caver!
>> 
>> Nichols Outdoor Adventure should charge more than $50 for their trip.
>> 
>> 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 24, 2016, at 3:08 PM, texascavers@texascavers.com wrote:
>>> 
>>> http://www.mystatesman.com/news/lifestyles/recreation/get-a-new-perspective-on-colorado-bend-state-park-/nssxs/
>>> ___
>>> Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com
>>> Texascavers@texascavers.com | Archives: 
>>> http://www.mail-archive.com/texascavers@texascavers.com/
>>> http://lists.texascavers.com/listinfo/texascavers
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> UT Southwestern
>> 
>> 
>> Medical Center
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> The future of medicine, today.
>> 
>> 
>> ___
>> Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com
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>> http://www.mail-archive.com/texascavers@texascavers.com/
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Re: [Texascavers] REI wild caving trip in Statesman

2016-10-24 Thread Heather Tucek via Texascavers 
Nichols Outdoor Adventures doesn't offer a rappelling tour, since our insurance 
doesn't cover ropes. 

Also, it was our understanding that they were doing a one time trip with the 
previous superintendent. We had no clue that they were making this a recurring 
event, and it will be interesting to see how this works out, since we use that 
cave too. 

-Heather




> On Oct 24, 2016, at 3:24 PM, Diana Tomchick via Texascavers 
>  wrote:
> 
> Wow, $145 for a guided trip into Gorman Creek Cave, complete with the wrong 
> kind of rappelling device for a caver!
> 
> Nichols Outdoor Adventure should charge more than $50 for their trip.
> 
> 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 24, 2016, at 3:08 PM, texascavers@texascavers.com wrote:
>> 
>> http://www.mystatesman.com/news/lifestyles/recreation/get-a-new-perspective-on-colorado-bend-state-park-/nssxs/
>> ___
>> Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com
>> Texascavers@texascavers.com | Archives: 
>> http://www.mail-archive.com/texascavers@texascavers.com/
>> http://lists.texascavers.com/listinfo/texascavers
> 
> 
> 
> 
> UT Southwestern
> 
> 
> Medical Center
> 
> 
> 
> The future of medicine, today.
> 
> 
> ___
> Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com
> Texascavers@texascavers.com | Archives: 
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Re: [Texascavers] REI wild caving trip in Statesman

2016-10-24 Thread Stefan Creaser via Texascavers 
Well here is a way Grottos could make some money ;-)

And thanks for the confirmation, Diana, I thought that rappel device was 
somewhat out of place!

Stefan Creaser
Staff Design Engineer; Physical Design Group; ARM
5707 Southwest Parkway, Bldg 1, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78735, USA.
Direct: +1-512-314-1012, Internal: 11012.
Email: stefan.crea...@arm.com. Skype: stefan_creaser

-Original Message-
From: Texascavers [mailto:texascavers-boun...@texascavers.com] On Behalf Of 
Diana Tomchick via Texascavers
Sent: Monday, October 24, 2016 3:24 PM
To: Cave Tex
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] REI wild caving trip in Statesman

Wow, $145 for a guided trip into Gorman Creek Cave, complete with the wrong 
kind of rappelling device for a caver!

Nichols Outdoor Adventure should charge more than $50 for their trip.

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 24, 2016, at 3:08 PM, texascavers@texascavers.com wrote:
>
> http://www.mystatesman.com/news/lifestyles/recreation/get-a-new-perspective-on-colorado-bend-state-park-/nssxs/
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UT Southwestern


Medical Center



The future of medicine, today.


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Re: [Texascavers] REI wild caving trip in Statesman

2016-10-24 Thread Diana Tomchick via Texascavers 
Wow, $145 for a guided trip into Gorman Creek Cave, complete with the wrong 
kind of rappelling device for a caver!

Nichols Outdoor Adventure should charge more than $50 for their trip.

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 24, 2016, at 3:08 PM, texascavers@texascavers.com wrote:
>
> http://www.mystatesman.com/news/lifestyles/recreation/get-a-new-perspective-on-colorado-bend-state-park-/nssxs/
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UT Southwestern


Medical Center



The future of medicine, today.


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[Texascavers] REI wild caving trip in Statesman

2016-10-24 Thread Albach via Texascavers 
http://www.mystatesman.com/news/lifestyles/recreation/get-a-new-perspective-on-colorado-bend-state-park-/nssxs/ 


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