New from the PNW

[JIBTEXHNKA]

Hi!

The only caves I've ever been in are the lava caves near Mt St Helens and the Oregon Caves near Cave Junction... mmm touristy goodness. I do, however, know a thing or two (as in, less than three things) about vertical rope techniques and I am very interested in learning more and being able to apply that to caving someday. I am a somewhat-beginner rock climber who likes to play with ropes, pretty much. I read as much as I can so my "knowledge" outweighs my "skill" quite a bit, which probably just helps make me dangerously confident in my own ability ( ) although I've done ok so far.

Long story short, I want to learn as much as I can about rigging and rope rescue and things of that nature, even if I never go in a cave (although I DO really wanna go in caves!). So hopefully you all don't get annoyed with my silly n00b questions!

[NZcaver]

Welcome to the forum.

Assuming you live in Oregon or Washington, there are plenty of active cavers around to hook up with if you want to. Check out the NSS Grotto Finder to locate an organization near you.

Cascade Grotto (Seattle) are planning a trip to Ape Cave and neighboring caves next month. That one is not a vertical trip, but there is a vertical practice session scheduled in Seattle this weekend. PM me and I can send you the details. As you may know vertical caving uses different techniques and equipment to rock climbing, and I recommend attending some training/practice sessions with experienced cavers before going vertical caving. Most cavers are more than willing to share their knowledge of vertical caving, and let you try out gear. Good luck!

[jeffkruse]

There are a few caves that require some serious vertical work near Snoqualmie pass on I90. The hike to the caves is called Cave Ridge/Guy peak.

[NZcaver]

There are a few caves that require some serious vertical work near Snoqualmie pass on I90. The hike to the caves is called Cave Ridge/Guy peak.

Indeed. Still lots of snow up there last week when I drove by.

Jib, you should hook up with the Cascade Grotto. Unfortunately their website has been down for months due to server relocation delays. I'm no longer in the region, but I'm pretty sure local cavers will be visiting the ridge this summer. PM me if you'd like meeting/contact details.

[tncaver]

NZ,
You certainly do move around a lot. What do you do for a living?

[NZcaver]

NZ,
You certainly do move around a lot. What do you do for a living?

I moderate a caving forum.

But seriously John, it's a long story. If we bump into each other some time, I'll explain everything.

[tncaver]

NZ,
You certainly do move around a lot. What do you do for a living?

I moderate a caving forum.

But seriously John, it's a long story. If we bump into each other some time, I'll explain everything.

Sounds good. Any chance you will make it to the SERA Cave Carnival this summer here in TN?

[NZcaver]

I won't be at SERA. I'll be sweltering in the desert this summer instead. I've never been caving in TN, but maybe I'll get there one of these days. I'll be in Alabama for NCRC in a couple of weeks, though.

Guess we should stop hijacking this guy's intro!

[JIBTEXHNKA]

Guess we should stop hijacking this guy's intro!

Seriously, what's the big idea??

I live in Tacoma, just a ways south of Seattle. I noticed the Cascade Grotto site was down... Should I just send them an email or something? I would love to get in on a practice session! I've been practicing on my own with the gear I have just for fun and to test out what I've learned from reading, but it'd be great to learn from people who really know what they're doing.

NZcaver, I'll be sending you a PM for sure!