Schedule
Friday, 9/19
3-10pm Registration, enjoy the company of others.
8-11pm Movie Night - click here to view schedule on tab Movie Night
8-11pm Movie Night - click here to view schedule on tab Movie Night
Saturday, 9/20
7:30 - 8:30 Breakfast - Granola and oatmeal. Coffee starts at 6:30am.
Saturday Seminars:
Title: Field Seminar on Cave Geology
Hours: 9-3pm
Presenter: Bruce Rogers
Location: Meet at the Lobby inside the gift store, then carpool to Grapevine Gulch Cave
Abstract: After leaving in the morning, we drive to Grapevine Gulch, parking inside the fence by special permission. Then we hike to Grapevine Gulch Cave and deciphering the evolution of the cave in situ. Should return by early/mid afternoon. Study will include how a cave forms while inside the cave.
Title: “The Great Cave Hunt”
Hours: 9-12 noon
Presenter: Ralph Squire
Location: Meet at the amphitheater, near the beginning of the trail to the quarry.
Abstract: "Ralph (who is now 85) will present both a historic and a hands on approach to discovering a long lost cave. Old newspaper articles tell of a large cave East of Columbia. Reliable sources have told of being in a large cave about 70 years ago. Ralph has now talked to 23 people who claim to have been in "Columbia Caverns", before it was sealed by locals, who did not want it known. He has done geo-technical surveys to verify its existence. Ralph hopes to develop it as a commercial show cave. After Ralph tells his story of the "Great Cave Hunt", he will take you into the newly re-opened cave (if he gets in before the Seminar). Otherwise, he will allow you to help with his dig, and learn some of his techniques and tools used".
Title: NSS 75th Anniversary Convention Update
Hours: 5:00-5:30pm
Presenter: Matt Bowers
Location: Meeting room above Gift shop
Abstract: In July of 2016, the National Speleological Society's annual convention will return to the Western Region. This week-long event will be held in Ely,
Nevada in the heart of the Great Basin caving area. Founded in 1941, the NSS will celebrate its 75th anniversary that summer. Many plans are in the works to deliver a grand event for the society and the region. This presentation will explain where the production committee stands and where you might be able to help.
Saturday Caving Activities:
Title: Vertical Practice
Hours: 9am-5pm
Organizer: John Gardner
Location: Marble Quarry at the park
Description: Ropes will be rigged for your practice.
Title: Santa Claus and Mushroom Caves
Hours: 9-5pm
Organizer: Chuck Lee
Location: Meet at the center lawn area
Description: The caves are about a 90 minute drive from the Quarry. They are reached by walking
moderately uphill for a half an hour with some scrambling along a ridge.
Santa Claus is a mostly horizontal cave with some easy climbs and is well decorated in places. Good beginner cave and cave for kids. Normal mid 50s temperature and could be done in old clothes. Mushroom has a 40 ft vertical entrance and has a series of horizontal passages, crawl ways and some
down climbs. Good beginner vertical cave and well decorated in places. Normal mid 50s temperature and could be done in old clothes.
If time permits we could visit Lulu Bell Cave which is a stream cave with horizontal passages and vestiges of channelization by miners.
These caves have the usual hazards of being struck by falling rock, falling on rocks, entrapment etc. and require normal gear, lights, helmets, and gloves. Poison oak is around these caves. Rattlesnakes are present in the area and caution is required. Ticks which carry Lyme Disease are found in the area so insect repellent is recommended along with checking for them after the trip. Children must be accompanied by their parent,who assumes all responsibility for their safety.
Liability release forms must be filled out by all participants -parents must fill out one for themself and their child.
Title: Pinnacle Point Cave
Hours: 8am-4pm
Organizer: Steven Johnson
Location: Meet at the center lawn area
Description: About a 30 minute drive from Columbia, followed by a short-but-very-steep hike to the cave (only 0.5 miles as the crow flies but with 800’ elevation gain); the cave has a short, easy vertical drop at the entrance (45’) with no further vertical drops. The rest of the cave has some fun squeezes (most of which are optional) and a small lake at the bottom with about 3 feet of water (and 2 feet of sucking mud) to cross to get to the back of the cave; you’ll be rewarded with cave coral, beautiful marble banding, and some unusually large boxwork.
Because the hike is steep, we’ll want to get an early start to beat the heat, so plan on leaving Columbia at 8AM; figure on being back in Columbia by mid-afternoon. Because the cave is small, we may need to limit the group size, so sign up early if this is the trip you really want. The cave temperature is typical for the Mother Lode (55F or so), but be prepared to wade through water waist-deep or so; most people will be happier if they wear a polypro base layer for (at least) their lower body.
PLEASE NOTE: vertical equipment is required and due to the lake and mud at the bottom, it’s highly recommended that you bring a complete change of clothes for afterwards (and a trash bag to put mud-covered gear into).
Title: Toppled Table Talus
Hours: 9-5pm
Organizer: Nick Schalemberger
Location: Meet at the center lawn area
Description: TTT (Toppled Table Talus) is an area of basalt talus broken down from a cliff on the northern edge of Table Mountain, near Jamestown. There are numerous caves among the breakdown, including TTT itself, Crack of Doom, and Ant Farm.
TTT has a very short vertical entrance, about 20 feet. Crack of Doom has a vertical entrance of about 90 feet. At the bottom of TTT and Crack of Doom both, are horizontal passages going several hundred feet. Ant Farm is also mostly vertical, but does not need rope because it is narrow enough with ledges that it is possible to free climb throughout it.
Evening
Saturday Seminars:
Title: Field Seminar on Cave Geology
Hours: 9-3pm
Presenter: Bruce Rogers
Location: Meet at the Lobby inside the gift store, then carpool to Grapevine Gulch Cave
Abstract: After leaving in the morning, we drive to Grapevine Gulch, parking inside the fence by special permission. Then we hike to Grapevine Gulch Cave and deciphering the evolution of the cave in situ. Should return by early/mid afternoon. Study will include how a cave forms while inside the cave.
Title: “The Great Cave Hunt”
Hours: 9-12 noon
Presenter: Ralph Squire
Location: Meet at the amphitheater, near the beginning of the trail to the quarry.
Abstract: "Ralph (who is now 85) will present both a historic and a hands on approach to discovering a long lost cave. Old newspaper articles tell of a large cave East of Columbia. Reliable sources have told of being in a large cave about 70 years ago. Ralph has now talked to 23 people who claim to have been in "Columbia Caverns", before it was sealed by locals, who did not want it known. He has done geo-technical surveys to verify its existence. Ralph hopes to develop it as a commercial show cave. After Ralph tells his story of the "Great Cave Hunt", he will take you into the newly re-opened cave (if he gets in before the Seminar). Otherwise, he will allow you to help with his dig, and learn some of his techniques and tools used".
Title: NSS 75th Anniversary Convention Update
Hours: 5:00-5:30pm
Presenter: Matt Bowers
Location: Meeting room above Gift shop
Abstract: In July of 2016, the National Speleological Society's annual convention will return to the Western Region. This week-long event will be held in Ely,
Nevada in the heart of the Great Basin caving area. Founded in 1941, the NSS will celebrate its 75th anniversary that summer. Many plans are in the works to deliver a grand event for the society and the region. This presentation will explain where the production committee stands and where you might be able to help.
Saturday Caving Activities:
Title: Vertical Practice
Hours: 9am-5pm
Organizer: John Gardner
Location: Marble Quarry at the park
Description: Ropes will be rigged for your practice.
Title: Santa Claus and Mushroom Caves
Hours: 9-5pm
Organizer: Chuck Lee
Location: Meet at the center lawn area
Description: The caves are about a 90 minute drive from the Quarry. They are reached by walking
moderately uphill for a half an hour with some scrambling along a ridge.
Santa Claus is a mostly horizontal cave with some easy climbs and is well decorated in places. Good beginner cave and cave for kids. Normal mid 50s temperature and could be done in old clothes. Mushroom has a 40 ft vertical entrance and has a series of horizontal passages, crawl ways and some
down climbs. Good beginner vertical cave and well decorated in places. Normal mid 50s temperature and could be done in old clothes.
If time permits we could visit Lulu Bell Cave which is a stream cave with horizontal passages and vestiges of channelization by miners.
These caves have the usual hazards of being struck by falling rock, falling on rocks, entrapment etc. and require normal gear, lights, helmets, and gloves. Poison oak is around these caves. Rattlesnakes are present in the area and caution is required. Ticks which carry Lyme Disease are found in the area so insect repellent is recommended along with checking for them after the trip. Children must be accompanied by their parent,who assumes all responsibility for their safety.
Liability release forms must be filled out by all participants -parents must fill out one for themself and their child.
Title: Pinnacle Point Cave
Hours: 8am-4pm
Organizer: Steven Johnson
Location: Meet at the center lawn area
Description: About a 30 minute drive from Columbia, followed by a short-but-very-steep hike to the cave (only 0.5 miles as the crow flies but with 800’ elevation gain); the cave has a short, easy vertical drop at the entrance (45’) with no further vertical drops. The rest of the cave has some fun squeezes (most of which are optional) and a small lake at the bottom with about 3 feet of water (and 2 feet of sucking mud) to cross to get to the back of the cave; you’ll be rewarded with cave coral, beautiful marble banding, and some unusually large boxwork.
Because the hike is steep, we’ll want to get an early start to beat the heat, so plan on leaving Columbia at 8AM; figure on being back in Columbia by mid-afternoon. Because the cave is small, we may need to limit the group size, so sign up early if this is the trip you really want. The cave temperature is typical for the Mother Lode (55F or so), but be prepared to wade through water waist-deep or so; most people will be happier if they wear a polypro base layer for (at least) their lower body.
PLEASE NOTE: vertical equipment is required and due to the lake and mud at the bottom, it’s highly recommended that you bring a complete change of clothes for afterwards (and a trash bag to put mud-covered gear into).
Title: Toppled Table Talus
Hours: 9-5pm
Organizer: Nick Schalemberger
Location: Meet at the center lawn area
Description: TTT (Toppled Table Talus) is an area of basalt talus broken down from a cliff on the northern edge of Table Mountain, near Jamestown. There are numerous caves among the breakdown, including TTT itself, Crack of Doom, and Ant Farm.
TTT has a very short vertical entrance, about 20 feet. Crack of Doom has a vertical entrance of about 90 feet. At the bottom of TTT and Crack of Doom both, are horizontal passages going several hundred feet. Ant Farm is also mostly vertical, but does not need rope because it is narrow enough with ledges that it is possible to free climb throughout it.
Evening
- 6-7pm Dinner- BBQ Chicken, salad, baked potatoes, NY cheesecake
- 7 - 8:30pm Western Regional Meeting. Above gift shop / theater
- 8:30 - 9:30pm - Auction
- 9 - 11pm - The Hot Dark - live music. Clubhouse
Sunday, 9/21
7:30-8:30am Breakfast - Bacon & eggs. Coffee starts at 6:30am.
Sunday Seminars:
Title: “Breaking Rock”
Hours: 9-12 noon
Organizer: Ralph Squire
Location: Meet in front of the park’s office, and then take a short walk to one of Ralph’s dig sites.
Description: "Sometimes, you've just gotta break some rock. No one knows this better than Ralph, who has devoted many years to trying to locate "Columbia Caverns". Methods and techniques, gleaned from his experience, will be demonstrated. Attendees will be allowed to participate in 'hands on' efforts, to break up a large marble boulder, using both wedges and feathers, and micro blasting".
Title: Cave Photography at Natural Bridges
Hours: 9-12 noon or later (bring your lunch)
Organizer: Dave Bunnell
Location: 1st hour or so at the meeting room above Gift shop then short carpool to beautiful Natural Bridges
Description: Award winning photographer will share his secrets to creating terrific cave photography. The first hour will be basic cave photography 101 explaining the “how to’s” of choosing cameras and various equipment. Then a short drive and hike to the lower Natural Bridges cave. Participants will shoot their own pictures using radio, optical and human slaves. There will be plenty of time for questions and one on one with Dave. So bring your cameras and your questions! And don’t forget your helmets, lights and water shoes.
Others: who want to help out or just enjoy the hike, swim and cave explorations at Natural Bridges are welcome to join the trip. Please see "Natural Bridges Cave Party" in Sunday Caving Activities section below.
Title: GIS for cavers
Hours: 12:30-1:30pm
Organizer: Nick Schmalenberger
Location: Clubhouse
Description: First, an explanation of basic GIS concepts such as vector, raster, and georeferencing. Then, a demonstration of how to import an unreferenced map and trace a feature from it. We will then practice using it in Google Earth, Google Maps, a handheld GPS or any other map.
If there is time, a demonstration of loading it onto GPS.
Sunday Caving Activities:
Title: Vertical Practice
Hours: 9-2pm
Organizer: John Gardner
Location: Marble Quarry at the park
Description: Ropes will be rigged. Come and practice.
Title: Natural Bridges Cave Party
Hours: 10 am-afternoon
Organizer: Dave Bunnell
Location: Meet in room above gift shop after Cave Photography class is over
Description: A short drive to one of CA best state parks gets you an easy 1 mile hike and a leisurely float across a cathedral spired ceiling. Warm your body on hot rocks after a nice swim and have a picnic under the trees. A great trip for families with small kids. Bring floaties and water shoes!
Title: Windeler Cave - FULL.
Hours: 9-5pm
Organizer: Ron Davis
Location: Meet in center lawn area
Description: One of the Mother Lode's most beautiful treasures. Interested cavers must be from out of the local area, in other words, your grotto does not already have an annual trip. There is a tight vertical constriction at the entrance to the cave, so vertical skills must be either demonstrated, or vouched for before the trip on Sunday. Trip limit is 5 plus the leader. Email FULL to sign up.
Sunday Seminars:
Title: “Breaking Rock”
Hours: 9-12 noon
Organizer: Ralph Squire
Location: Meet in front of the park’s office, and then take a short walk to one of Ralph’s dig sites.
Description: "Sometimes, you've just gotta break some rock. No one knows this better than Ralph, who has devoted many years to trying to locate "Columbia Caverns". Methods and techniques, gleaned from his experience, will be demonstrated. Attendees will be allowed to participate in 'hands on' efforts, to break up a large marble boulder, using both wedges and feathers, and micro blasting".
Title: Cave Photography at Natural Bridges
Hours: 9-12 noon or later (bring your lunch)
Organizer: Dave Bunnell
Location: 1st hour or so at the meeting room above Gift shop then short carpool to beautiful Natural Bridges
Description: Award winning photographer will share his secrets to creating terrific cave photography. The first hour will be basic cave photography 101 explaining the “how to’s” of choosing cameras and various equipment. Then a short drive and hike to the lower Natural Bridges cave. Participants will shoot their own pictures using radio, optical and human slaves. There will be plenty of time for questions and one on one with Dave. So bring your cameras and your questions! And don’t forget your helmets, lights and water shoes.
Others: who want to help out or just enjoy the hike, swim and cave explorations at Natural Bridges are welcome to join the trip. Please see "Natural Bridges Cave Party" in Sunday Caving Activities section below.
Title: GIS for cavers
Hours: 12:30-1:30pm
Organizer: Nick Schmalenberger
Location: Clubhouse
Description: First, an explanation of basic GIS concepts such as vector, raster, and georeferencing. Then, a demonstration of how to import an unreferenced map and trace a feature from it. We will then practice using it in Google Earth, Google Maps, a handheld GPS or any other map.
If there is time, a demonstration of loading it onto GPS.
Sunday Caving Activities:
Title: Vertical Practice
Hours: 9-2pm
Organizer: John Gardner
Location: Marble Quarry at the park
Description: Ropes will be rigged. Come and practice.
Title: Natural Bridges Cave Party
Hours: 10 am-afternoon
Organizer: Dave Bunnell
Location: Meet in room above gift shop after Cave Photography class is over
Description: A short drive to one of CA best state parks gets you an easy 1 mile hike and a leisurely float across a cathedral spired ceiling. Warm your body on hot rocks after a nice swim and have a picnic under the trees. A great trip for families with small kids. Bring floaties and water shoes!
Title: Windeler Cave - FULL.
Hours: 9-5pm
Organizer: Ron Davis
Location: Meet in center lawn area
Description: One of the Mother Lode's most beautiful treasures. Interested cavers must be from out of the local area, in other words, your grotto does not already have an annual trip. There is a tight vertical constriction at the entrance to the cave, so vertical skills must be either demonstrated, or vouched for before the trip on Sunday. Trip limit is 5 plus the leader. Email FULL to sign up.