Thanks for the suggestions so far. I've only been to the site once and want to be prepared to get something accomplished when I go back. Here's the example I referenced earlier, this is pretty much the same thing I want to do:
Bob Thrun wrote:I would not do rubbings. Often the graffiti is scratched thru a soft layer of mud or decomposed rock that would be squashed by the rubbing.
A good reminder, but I may get away with trying it in this situation. All of the surfaces are hard, clean, dry, dolomite. Some of the names are extremely deeply and neatly engraved. I certainly don't want to damage anything though. I may test this method on a section of wall with no writing and see how well the natural inconsistencies of the rock show up, and if there is any effect on the rock itself.
trogman wrote:But since Groundquest said he only had "low-cost photo equipment," then he likely doesn't have a DSLR.
That's for sure. I have a $15 pawnshop digital that I bought for its long exposure capabilities.
trogman wrote:Check around in your local grotto or circle of caving friends-there is bound to be a photog who has one.
There's not enough of us to form a circle...a colon maybe. I'll try some more photos though, I may be able to use them to produce transcripts.
UnderGroundEarth wrote:What about contacting a local historian? Not only would they possibly be interested in the signatures and could help you determine more about who they were, they might have a better camera or gear to help you photograph them.
That's a fantastic idea that I've tried to act on in the past. Sadly THE local historian died just as I began to take an interest in local history. I have some excellent written histories though, that should help me identify at least some of the evil vandals