New Horizons leads caving programs to a wide array of caves in Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, and Indiana. We are members of The James River Grotto (JRG).
Level of Difficulty:
Many of the caves are considered to be beginning caves. These caves are typically large, with mostly walking-upright passages, some crawling. Some are considered dry caves and others have mud slides to flowing streams and rivers. Advanced caves can be long in duration, a large amount of breakdown, rivers running through them or steep drop offs. In advanced caves we use webbing, ropes, harnesses, and wire ladders to gain access, which assists us in the management of risk. Each time we cave we have an emergency plan and call out.
Professional Associations:
We are members of the James River Grotto (JRG), which in turn belongs to the National Speleological Society (NSS). Paul Stern, Coordinator of New Horizons, is a James River Grotto Member, President and board member.
Caving brochures and check lists:
(click on images for the brochure. Brochures are in PDF format.) Introduction
Caving is an accelerating adventure. Caving may not be for everyone; however, trying it once may lead to future adventures for a lifetime. Caves are so dark that you literally cannot see your hand in front of your face, much less another caver's face or a pit in the unknown path ahead.
Caves can be wet and cold, (usually 52 degrees in Virginia) and a chilling wind can blow in and through them. These conditions can easily lead to hypothermia for an in ill-prepared caver. Caves can flood, trapping the cavers for days with no food or potable water. If an injury happens, it could take days to extract the victim because the passages may be too small for a rescue litter, and for many other reasons. It is essential that all participants be reasonably prepared for the hazards, challenges, and unexpected events that may be encountered on a caving trip. Your well-being depends on how well prepared you are for caving.
For more complete information on the nature of caves and caving, read the NSS caving brochure, A Guide to Responsible Caving, available on line through links at the NSS website.
Basic caving gear for individuals
The safety of every caver must be the primary consideration. Those arriving without the required items will not be allowed to go caving.
Helmet
Helmets guard against head injury, and an adjustable, non-elastic chin strap attached to the helmet at three or four points is vital for keeping the helmet properly positioned on the head. Proper head protection can save a caver’s life, even in a short fall, and protects against other impacts with the cave ceiling, walls, or floor. Additionally, the helmet provides the support for hands-free lights, and spare lights.
There are several types of helmets available that offer different levels of protection. Some helmets are unsuitable for caving. Buy the best climbing/caving helmet you can afford. Helmets that offer the most protection are not significantly more expensive than helmets that offer minimum protection. Consider that the most expensive helmet is far less expensive than an emergency room visit, or the special care required after a brain injury. A helmet that meets UIAA (Union Internationale des Association d’Alpinisme) standards for climbing may provide superior protection during caving accidents to a “bump” or construction helmet. If the helmet is supplied by the cave guide, it is up to you, as the participant, to determine if the helmet’s safety features provide adequate protection.
Helmet-mounted light
A helmet-mounted light keeps the caver’s hands free for balance and support, reduces the risk of the light being dropped, lost, or broken, and automatically provides light wherever the caver looks. It should provide adequate light to safely navigate over uneven passages. A set of fresh batteries should be installed at the beginning of the trip. Spare batteries should also be available. They are best kept in dry baggies, inside the caver's pack.
Boots
These can be hiking boots, military combat boots, or work boots as long as they have ankle support and non-slip lug soles. Caving ruins boots quickly, but applying a waterproofing treatment will help protect boot leather. Flimsy footwear, smooth soles, and athletic shoes can be dangerous in a cave and should not be used.
Socks
Synthetic sock liners worn under wool or synthetic socks work best for blister prevention and warmth. Wool and synthetics insulate well even when wet. Cotton socks may encourage blistering and provide no warmth when wet.
Cave clothing
Caves vary from being dry, warm, and comfortable to being very wet, cold, and unpleasant. Most caves are cool (52-53 degrees) enough that warm clothing is required. Dress in layers so that if overheating occurs, a layer of clothing can be removed. Hypothermia, which is a subnormal body temperature, can be a serious risk when inadequate clothing is worn.
In cooler caves, cavers may want to wear wool or synthetic fiber long-john tops and bottoms as a first layer over their normal underwear, and woolen or synthetic fibers for any other layers. Cave clothing should not inhibit freedom of movement, but not be so loose or baggy that it is prone to snagging on rocks. Be aware that zippers can become clogged with mud. When selecting clothing, remember that cavers may become muddy and wet, and clothing may get torn and dirty. Consider buying caving clothes from a thrift store.
Gloves
Work, gardening, or durable rubber gloves will protect the hands from sharp rocks, and help keep them clean. Gloves should fit the caver’s hands so that they do not come off easily. Light synthetic liner gloves as a first layer will help keep hands warm.
Knee and elbow pads
These are strongly advised if a cave requires much crawling. Knee and elbow pads can make the difference between a good caving trip and a miserable one. They may also prevent injury to knees and elbows that could terminate a trip or require a cave rescue. Volleyball-type pads are generally sufficient. Additionally, caver supply stores (on the Internet) carry pads that work well for caving.
Pack
A small day hike pack, or large fanny pack are good choices. Although packs made from synthetic material are preferred, military surplus side packs such as gas mask bags with a single shoulder strap are inexpensive and durable options for cave packs. Any pack used needs to close securely and without the possibility of its contents inadvertently spilling out. It also must be carried comfortably, leaving both hands free. Packs may become ripped or permanently stained with mud.
Consider packing the following items in resealable plastic containers that fit inside the pack. Hard plastic containers may help keep more fragile contents safe if the pack is dropped. Plastic baggies also work.
Spare Lights
Lights can fail and break. Losing all light in a cave, or traveling with inadequate light, can lead to injuries, fatalities, or a delay in exiting. Carry at least two back-up sources of lighting. Each of these lights must be capable of being mounted on the helmet, and provide enough light to safely exit the cave.
Batteries
Cave trips may last longer than intended. Batteries, enough to last three times as long as the expected trip, are essential for safe caving. It is convenient if all light sources use the same size batteries. If the primary light breaks towards the beginning of the trip, the backup lights must have enough batteries to last at least three times longer than expected trip.
Spare bulbs
Bulbs burn out, and incandescent bulbs break. Carry at least one backup bulb for each incandescent (non-LED) light source.
Drinking water
It is important for cavers to stay hydrated, and the water in caves is not safe to drink. Water must be in a durable, unbreakable container with a secure lid, such as a Nalgene bottle or flask, which fits into the caver’s pack.
A large plastic garbage bag
A large plastic garbage bag is placed in the caving helmet or pack to help keep the caver dry in wet passages, or as an extra layer to preserve heat, especially when not moving.
Food
Depending on the planned duration of the trip, cavers may want to pack durable and compact food that can be eaten with minimal mess, crumbs, fluid, and trash. Gorp, beef jerky, simple sandwiches, and dried fruit are some options. Bring an extra amount of food in case the trip takes longer than expected. Containers for food need to be unbreakable and water resistant, and fit easily into cave packs.
Whistle
A whistle may be of benefit when attracting the attention of other cavers or a rescue group.
Duct tape
Duct tape may be useful for making emergency repairs or for attaching back-up lights to helmets. A three-foot length rolled up on itself or around a water or pee bottle is generally sufficient and takes up little space in the pack
Medications
Adults on the caving trip must be aware of the medical condition of each participant on the caving trip. Any medications that may be required while the participants are underground, and instructions for their use, should be provided to the group leader. If a problem were to occur that prohibited an exit from the cave under a participant’s own power, it could be hours, if not days, before there is access to proper medical care. Asthma can be induced because of cold, wet, and dusty conditions.
Complete change of clothes and shoes
Caving clothes will get dirty, muddy, or wet. A change of clothing, including socks, shoes, and underwear is necessary for the ride home. Paper towels, water, or pre-moistened wipes are helpful for getting cleaned up. A second large plastic garbage bag is used to hold dirty clothing and equipment during the trip home.
Paperwork
Bring all the necessary permits, consent forms, and waivers needed for the trip, as required. It is important to bring a completed health form on the trip. Caving accidents rarely happen, but should one occur, it might help rescue efforts to have medical information readily available.
Optional equipment:
Space blanket- Space blankets can help keep cavers warm and dry in emergencies. Cavers may carry these either in their helmets or packs.
Hand warmer pouches- These chemical heat-generators can provide warmth for a short period of time; however, they are no substitute for proper clothing, a well-planned and conducted trip, and if necessary, effective victim management.
Disposable flash camera- The cave environment can easily destroy a camera if great care is not taken. Point-and-shoot cameras with a flash will provide snapshots at a close range to the subject; however, most cave photographs require more lighting than can be easily provided without extra flash units. A disposable flash camera, packed in a press-and-seal freezer bag, might provide a good alternative to carrying an expensive and more delicate camera.
After-trip snack- Bring something simple to eat and drink after emerging from the cave, such as a sandwich and a drink in a plastic screw-top bottle. Don’t depend on country stores to be open late at night.
Money for incidentals- Money may be needed to contribute to gasoline expenses, or the group may choose to stop for a snack or meal on the way home.
Group equipment list
First aid kit- At least one person in each group should carry a compact, basic first aid kit for common injuries or medical problems that may occur on the cave trip.
Cave map and compass- Each adult should carry a copy of the cave map and a compass for assistance when the group needs help route finding. The cave guide should be able to provide the map.
Pencil and notepad- These items may be used to take notes to assist in remembering events, send or leave messages, or assist in planning future trips.
Emergency cache- Bring an emergency cache that includes blankets or sleeping bag, a more extensive first aid kit, and other equipment that may be needed in case of severe injuries. These may be stored in a nearby car or other quickly reached location.
Space blanket- Each group should carry at least one of these in case it is needed.
Disclaimer:
Caving is risk-taking; some of the risks are, but not limited to:
Falling, getting wet, cold, and potentially hypothermic, twisting an ankle, walking in darkness, death.
New Horizons leaders will make every attempt to lead, guide, and provide a safe environment for participants. New Horizons makes no representation and offers no warranty about the quality, safety, contents, performance, merchantability, non infringement, or suitability of caving. Neither is New Horizons liable for direct, indirect, punitive, special, incidental, or consequential damages; however, they may arise, even when they have been advised of the possibility of such damages. Liability and assessment of responsibility for all who read this must assess the quality and applicability of this information. No liability will be accepted for the use or misuse of this information or for consequences that result from its use or misuse.
The Science of Caves (provided by NSS)
SPELEOGENESIS: Cave formation, or speleogenesis, is caused by water eroding soft rock and mineral deposits beneath the surface of the earth. Over the course of thousands of years, this process opens up great voids underground, called caves. The topography of the land above a cave is described as being karst and often exhibits short but steep depressions, sinkholes, swallow holes, and hopefully cave entrances.
As the caves open up, water begins to create speleothems, or cave formations. Mineral-rich droplets of water create cave formations as they drip from ceiling to floor. As the droplets of water cling to the roof of the cave, the evaporation may leave mineral deposits that build in to stalactites (StalaCtites hold tight to the ceiling). If they drop to the ground, the dissolved minerals will deposit on the floor creating stalagmites (StalaGmites might grow to the ceiling). If these two formations grow to touch each other, they form a column. Speleothems take thousands of years to form, but are very fragile and can be easily broken by careless cavers.
In 100 years, a speleothem is likely to grow only one cubic centimeter. Cave formations are mostly calcite crystals. If a person touches a formation, the formation will stop growing because body oils found on your hands will prevent crystal growth. Many cave formations are composed of calcite, gypsum, or aragonite. Calcite formations have several color variations depending on trace mineral concentrations. Pure calcite is white; yellow, brown, or red is caused by limonite (a form of iron ore) staining. Black colors may be caused by the addition of carbon (soot) or manganese, while green or blue color in the calcite shows that copper is present.
Because caves form from water, they may be very subject to rainfalls and the water table. If there have been recent heavy rains, then it is possible that the higher water level will block passages that would otherwise be open. In some cases, a single storm may change the water level drastically in a short period of time. Coastal caves may also be affected by the rising tides. Such considerations are extremely important while caving in wet caves.
In some cases, the water which formed the cave has found a lower level to run off, leaving the cave as dry as a bone. These caves are no longer changing and growing as much as wet caves, but may show signs of their dynamic past.
Ecology:Caves have a very fragile ecosystem of creatures unique to the dark underground environment. In many cases insects and fish have evolved without eyes or pigmentation. Such creatures never leave the dark confines of the cave and are called troglobites. Some creatures, like bats, spend some of their time underground and some time outside the cave. They are called troglophiles. Then of course there are the more occasional visitors, like us, known as troglozenes. It is very important that we, as visitors, don’t destroy the environments that sustain the cave’s permanent inhabitants.
Bats: The most misunderstood creature that can be found underground (other than sketchy cavers) is the bat. Bats can be found on all continents except Antarctica, and have over 1,000 species worldwide. There are thirty-nine species that live in the United States, five of which are currently endangered. Bats have perfectly good eyesight, but hunt using a highly developed form of echolocation, similar to sonar. Most bats feed on night flying insects (echolocation allows them to catch a bug the size of a gnat on a moonless night) and they are the only major predator to do so. A single colony of free-tailed bats in Texas consumes more than 250,000 pounds of insects every night. Most bats must consume half of their own weight in insects nightly.
Bats hibernate in caves because of the near constant temperatures and humidity. For this reason only some caves are suitable for the hibernation period. During the hibernation period, bats live off of stored fat and energy reserves. Hibernating bats can often be seen with water droplets on their backs that make them appear to be frozen or crystallized. If they are awakened during their sleep, they will burn up far too much energy and will most likely die of starvation before spring. Bats can easily be awakened by loud noises made by careless cavers. Even the light from a caver’s head lamp might wake bats up. Think of how quickly you wake up when someone turns a light on while you are sleeping. People are often afraid of bats carrying rabies. Less than one half of one percent of bats carry rabies, and rarely are they aggressive. More people die from dog attacks or food poisoning at church picnics than from rabid bats. Never touch or handle bats, especially if they look sick. Doing so will only jeopardize their lives and in the long run increase our need for treatment when we get out of the cave.
Terrain Concerns: Caves maintain a constant relative temperature, based on the average temperature of the region. In the Mid-Atlantic United States, the temperature ranges between 52 and 56 degrees; therefore caves have the same temperature as well. Climbing and walking underground is made hazardous by the dampness, uneven ground, slippery rocks and mud, and the total darkness. The ground may have pits, potholes, loose talus, or breakdown that may make passage difficult and dangerous. Always be careful when moving through a cave; even simple injuries in caves can often require elaborate evacuation procedures due to the difficult terrain underground. So, don’t get hurt!
Environmental Concerns: Caves seem eternal; many have been around for hundreds of thousands of years. It is easy to forget that they have endured so long because humans have not tampered with them. Expanding civilization and technology have brought a new generation of threats. (from the NSS pamphlet, “The Fragile Underground)
Water Pollution: Caves, formed by the interaction of water and rock, suffer greatly from water pollution above ground. Raw sewage, industrial waste, pesticides from farming, and landfill contamination can pollute cave water. For the fragile creatures that live underground, such pollution can be devastating.
Vandalism: Wherever access to caves is free and easy, vandalism can be a problem. The vandal ranges from the casual visitor who leaves trash in the cave, to the prankster who paints on walls and the organized professional who removes formations for a profit. Vandals destroy the beauty of the cave, and often obliterate unique and important scientific information. Control of vandalism is difficult, since it is impractical to patrol caves, and vandals are often ignorant or disdainful of cave protection laws. As a result, many caves have been permanently closed.
Dam Construction: Hundreds of caves have been flooded by dam building. This kills cave animals, halts the ongoing geological processes, and makes caves inaccessible. In most cases the economic and environmental impact studies for these projects were done without consideration of cave resources. Only rarely are caves assessed for value before they are destroyed.
Quarrying: Limestone quarrying operations, like dam construction, have the potential to utterly destroy caves. Even in many cases where the preservation of caves is considered, removal of nearby or overlying stone can still cause the cave to collapse.
Forestry: Forestry threatens caves since sawdust and other by-products enter caves via surface streams. These sediments act like cement, clogging smaller streams and strangling out the very lifeblood of the cave – water. Fortunately, many forest managers now see the value of caves and regulate logging operations to keep the subterranean streams flowing.
Landowner Relations: Somebody owns every cave. The owner of a cave is the person who owns the entrance to it, but that isn’t always the only person you need to talk to. Before using a cave, always makes contact with the appropriate people. Depending on the cave, groups may have to sign in at a register, call before they arrive, get a key to the gate, leave identification with the owner, or maybe just show up. It’s the responsibility of the facilitator/participant to find out what the protocol is for the cave they are visiting. Parking is another consideration. Oftentimes, the parking area may not be on the same property as the person who owns the cave. If this is the case, make sure to get permission from the person who owns the parking area as well.
When visiting a cave, always be courteous to those above ground in the area. Keep the noise down and don’t run around half-naked. When changing, always change in the van or away from the road or nearby houses. Also make sure to have the group clean up after itself. If people leave a mess or destroy the area, landowners will deny cavers the use of their cave.
Conservation Ethics: One of the most important responsibilities of a caving instructor is the teaching of conservation ethics. Caves are not a renewable resource and if we don’t care for them now, they will not exist for future generations to enjoy.
The NSS offers the following Minimum Impact Caving Code to its members:
“The goal of this code of ethics is to encourage cavers to minimize all impacts to caves. As we learn more about cave environments, we evaluate and redefine caver ethics. This code describes low-impact caving techniques. These ethics come from experiences and contributions of many cavers. Think safety; take care of yourself and your team. Move with stewardship. Avoid impacts-aesthetic, cultural, paleontological, geological, hydrological, biological, as well as microbial. Cave softly and leave no trace.
Guidelines for Caving:
NSS REWARD: The National Speleological Society will pay a $250 to $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person or persons for cave vandalism, violation of cave protection laws in any state in the US, violation of the Federal Cave Resources Protection Act, harming animals in and about caves, and destroying or damaging cave gates or other barriers designed to protect caves. Writing on walls, breaking or removing mineral formations, disturbing bats or other critters, littering, or otherwise destroying a cave or its contents are all violations of these laws. Remind your participants of this so that they are aware of such laws. You can also tell them that if they do damage to the cave, you personally would love to claim the reward.
Paul Stern, M. Ed. Coordinator
New Horizons Outdoor Adventure and Leadership Programs
Registration / Contact Information:
Across from OSA in Hundley Hall
Terrace Level #3
1501 Lakeside Drive
Lynchburg, VA 24501
Phone: 434/544-8224
Fax: 434/544-8548
newhorizons@lynchburg.edu