Hey thanks for all the replies! This thread exploded and I missed it.
I don't know who or exactly what DUG (detroit urban not the ohio one) is and I'll probably never find out haha. And yes, I TOTALLY AGREE with all the "Get the skills, get the training, then go on trips" that has been said (did I not say that earlier? I thought I did maybe not) HOWEVER my issue arises when NO chances are given for me to do so. It ends me in a Catch-22. I can't go since I don't have the skills. I can't get the skills since I can't go.
I'm not stupid, I know I suck at caving next to basically anyone. I dont take risks, I have a perfectionist streak that I want to learn everything I can about something and so I can get really good at it. I am a fast learner (ask anyone who has worked with me!) But, I can't learn if NO ONE WILL TEACH ME. Which is the issue bit. I have found someone to teach me vertical. That took months though to find. And yeah, living in a non-caving area really inhibits the whole process.
Wyndotte, thanks for the suggestion, sure if you could pass on my email or something to them that'd be great. 4 hrs is shorter than the trip up north, if I could hook up rides from there, that'd be awesome. (And, actually, just found out I might get to go on a trip down thataway next month?? something like that. I dunno if it will happen, I was told "I thought about inviting you if this trip happens" sort of thing, and it would include some vertical and some survey :) I'm hoping it happens and I'm invited, but I understand if I'm not - even if it does happen.)
SMG seems like an awesome group, I know some members and they are cool peeps =) However I'll be looking more south for my job, like Atlanta area, so probably end up in...DCG? That's the one by Atlanta iirc. Which is cool, I know peeps in that one too. And yeah, it basically all boils down to, yet again, I live in no-cave-country. Too bad ya'all can't spare a few and move them up here! haha. Sadly, who knows when I'll be getting my masters...It's been pushed back again =( it's hard to start looking for a job when I don't have the degree I will have in hand nor a definitive date of completion. It WILL HAPPEN THOUGH. I need caves in my life! Haha I should change my facebook status to "in a relationship...with caves...and it's complected"