The ever popular Bustamante President's Day Project is just over the
horizon. This will be the ninth year that TSA has sponsored this
project which has resulted in a dramatic improvement in the Grutas Del
Palmito and surrounding area. It has drawn cavers, friends, family and
folks just interested in doing a good deed at one of North Americas
outstanding caves. Participants have come from several States in both
the US and Mexico.
In the early years truckloads of trash were hauled out of the cave and
picked up around the upper parking and entrance area, concrete steps
were installed in the first room, conservation, directional and
interpretive signs in both Spanish and English were installed and
graffiti was removed in the first room.
Since that time an improved trail was constructed from the upper
parking area to the entrance, the trail leading to Cabeza de Leon has
been improved above the cave, additional trash has been picked up,
graffiti has been removed along the road, brush has been cleared along
the road and trails and a new hand rail was installed at the entrance.
Inside the cave, the lighting system has been improved, a bridge was
constructed at a dangerous spot on the tour trail, mud was removed
from the steps and formations and, vast amounts of graffiti have been
meticulously removed in all areas of this huge cave. It is truly
amazing what a hundred or so dedicated folks can accomplish over a
weekend.
This year should be no exception. As in the past, Saturday will be the
principle work day and Sunday will be devoted to field trips to area
points of interest. There will be the much enjoyed banquet at the
Ancira on Sunday night and the Monday morning tour of the Mescal
factory on the way out of town.
Information on the Project can be found at:
http://home.austin.rr.com/ojknox/bustainfo.htm
There are still rooms available at the Ancira Hotel. For information
and reservations contact Jan Knox at: [email protected]
Looking forward to seeing you there.
Rune Burnett and Orion Knox
