For all of you San Antonio residents, (especially those living on the Northeast side of town) did you know that there is a cave that runs right under Nacogdoches Road and Cave Lane?!!!?
Who would have ever realized? Not most of of the members of Troop 345 that's for sure! On this past Saturday morning scouts and parents awoke to a cold, drizzly morning with one thing on their mind: crawling into a cave! Robber Baron Cave to be specific.
The cold, wet weather didn't deter this group one bit as volunteers from Texas Cave Management showed up ready and eager to introduce a new group of people to the wonderful world of cave exploration. There were a few precautionary things to get out of the way such as a few release forms. (After all we were going to climb down into a cave that runs more than a mile of mapped area right?)
Below: Mr. Patterson double checks to make sure all releases are
signed as several of the boys eagerly wait to get started.
Now of course the volunteer guides made sure that everyone had the
correct equipment such as knee pads and helmets with headlamps on them.
Below: The boys search for gear that fit properly.
Thank goodness the guides knew how to keep us safe because we showed
up with soft caps/hats, hand held lamps/flashlights
and NO knee pads! YIKES!!
Below: (Left to Right) Luke, Chris and Cole just arriving
After gearing up and reading this sign: (ummmm...okkkkayy??)
and taking a quick before picture:
it appeared that all were ready to take the plunge, uhh, trek into the unknown.
Below: Slowly at first
 |
Below: (Left) With a little more speed and then (Right) Gaining their confidence
And just like that everyone in the first group went in!
From up top it truly appeared to be as easy as a mere scoot of the rear!
(Below: At least Scoutmaster Mr. Patterson made it appear that way!)
Then the time came for group two to come on
down and explore the wonders of the cave!
After a bit more instruction from their guide group two also
disappeared one by one into the cave.
For about the next hour and a half I
stayed up top with Matthew taking in the view.
Matthew had already toured the cave on previous trips while he worked on his Eagle Scout project. For his project he and other volunteers constructed the safety fencing surrounding the entire opening of the sinkhole that leads to the entrance of the cave. Over the years many projects have been completed by scouts to help with the area such as the picnic table, vegetation, pathways, parking area and more.
Eventually, life began emerging from the cave in the form of scouts!
While they all came out with a great deal more dirt than when
they went in they seemed to all be smiling!
Below: After picture (notice the dirt!)
A special thank you to The Texas Cave
Management Association and all the
volunteers who made this outing possible!
To view more pictures from this and other outings please visit our picture gallery.
For more information regarding The Texas Cave Management Association please click here.
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