by GroundquestMSA » Jul 17, 2014 4:00 pm
Howdy!
I first posted to Cavechat in frustration a few years back after emails and phone calls to various cavers from five grottos were entirely ignored. I mistakenly assumed the worst, that "cavers" were too elite to do anything for someone new. That's not the case, but a little patience may be needed. A few tips from my own experience:
Be aware that many grotto websites are poorly-maintained relics of a pre-facebook age. Contact links may lead to dead addresses etc. The more honest information you give about yourself, your location, and your experience, the better. Attempts to impress the holders of spelean knowledge with exaggerations and proclamations of noble intent don't help. Don't give up. Put out a ton of emails, and augment persistent nagging with your own hard work; searching for caves through impersonal online means and physical ridgewalking.
What county are you in? From the scant resources I have at hand, I know that caves exist in Bourbon, Butler, Barber, Cowley, Mongomery, and Woodson Counties. I have no details, but I will PM a couple of email addresses for Kansas cavers.
Have fun!