Folks,
We have a few more slots open for the trip to Deep and Punkin this weekend. This will be a laid back weekend with some caving and some work going on. There are trips planned for Deep Cave every day and we'll have trips to Punkin to watch the bats in the evening. Hopefully, we'll be able to build a fire in the evening. If you have a powerpoint presentation, bring it along and we'll even show some slides. We are asking for a $5 donation to help offset property expenses. Venture Crew 410 will be up helping this weekend as well as leading some trips into the cave. They have been very active at the site having built the bunk beds, helped paint, clean up around the cabin, built trails, and worked on numerous other projects. Please make sure that you are a good example to the youth - as in drinking in moderation is ok, passing out in the fire is probably not, and no giving alcohol to the minors. The use of any illegal substances is not legal on the TCMA property as the laws of the state of Texas do apply. Bring a lawn chair if you want to be comfortable. I am asking that the front cabin room bunks be reserved for folks with breathing machines and other issues. If you don't know whether you can make it until the last minute or might not be able to come for the full weekend, that is OK, just call me and ask. We'll probably have some folks drop out and have room. We have a number of activities planned for the weekend. The highest priorities are as follows - * Go caving * Finish up work on the new outhouse system. We have the walls framed in and two sides covered in hardy plank. We need to install some steps, build a roof, put up porch railings, and install the drop tube. Not hard work but IMPORTANT as the goal is to finally say good bye to the pickle bucket (which will be available for auction at an upcoming caving event). We will also have the ceremonial first dump which will be video-graphed for a future grotto program. * We will be installing bracing on the steel frame to increase strength and rigidity. * We will be laying decking to create the roof of the first floor/ floor for the second floor. * Go caving * Cleaning up some materials around the cabin * Putting in some new camp sites around the cabin. * Painting one of the interior rooms (we have plenty of paint) * Little road work in a few places. * Go caving Tools - We would appreciate it if you could bring the following tools: Chain saw Welder and welding equipment. If you have access to some scrap steel, we could use some 4 or 6 inch I beams, four 2 inch angle iron pieces about 6 feet long, channel, ½ inch rebar etc. Air rotary hammer Pipe wrenches High pressure water sprayer Lopers One quart can of black paint that will stick to a plastic water tank Shovels Hand tools such as screw drivers, wire cutters, Garden rake Cordless drills with rechargeable batteries Extension cords Power tools of all kinds (grinders, saws, sawsalls, Crane with 45 foot boom with greater than 12 ton capacity with rock breaking bit and clam shell (we're going cave hunting) Large dozer for road work and general clearing of cedars Bring old clothes, gloves, hats, etc. Items we could use at the Cabin - Small toaster oven for the kitchen Barbeque grill (build on site or donate) Food - We have not organized a group food program as we have folks coming and going all weekend. Remember, it is about 40 miles to the closest place to eat so make sure you bring your food with you. Cooking in groups is encouraged and we will have the grill working but it may be on it's last legs as it's getting pretty rusty. Water - The water tank is being serviced so we may not have any running water available this weekend. If you want a shower, please bring sufficient water for showers as well as drinking and cooking. Road - The road to the cabin was in good shape the last time I was up there a few months ago. We were able to drive to the cabin in a Toyota Corolla with some car. Be carefull. Also, the 4th gate is now an automatic gate and will open outward when it senses your car. Directions - If you need direction, please email me and I'll send them along. Thanks and hope to see you out there. Phone numbers Geary Schindel 210-326-1576 cell (ATT will work at the cabin) 210-479-2151 home
