Introductions

Business

• Pay your yearly dues. Dues are $7.50 for individuals ($11 for families) through the end of the year. Payment via PayPal is preferable.
• The NSS virtual convention can be viewed by anyone for free. Visit nsscon2020.org or the NSS YouTube channel.
• Check the TriTrogs Google calendar for upcoming cancellations. As always, the calendar can be found on the TriTrogs.org home page. In short, all mass in-person events have been cancelled or postponed.

Trip Reports Whaaaat

Elise took the train to Pennsylvania to go caving with friends there. As guides at Laurel Caverns, they have access to the otherwise closed cave. Laurel Caverns claims to be the state’s largest cave, but that’s not enough, so they spent four hours digging for more.

Michael M. reports signs of traffic in and around Hancock Cave. He found some trash as far inside as the Funnel Tunnel, and shoelaces tied together leading down the Breakdown Staircase (I have so many questions). He also noticed evidence of trail upheaval outside, leading to the entrance.

Michael has been doing some TAG (Tennessee-Alabama-Georgia) caving.

Martin ventured under his house a few times. Rob watched a cat come down out of a tree.

Upcoming Trips?

Ken says the map of Big Sink Cave is nearly finished. He thinks maybe one more short trip is needed.

Program – Caving and COVID-19

Without encouraging or discouraging the act of caving during this pandemic, Michael M. pulled together some current information from the websites of the states that most often host our caving trips. We also briefly discussed the following considerations.

• travel and carpooling
• caving injuries and response resources
• transmission from humans to cave-dwelling species
• campsites and lodging
• state and local mandates
• private landowner and conservancy guidelines
• restrictions on travel and on gathering sizes
• importance of avoiding cave closures