texascavers Digest 20 May 2009 17:12:22 -0000 Issue 761
Topics (messages 10725 through 10739):
Re: Memorial Day Deep and Punkin Work Weekend
10725 by: Fritz Holt
Texas Parks & Wildlife Mag.
10726 by: Robert E Burnett
10727 by: germanyj.aol.com
10729 by: dirtdoc.comcast.net
interesting article in "Mexico Desconocido" magazine
10728 by: David
The NSS CaversOn-line site
10730 by: David
Lithium Battery Breakthrough
10731 by: Minton, Mark
National Geographic article on TAG caving
10732 by: speleosteele.tx.rr.com
The Second Quarter 2009 TEXAS CAVER is now online!
10733 by: Mark.Alman.l-3com.com
Nat Geo article
10734 by: Mixon Bill
10738 by: dirtdoc.comcast.net
10739 by: dirtdoc.comcast.net
Re: 15th ICS - field trip news and only 2 months!
10735 by: Mixon Bill
Blind Fish-Insired Sensor
10736 by: Minton, Mark
large cave found in Vietnam
10737 by: David
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--- Begin Message ---
Rick,
That's a subtle hint for you to bring some. Wish I could be there.
Fritz
________________________________
From: Jon Cradit [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2009 11:53 AM
To: Rick Corbell; Geary Schindel; [email protected]
Cc: Geary Schindel
Subject: RE: [Texascavers] Memorial Day Deep and Punkin Work Weekend
Be glad to have you.
We'll probably be low on beer by then and need a resupply anyway.
Jon
From: Rick Corbell [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2009 11:50 AM
To: Geary Schindel; [email protected]
Cc: Jon Cradit; Geary Schindel
Subject: RE: [Texascavers] Memorial Day Deep and Punkin Work Weekend
J & G,
I am going to visit my Mom Saturday and part of Sunday out near Midland. Would
it be OK if I dropped back by Deep -n- Punkin on my way back and spend Sunday
night?
Rick
________________________________
List-Post: [email protected]
Date: Tue, 19 May 2009 08:11:23 -0500
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
CC: [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: [Texascavers] Memorial Day Deep and Punkin Work Weekend
Deep and Punkin Work Trip
Memorial Day
May 23-25 (this coming weekend)
Folks,
There is a Deep and Punkin Work Trip scheduled for this weekend. We hope to
finish up the back porch structure including the installation of a roof. So,
if you can weld, we would love to have you. If you can't weld, but seem to
have a high tolerance for electrical current, we can also use you. If that
doesn't appeal to you, we can also work on a few other projects around the
property including clearing of some brush, finishing the retaining wall at the
loo, and formal dedication of Carl's Comfortable Crapper and Loo with a View.
There will be trips to both Deep Cave and Punkin Cave. In addition, I'm sure
there will be loads of fun and fellowship.
If you are interested in attending, please let either Jon Cradit or I know so
that we can stay within the recommended numbers for use of the property.
We now have the large water tank manifolded to the water system and have over
600 gallons in storage at the site unless it rains some more. The shower is
also working. Also, our neighbor has graded the road so it appears passable
for low clearance street vehicles if they go slow.
If you would like to come, we ask that you not bring any cleaning products as
we have plenty of paper towels and cleaning solutions. However, if you would
like to donate a bag or two of concrete mix, that would be great.
This weekend will also be used for trip leader and expedition leader training.
Now that the back porch is nearing completion, we will want to extend the deck
of the back porch. We will also be creating another kitchen out back. If you
would like to make a donation, we could use the following items. A water hose
with a male connector and one end and a female connectors at the other,
Another frig, a sink system, some number 10 or 12 gage copper electric wire,
lights, fans, electrical conduit, electrical and switches and boxes, and other
building supplies. We could also use some ¾ inch sheets of treated exterior
grade plywood for the deck.
Do's and Don'ts
If you would like to cook out on the grill, you will need to bring some
charcoal. Also, please DO NOT bring any firewood as we don't want to spread
either Oak Wilt or fire ants.
If you would like to go, please let Jon or I know. We will email some
additional information on Thursday.
Thanks,
Geary Schindel and Jon Cradit
Geary Schindel
210-326-1576 cell
210-479-2151 home
________________________________
Hotmail® goes with you. Get it on your BlackBerry or
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--- Begin Message ---
That great article is written by UTG'S own Rae Nadler-Olenick. Great job and
nice t-shirt.
Rune
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--- Begin Message ---
Here's a link to the article:
http://www.tpwmagazine.com/archive/2009/june/ed_2/
julia
-----Original Message-----
From: Robert E Burnett <[email protected]>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Tue, 19 May 2009 2:38 pm
Subject: [Texascavers] Texas Parks & Wildlife Mag.
That great article is written by UTG'S own Rae
Nadler-Olenick. Great job and nice t-shirt.
?
Rune
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Thanks. Shrink rhymes with a stink. Also Terlingua Sink. Come out and visit
us in Terlingua sometime. If we are there. Let me know if you see the image
of Madrid Falls in the TPWG Mag. I went out with Blair in Feb to take the
shot.
DirtDoc
----- Original Message -----
From: "Fritz Holt" <[email protected]>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2009 3:06:49 PM GMT -06:00 US/Canada Central
Subject: FW: [Texascavers] Texas Parks & Wildlife Mag.
Dwight,
Here is a response which gives the proper link to the cave article, courtesy of
Julia Germany. I wouldn't know a link from a skink.
Fritz
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--- Begin Message ---
A well known caver from Mexico has published an interesting
article in a magazine called "Mexico Desconocido."
This magazine often publishes articles about caves, and even caving.
Here is an example:
http://www.mexicodesconocido.com.mx/notas/15101-Puebla:-un-viaje-al-centro-de-la-Tierra
I could not find the current article on-line.
It is by Carlos Lazcano, and is about the 20 most interesting caves of
Mexico. It is several
pages in length and has some real caving photos.
I was surprised he listed "El Popoca," which has been at the top of my list
of
caves to visit before I croak. I saw a French caving video of it in
1987, and I
have been within a few miles of the cave, but still haven't gone there.
The magazine is available at stores that sell Spanish magazines. I
presume
that would be Fiesta grocery store. I saw it in a border town at
HEB.
David Locklear
caver in Fort Bend County
P.S. I have been off the list for 4 months.
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--- Begin Message ---
I think about 50 of you have a page on the NSS CaversOn-line site.
http://nsscavers.ning.com
If you look on the homepage under events and click on ICS,
you will see who is attending this event according to the users
of that web-site.
There is also an area reserved for comments.
It appears few cavers are aware of this additional resource
for encouraging cavers to attend ICS.
It has been months since I have used that web-site, so I
can't make any other comment good or bad about it.
<http://nsscavers.ning.com/profile/el_espeleo_gringo>
David Locklear
caver in Fort Bend County
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--- Begin Message ---
For those interested in the latest lithium battery technology,
researchers claim to have developed a new lithium battery architecture that
gives three times the power density of conventional lithium batteries:
<http://www.laboratoryequipment.com/news-low-cost-lithium-battery.aspx>. As
with all such claims, commercialization will be the real proof of whether or
not this works in practice.
Mark Minton
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--- Begin Message ---
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2009/06/tag-caves/jenkins-text
Deep South Hard-core cavers in three southern states stop at nothing to
probe an underworld wilderness.
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--- Begin Message ---
All,
Just in time for your three day weekend, the second quarter version of The
TEXAS CAVER has been posted to the Members Area by our very own near and dear
web extraordinaire, Butch Fralia.
This is a huge issue (32 pages, gasp!), chock full of LOTS of photos, great
trip reports (two of which were south of the border), lots of mud, a Convention
wrap up, and award winning photos!
Just in time for ICS!
Be sure to also peruse the three back issues of the TEXAS CAVER from 2001,
2002, and 2004 recently added.
There's some great reading from the past in these issues. Stories such as the
purchase of the Deep and Punkin Cave property, a daring rescue of an injured
caver in Mexico, CARTOONS!, and a lot of past history and articles from present
day cavers and from some who, unfortunately, aren't with us any longer.
Hours of great reading have been added and I would like to thank Carl K. for
submitting them and Butch for posting them for posterity.
If you're a TSA member, but haven't yet joined the Digital Revolution, it is
extremely painless to do so.
Go to http://www.cavetexas.org/members/ and sign up and enjoy the back issues!
Please remember to select how you want your TC: mail or digital.
You can still opt to receive a hard copy TC, but will have to wait until late
next week, at the earliest, to receive your latest newsletter via snail mail.
The Members Area continues to expand very well and we currently have grown to
85 members, with 45 opting to receive their TC digitally. This is nearly 50% of
the total membership.
Not a TSA member? No problem! We still would like for you to contemplate
becoming a TSA member. Send me an email for your complimentary TEXAS CAVER and
see what you've been missing.
Or, you can visit the TSA website at www.cavetexas.org and become a paid member
and/or become an online member of the TSA.
There now are a total of 15 issues of the Pulitzer worthy TEXAS CAVER available
for your reading pleasure!
Enjoy and have a great and safe Memorial Day weekend, especially those at and
on their way to/from Deep and Punkin!
Mark Alman - TSA Chairman and TEXAS CAVER Editor
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"He has explored more than 50 miles of virgin passage, most of it on
his hands and knees." Oh, please. If that author ever gets near a
keyboard again, somebody spare us by breaking his fingers. Why is
National Geographic Magazine written for children? And why do they
always hire Steven Alvarez to take photos for their cave articles? His
photos are good, but seldom exceptional by NSS salon standards, and
the world is awash with similar photos that people would no doubt be
honored to let NGS publish free. I'll buy the issue, of course, when
it hits the stands. Sigh. -- Mixon
---------------------------------------------
He who renders warfare fatal to all engaged in it will be the greatest
benefactor the world has yet known. - Sir Richard Burton
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--- Begin Message ---
Well, my knees are sore, too. But that is because I always have explored
little caves.
You are, as usual, correct, Bill.
But get off it. We are not going to change the way print media does bidness.
Marion is an unusual and exceptional person. It pleases me that caves became
his obsession. (Hi MOS)
Ask yurself the difference between 6 inches, 10 feet, and 100 miles of virgen
cave? Every inch is a memory.
We need young cavers to join us in our community. If this article helps,
that's great.
DirtDoc
"He has explored more than 50 miles of virgin passage, most of it on
his hands and knees." Oh, please. If that author ever gets near a
keyboard again, somebody spare us by breaking his fingers. Why is
National Geographic Magazine written for children? And why do they
always hire Steven Alvarez to take photos for their cave articles? His
photos are good, but seldom exceptional by NSS salon standards, and
the world is awash with similar photos that people would no doubt be
honored to let NGS publish free. I'll buy the issue, of course, when
it hits the stands. Sigh. -- Mixon
---------------------------------------------
He who renders warfare fatal to all engaged in it will be the greatest
benefactor the world has yet known. - Sir Richard Burton
----------------------------------------------
You may "reply" to the address this message
came from, but for long-term use, save:
Personal: [email protected]
AMCS: [email protected] or [email protected]
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--- Begin Message ---
Well, my knees are sore, too. But that is because I always have explored
little caves.
You are, as usual, correct, Bill.
But get off it. We are not going to change the way print media does bidness.
Marion is an unusual and exceptional person. It pleases me that caves became
his obsession. (Hi MOS)
Ask yurself the difference between 6 inches, 10 feet, and 100 miles of virgen
cave? Every inch is a memory.
We need young cavers to join us in our community. If this article helps,
that's great.
DirtDoc
"He has explored more than 50 miles of virgin passage, most of it on
his hands and knees." Oh, please. If that author ever gets near a
keyboard again, somebody spare us by breaking his fingers. Why is
National Geographic Magazine written for children? And why do they
always hire Steven Alvarez to take photos for their cave articles? His
photos are good, but seldom exceptional by NSS salon standards, and
the world is awash with similar photos that people would no doubt be
honored to let NGS publish free. I'll buy the issue, of course, when
it hits the stands. Sigh. -- Mixon
---------------------------------------------
He who renders warfare fatal to all engaged in it will be the greatest
benefactor the world has yet known. - Sir Richard Burton
----------------------------------------------
You may "reply" to the address this message
came from, but for long-term use, save:
Personal: [email protected]
AMCS: [email protected] or [email protected]
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--- Begin Message ---
Forwarded by Mixon:
Begin forwarded message:
From: ICS 2009 eList <[email protected]>
List-Post: [email protected]
Date: May 20, 2009 11:13:57 AM CDT
To: [email protected]
Subject: 15th ICS - field trip news and only 2 months!
Dear Friends,
Last month we sadly announced that we needed to cancel and re-examine
all of the trips for the 15th International Congress of Speleology
(ICS) because of White Nose Syndrome (WNS), the mysterious condition
that has recently killed about a half millions bats in the U.S. We
hoped to send you news about the trips a couple of weeks ago, but
arranging some of the details was more complicated than expected. Here
is the final news on the Pre and Post-ICS trips:
Confirmed Trips, Full
01: Coast-to-Coast Eastern Segment
02: Coast-to-Coast Western Segment
85: Cenote Karst of the Yucatan Peninsula
88: Giant Caves of Northern Mexico
Confirmed Trips, Space Available*
03: Texas Bat Caves
31: Mammoth Cave, Kentucky
41: Black Hills, South Dakota
51: Science in Southeastern New Mexico
53: Caving in the Guadalupe Mountains (post-Congress)
55: Lilburn Cave, California (only 2 slots still open!)
71: Cave Management in New York
86: Deep Pits of Mexico
* The numbers of seats available for some trips in may be different
from the total trip size originally announced
Canceled
04: Endangered Species, Endangered Caves
33: Cumberland Plateau (TAG)
34: Tectonic Pseudokarst of North Carolina
37: Caves and Karst of Virginia
52: Caving in the Guadalupe Mountains (pre-Congress)
56: Cave the Sierra Nevada, California
58: Big Island Hawaii
59: Southeast Alaska
81: Caving with the Maya
82: Caves of the Bahamas
I encourage you to register for the available trips soon before they
fill. Some of the trips may experience minor changes because of WNS.
If you are concerned, please contact the trip leaders as listed on our
website at www.ics2009.us. As reminder, to do our best to prevent the
spread of WNS in the US and to other countries, all caving equipment
and clothing will need to be decontaminated after each caving trip.
The decontamination procedures will be announced and posted on our
website within 2 weeks.
Today is exactly 2 months until the 15th ICS begins. Today our pre-
registration exceeded the total number of people who attended the 8th
ICS, the previous ICS held in the US in 1981. I look forward to seeing
many more registrations in the coming weeks. Remember, the price of
registration increases on June 1st so register now and register for
the great field trips that will be held before the ICS, after the ICS,
and on Wednesday during the ICS.
George
George Veni, Ph.D.
Chairman, 15th International Congress of Speleology
Adjunct Secretary, International Union of Speleology
Executive Director, U.S. National Cave and Karst Research Institute
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He who renders warfare fatal to all engaged in it will be the greatest
benefactor the world has yet known. - Sir Richard Burton
----------------------------------------------
You may "reply" to the address this message
came from, but for long-term use, save:
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AMCS: [email protected] or [email protected]
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Scientists at Georgia Tech have developed an underwater sensor based on
the ability of blind fish to navigate in caves. See
<http://www.laboratoryequipment.com/news-flow-sensors-based-on-fish-hair-032509.aspx>.
Mark Minton
Fish Hair Inspires Flow Sensors
March 25, 2009
A blind fish that has evolved a unique technique for sensing motion may inspire
a new generation of sensors that perform better than current active sonar.
Although the fish species Astyanax fasciatus is blind, they sense their
environment and the movement of water around them with gel-covered hairs that
extend from their bodies. Their ability to detect underwater objects and
navigate through their lightless environment inspired a group of researchers to
mimic the hairs of these blind cavefish in the lab.
While the fish use these hairs to detect obstacles, avoid predators and
localize prey, researchers believe the engineered sensors they're developing
could have a variety of underwater applications, such as port security,
surveillance, early tsunami detection, autonomous oilrig inspection, autonomous
underwater vehicle navigation, and marine research.
"These hair cells are like well-engineered mechanical sensors, similar to those
that we use for balance and hearing in the human ear, where the deflection of
the jelly-encapsulated hair cell measures important flow information," says
Vladimir Tsukruk, a professor at Georgia Tech. "The hairs are better than
active sonar, which requires a lot of space, sends out strong acoustic signals
that can have a detrimental effect on the environment, and is inappropriate for
stealth applications."
Tsukruk and graduate students Michael McConney and Kyle Anderson conducted
preliminary experiments with a simple artificial hair cell microsensor made of
SU-8, a common epoxy-based polymer capable of solidifying, and built with
conventional CMOS microfabrication technology.
They found that the cell by itself could not achieve the high sensitivity or
long-range detection of hydrodynamic disturbances created by moving or
stationary bodies in a flow field. The hair cell needed the gel-like
capsule-called the cupula-to overcome these challenges.
"After covering the hair cell with synthetic cupula, our bio-inspired
microsensor had the ability to detect flow better than the blind fish. The fish
can detect flow slower than 100 micrometers per second, but our system
demonstrated flow detection of several micrometers per second," says Tsukruk.
"Adding the cupula allowed us to detect a much smaller amount of flow and
expand the dynamic range because it suppressed the background noise."
Source: Georgia Tech
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--- Begin Message ---
According to a recent news article in a British newspaper, a small team of
British
cavers have discovered a gigantic virgin cave in Vietnam.
Here are 2 photos taken in the cave:
http://www.dancewithshadows.com/travel/images/hang-son-doong-cave-photo-4.jpg
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/05/01/article-1175430-04BF829E000005DC-524_634x796.jpg
The newspaper, "the Craven Herald and Pioneer," alleges that the main
passage in this cave is a gigantic borehole that is 5 kilometers long.
This article claimed some of the cavers were Ian Watson,
Howard and Deborah Limbert, Martin Holroyd, and Gareth Sewell.
They claim the cavers told them that it takes 6 hours to walk from one
end to the other, and that the cave continued on.
It is called "Mountain River Cave," and is deep in the jungle and they claim
the hike is treacherous.
Here is another site along with more
photos:
http://www.dancewithshadows.com/travel/hang-son-doong-photos.asp
And here is a 3rd article:
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article2404763.ece?OTC-RSS&ATTR=News
This article claimed one of the cavers was named Adam Spillane.
And here is the Wikipedia version:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_Doong_Cave
And here is something completely unrelated, but popped up while I was doing
this
search. An Australian theme park lets you swim with giant crocodiles:
http://www.coolthingsinrandomplaces.com/Crocosaurus%20Cove/crocodile_cool%20place%20to%20swim.jpg
David Locklear
caver in Fort Bend County
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