texascavers Digest 26 Aug 2008 16:06:19 -0000 Issue 596
Topics (messages 8813 through 8831):
Re: OT - Tropical Storm Fay
8813 by: Alex Sproul
sturdy little truck sold!
8814 by: sajarama.oztotl.com
Caving/surveying this weekend?
8815 by: Travis Scott
Room for rider to Punkin/Deep work weekend.
8816 by: Chris Vreeland
Bat related
8817 by: dirtdoc.comcast.net
8826 by: Fritz Holt
8827 by: Fritz Holt
Texas Cavers Reunion!
8818 by: ac.kihikihi.com
8819 by: ac.kihikihi.com
8824 by: Fritz Holt
8825 by: Fritz Holt
8828 by: Ron Miller
8829 by: ac.kihikihi.com
Labor Day Weekend at Punkin and Deep
8820 by: Geary Schindel
Bexar Grotto meeting tonight
8821 by: Geary Schindel
8823 by: Randy Baker
OT Caver Birthday
8822 by: wesley s
correction - AA batteries
8830 by: David
Re: cave videos - Hart Attack
8831 by: Alex Sproul
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--- Begin Message ---
Locklear said:
>The campground at the former NSS Convention is forecasted to have
>tropical storm conditions for the several days, and rain for 10 days.
I got this from Lee Florea on Friday:
Lake City declared in state of emergency
Declaration approved unanimously ahead of Fay’s local impact.
By JEFF M. HARDISON
Published: Thursday, August 21, 2008 6:21 AM EDT
Mayor Stephen Witt declared Wednesday evening at an emergency meeting
that Lake City is in a state of emergency as a result of the potential
impact on the city from Tropical Storm Fay.
The Lake City City Council unanimously approved the resolution, which
mirrors the Columbia County Board of County Commissioners’ action on
Monday. Both declarations are set to expire Aug. 25 — one week after the
county made its declaration.
City Attorney Herbert Darby said this declaration allows City Manager
Scott Reynolds to make emergency purchases of services and supplies
without having to tend to the normal bid process.
>Had the convention been in a few days, it would have been much
>more memorable.
Sometimes truth is stranger than conjecture. The convention committee had
originally scheduled the convention a week later, but was convinced to move it up
due to the potential loss of students and teachers.
Alex
--
Alex Sproul, NSS 8086
NSS IT Committee
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Thanks for the replies. The truck is sold!!!
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Cavers,
There is a trip this weekend (aug. 30th) to a ranch near Vance. Fountain Cave
is very nearby and needs have it's survey completed. Bev Shade and others
began a survey of the cave a while back but the survey was not finished and we
haven't been back. I need to get a survey team (with a good sketcher) out to
finish the cave this weekend. The group going won't have any surveyors, so I
am hoping I can get at least one survey team of three to join them for the
weekend. The owner is great and there is great river access, its always fun
out there. The survey probably won't take all that long to complete, its not
that long of a cave. I have the notes and will send them when a team is
organized.
Unless, of course, if Bev could come and finish it up?
If you can sketch or can play a role in surveying next weekend and can make it
to Vance, tx, please let me know. Thanks!
Travis
Fritz, sorry for late notice, hope you can make it!
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I'm heading out to the Labor day work weekend at Punkin/Deep this
Friday from Central Austin, probably noon-ish, (no later than 3-ish)
and have room for 2 riders, if you travel light. You'll need to get on
the official list with Geary Schindel first, to make sure there's
room, but I can be reached at (512) 289-3510.
No AC, but 8500 songs on the iPod.
Chris.
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--- Begin Message ---
http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_10284961
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This reporter was obviously uninformed (until now) about the beneficial roll
that bats play in our society. She should not seek a position at BCI.
Fritz
________________________________
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Sunday, August 24, 2008 10:50 PM
To: Cave Texas; Cave NM
Subject: [Texascavers] Bat related
http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_10284961
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--- Begin Message ---
Maybe I should have said "HE".
Fritz
________________________________
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Sunday, August 24, 2008 10:50 PM
To: Cave Texas; Cave NM
Subject: [Texascavers] Bat related
http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_10284961
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--- Begin Message ---
Greetings y'all,
Summer is coming to a close and everyone is looking at what to do over Labor
Day Weekend. As you starting thinking about your fall plans, make sure you
write down the date for the Texas Cavers Reunion. TCR will take place on
the weekend of October 10-12 and will once again be at Paradise Canyon
(http://paradisecanyon.com/). This is the second weekend of October rather
than the traditional third weekend of October. We had a scheduling conflict
with the site and the date change was the best move. Being a little earlier
in October should give us slightly warming weather so we can all enjoy the
Blanco River. For directions, see either the Paradise Canyon website or
visit www.oztotl.com/tcr.
This year we are bringing back an old tradition that is being set up by Don
Broussard.
Tarp Sale! Caving gear you no longer use. Camping gear anyone could use.
Bring that wet suit which shrank too much to wear anymore. That head lamp
you do not like. Slide projectors, flash bulbs, someone must want it!
A big blue tarp will lay on the ground. Put a price tag including your name
on your item. If you see something you like, put your money and its price
tag in the box on the corner of the tarp. Saturday before supper come by
the box and extract your tag and money. This is not a supervised tarp; we
trust one another to be honest.
Money not collected Saturday will be saved until you arrise Sunday. Find
Don Broussard for any questions.
Make your plans to be at TCR for all the fun!
See y'all there...
Allan
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--- Begin Message ---
Being a little earlier in October should give us slightly warming weather
so we can all enjoy the Blanco River.
Doh! That should read the Medina River.
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Allan/Linda,
Are we going to have a garage sale as we did last year to donate the proceeds
to TCMA?
Fritz
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Monday, August 25, 2008 8:28 AM
To: Cave Texas; Cave NM
Subject: [Texascavers] Texas Cavers Reunion!
Greetings y'all,
Summer is coming to a close and everyone is looking at what to do over Labor
Day Weekend. As you starting thinking about your fall plans, make sure you
write down the date for the Texas Cavers Reunion. TCR will take place on
the weekend of October 10-12 and will once again be at Paradise Canyon
(http://paradisecanyon.com/). This is the second weekend of October rather
than the traditional third weekend of October. We had a scheduling conflict
with the site and the date change was the best move. Being a little earlier
in October should give us slightly warming weather so we can all enjoy the
Blanco River. For directions, see either the Paradise Canyon website or
visit www.oztotl.com/tcr.
This year we are bringing back an old tradition that is being set up by Don
Broussard.
Tarp Sale! Caving gear you no longer use. Camping gear anyone could use.
Bring that wet suit which shrank too much to wear anymore. That head lamp
you do not like. Slide projectors, flash bulbs, someone must want it!
A big blue tarp will lay on the ground. Put a price tag including your name
on your item. If you see something you like, put your money and its price
tag in the box on the corner of the tarp. Saturday before supper come by
the box and extract your tag and money. This is not a supervised tarp; we
trust one another to be honest.
Money not collected Saturday will be saved until you arrise Sunday. Find
Don Broussard for any questions.
Make your plans to be at TCR for all the fun!
See y'all there...
Allan
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All Texas rivers west of the Balcones Fault are fantastic (clear).
Fritz
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Monday, August 25, 2008 8:37 AM
To: Cave Texas; Cave NM
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Texas Cavers Reunion!
> Being a little earlier in October should give us slightly warming weather
> so we can all enjoy the Blanco River.
Doh! That should read the Medina River.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Visit our website: http://texascavers.com
To unsubscribe, e-mail: [email protected]
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--- Begin Message ---
I was informed by someone who called the campground that there would be a
$50/night fee for those with RV's. There is no designated RV spaces from what I
can remember and there is no electrical hookups. Can someone verify what the RV
accommodation's is going to be? Inquiring minds want to know.
Ron Miller
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I'm not sure what the RV situation will be as they have made some changes in
the park. I am meeting with the owner of the park and will see what I can find
out. We still have several details to work out. I will post more information
as it becomes available.
Allan
----- Original Message -----
From: Ron Miller
To: [email protected] ; Cave Texas
Sent: Monday, August 25, 2008 4:10 PM
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Texas Cavers Reunion!
I was informed by someone who called the campground that there would be a
$50/night fee for those with RV's. There is no designated RV spaces from what I
can remember and there is no electrical hookups. Can someone verify what the RV
accommodation's is going to be? Inquiring minds want to know.
Ron Miller
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com
Version: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 270.6.7/1631 - Release Date: 8/24/2008 12:15
PM
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--- Begin Message ---
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
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Tonight, Monday, August 25, 2008
The Bexar Grotto of the NSS has a special guest who will be talking
about the natural history of snakes in Texas, snake identification,
snake biology and ecology, so be there if you don't suffer from
ophidiophobia. I understand that Joe Noshoulders himself may make an
appearance (at least in the parking lot). Hope you can make it, the
meeting starts at 7 PM at Chester's Hamburgers located at 281 and Mecca
Street.
Geary Schindel,
Program Officer
PS - ophidiophobia is the fear of snakes
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If you plan to attend the Bexar Grotto meeting, you might want to
download/print your very own copy of the Bexar Grotto calendar from our website:
http://www.caves.org/grotto/bexargrotto/Bexar_Calendar.pdf
It comes in handy for seeing what's coming up in the Grotto and elsewhere, and
it also makes excellent note-taking and doodling paper.
Randy Baker
Bexar Grotto Webmaster
--- On Mon, 8/25/08, Geary Schindel <[email protected]> wrote:
> The Bexar Grotto of the NSS has a special guest who will be talking
> about the natural history of snakes in Texas, snake identification,
> snake biology and ecology, so be there if you don't suffer from
> ophidiophobia. I understand that Joe Noshoulders himself may make an
> appearance (at least in the parking lot). Hope you can make it, the
> meeting starts at 7 PM at Chester's Hamburgers located at 281 and
> Mecca Street.
>
>
>
> Geary Schindel,
>
> Program Officer
>
>
>
> PS - ophidiophobia is the fear of snakes
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--- Begin Message ---
Hey Everybody,
There is going to be a party for your favorite caver mom and model Carol
Schumacher at the South Congress Athletic Club at 5:30 on Sat Sep 6th. So come
on out and wish her a happy birthday. More details will be forthcoming or just
call 512-303-5648.
Wes~
South Congress Athletic Club Marc Frasier 1109 S. Congress Ave. Austin, Texas
78704 512 445-0773 Saturday, September 6th @ 5:30
_________________________________________________________________
Get ideas on sharing photos from people like you. Find new ways to share.
http://www.windowslive.com/explore/photogallery/posts?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_Photo_Gallery_082008
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
The new "Advanced Lithium" batteries are NOT more powerful, but
actually have 1/3 less capacity.
Apparently, Energizer's goal is to market a less expensive
battery, for people who wont buy the "e2" batteriies.
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>The passage has a beautiful flow of white sand streaming thru the
>squeeze. Yet the passage is not silted and the cinematography looks
>like it was filmed in high def. ( I can't wait to watch it on a 65 inch flat
>screen )
>That scene of forcing the way through the squeeze scared the crap out of
>me. The current made for a sandstorm of downstream.
It indeed does look scary, but I'm told that constriction is now 6' high. It's in
Hart Springs, hence the name, as I finally found out from Jill Heinerth.
That same sequence (though filmed at another time) was included in Hidden
Rivers of Florida which won Best of Show in 2003, which is why Hart Attack
didn't place this time. And yes, all of Wes Skiles' work is now filmed in HD.
BTW, all the salon videos are now up on the NSS web site, so you can also
see the intro sequence that flubbed during the performance. New this year
are higher resolution versions that you can download and play full-screen.
They ain't Hi-Def, and probably won't look all that great on a 65-inch
flatscreen, but are much more pleasing than the little 352x240 streaming
videos.
You can find the winners page
here
. But be warned, if you're on a slow
connection, some of the hi-res files are up to 50 MB.
All the entries are also in the
NSS AV Library
, for you folks with 65" flat
panels...
Alex
--
Alex Sproul, NSS 8086RL/FE
Chair, 2008 NSS Video Salon
540.377.6364 Skype: alex.sproul
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