larry@teltone (Larry Barello) (08/12/83)
I live in Seattle, an area not generally known for its caves, yet there are numerous limestone, lava tube and *real* ice caves near by. My favorite is the limestone caves at Snoqualmie pass. These caves are unusual in that they are formed where limestone used to be, rather than holes in existing limestone. Some are extensive enough to take more than a day to explore, perhapse a mile or so of passage and three or more drops of 50 to a hundred feet. My most memorable experience was rappelling through a waterfall several hundred below the opening. I didn't know that a stream came out of the face I was desending! I am reletivly inexperienced and I don't have much gear, but I am interested in hearing from others in the Pacific Northwest (or anywhere) on the subject. Getting info on where to go and what to take is like pulling teeth (from the members of the speological society), at least that was my experience in California. Up here I am not familier with the local caving clubs - perhaps a look in the phone book.... ...uw-beaver!teltone!larry - Larry Barello (206) 827-9626 x533
jj@rabbit.UUCP (08/15/83)
Yeah, we're out here, but there isn't much that people are willing to say publically about caving at this point, at least in the east.
donch@teklabs.UUCP (08/17/83)
Public reluctance in this group makes sense from what I've heard. Here in Oregon, the central part of the state has a particular abundance of lava tubes (no scoffing, please; they do have a certain charm and lots of variety, particularly in a state largely given to volcanism.) A number of the prettiest and scientifically interesting tubes are now kept off all maps, many are barracaded with lock and key and security door. This is all a result of the a--holes who vandalize these places. South of bend is a well known ice cave that provided the area with ice for refrigeration for many years. The city of Bend used to hold ice cream socials at the cave. Now, so many people have used the thing like a latrine that the ice is distinctly yellow and smells abominably. However, if you know the right people and can convince them that you have a bona fide interest and are of good character, the caves are accessible. What I'd like to see from this group (at least) are tales, experiences, wonders, close calls, etc. This can be done without compromising cave secrecy. Who's next?
kolstad@parsec.UUCP (08/24/83)
#R:teltone:-18300:parsec:41200003:000:129 parsec!kolstad Aug 23 11:29:00 1983 I submitted several reports here in the last year and was greeted with 0 interest. I'll try again after the next trip. Rob