NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Explore on Four
We got a late start because we couldn’t properly connect to the museum’s wi-fi. Stephan set up a mobile hotspot from his own phone in order to broadcast the meeting.
The meeting began around 7:45 PM.
The introduction question was: What age (how old) were you when you went on your first wild cave trip. Most of the people who could provide an answer also reported a numerical age they have attained, which included 7, 18, 22, 24, 27, and 37, with other attendees yet to find out.
Attending in person: Matthew B (leading), Taylor O, Eli R, Chris T, Zeke VF, Stephan F, Mark D, Cat C, Emily G, Ken W, Ray, Lou-ellen (sp?), Theo, Nathan, Dennis V, Quentin, Jimmy
Joining online: Alan O, Alex B, Ben, Melanie D, John B, Piotr
Stephan came prepared to give everyone a brief talk about paying their dues.
The extended trip to the back of New River Cave was covered. Four cavers spent 21 hours finding their way to the back of the cave and returning. It was noted that eating a hot meal inside the cave boosted the morale of the beleaguered crew.
Melanie talked about going to Hell Hole on a Friday night, and she had an important note about stopping to assess problems and peculiarities when they are detected.
Some TriTrogs went out to Cyclops Cave to help Flittermouse Grotto with a repair project. They got the opportunity to visit Salamander Cave, and found that it was appropriately named.
Upcoming engagements include:
May 2 – Low Moor Cleanup
May 7 – Spring VAR
May 8 – NeXus at Camp Durant
May 15 – Social in the Shire (at the museum)
May 15 – SCCI Homecoming Weekend
July 6 – NSS Convention in Indiana
July 11 – Maxwell, Scott Hollow, and others (Bone-Norman is out)
Sept 19 – Annual Grotto Trip
Stephan gave a very interesting presentation on the geology of Low Moor Cave, the mine, and the surrounding area, and I’m sure he’d be happy to share his research with any curious people.
We announced that people could proceed to the Raleigh Times if they wished, and the meeting ended at about 9:26 PM.