There is a convention coming, and coming soon, to south-central Pennsylvania!
http://nss2013.caves.org/
Cavers from Pennsylvania and surrounding states?and even some
not-so-near states--have worked diligently to bring the Annual NSS
Convention back to Pennsylvania, something many cavers from the
Keystone State are too young to remember, especially if you were born
after our nation's Bicentennial.
The forthcoming convention includes an anniversary celebration of the
Mid-Appalachian Region, a Howdy Party, campground party, banquet, and
more. It should be a not-to-miss event this summer.
And of course, get a Convention Guidebook:
?Pennsylvania Caves: A Guide to the Caves of the Shippensburg Area,?
edited by Kim & Tom Metzgar, Walt Hamm, and Kerry Speelman, contains
more than 300 pages of maps, descriptions, history, and information
about caving in the Shippensburg area, as well as an overview/history
of caving in the state. There are more than 80 pages of maps,
descriptions and photos of caves just in the Shippensburg area, alone.
Contributing photographers include Alan Horn and Gordon Ley, whose
work was featured in last year's Convention Guidebook. Pennsylvania
has many cavers who have been deeply involved with the NSS over the
years. The Convention Guidebook offers a brief summary of their
efforts.
Have you seen a bunch of maps in places like "The NSS News" by someone
named Bernie Smeltzer? Read about Bernie and see many examples of his
work in caves that you will be visiting.
Want to know something about a Pennsylvania grotto? Each grotto in
the state was asked to contribute a history. This section also
includes a history of former grottos.
Did you know Pennsylvania has a cave protection law? The work of York
Grotto, and of NSS member Judi Stack (among others) was crucial in
getting this law passed. There is a history of the Pennsylvania cave
law in the guidebook.
Ever heard of Hosterman's Pit and wonder why you can't go there? A
chapter on the history of cave conservation will tell you why.
Want to know what the 25 longest and deepest caves are in the state?
You know where to look?
Want to know what the most cave-rich counties in Pennsylvania are?
Also included. (*note* the guidebook chart on cave-rich counties
dispels the myth that all of the caves are a long way from Convention.)
Want to do a 400-plus foot deep cave in a county close to the
convention site? There will be led trips to Big Ridge Cave. Yes? We
DO have vertical caves here!
Are show caves, or former show caves, your thing? The guidebook has
you covered? And so does the Cave Booth volunteer crew. There will be
led trips to one of the most spectacular caves in the state, Alexander
Caverns, a former show cave. Another former show cave, Baker Caverns
(entrance in the basement of a house), will be open one day only
during Convention for special led trips.
The Pennsylvania show cave owners have banded together, not just to
support the Convention with ads in the program books, but to show
their support to NSS members by offering discounts to cavers
presenting their NSS card or their convention registration ID, at the
time of Convention only.
Are you a geology fan? Will & Bette White have completed an excellent
chapter for the Convention Guidebook covering the geology of the
Shippensburg area. In addition, Katie Schmid of the Loyalhanna
Grotto and Thomas Feeney, a professor at Shippensburg University who
is currently studying Cleversburg Sink, have planned a great geology
field trip with a well-timed stop at Cleversburg.
Jim Hart and Charlie Eichelberger have the Biology Section covered.
Come find out about the latest cutting-edge research on the biology of
caves and karst.
History buffs might also find interesting a never-before-published
documentary of Pennsylvania's link to not one, not two, but FIVE
Mammoth Cave guidebook authors who have ties to the state.
Pre-register so you can be sure to get a Convention Guidebook. There
will be PLENTY to see and do in Pennsylvania this summer.
WELCOME!
http://nss2013.caves.org/
http://www.caves.org/info/events.shtml
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