Biner vs. Rack Lever
Recently, on the Vertical Cavers Facebook page, there was a post about breaking a crossloaded biner with a rack eye. There are documented incidents and fatalities. I even tried it a few years…
Spinning Rappels
We all know that rappelling devices can twist the rope. But, how much? We did some backyard testing to gather a little barely scientific data. I think it is safe…
Bat Survey at Blowing Springs Cave
I helped the NC Wildlife Commission with the bat survey and count at Blowing Springs Cave, NC on Feb 4, 2010. We counted over 1500 bats, a lot for a…
Blowing Cave Entrances, Part 2
Perkins Cave, VA. Perkins Cave is managed by the Appalachian Cave Conservancy. All of the ACC caves are currently closed to reduce the risk of spreading White Nose Syndrome.
Blowing Cave Entrances, Part 1
Crevice Cave, MO. The Pipistrelle entrance. Videos by Chad McCain of Perryville, MO. Crevice Cave is the longest cave in Missouri. The USA Long Cave List puts it at number…
Rappel Test and SAD
Thud. "Uggh." I heard it this weekend—the sound of coverall-ed flesh smacking limestone. Luckily, very luckily, the caver fell backwards wedging across the top of the canyon. He had a…
Pressure Washing Rope
Like many of you, I heard you shouldn't wash caving rope with a pressure washer because dirt could be forced into the core and abrade the fibers. Bruce Smith at…