Final Thoughts…

2^nd Annual Carter Caves Restoration Camp

Jonathon F. Lewis, Camp Director

Back in the fall, Coy, Larry, Sam and I sat down to look at what we had accomplished at the first Restoration Camp at Carter Caves and to look forward to some goals for the second annual camp.  I set a total of 10 projects, all with high standards, hoping to get at least a good portion of them accomplished.  It was unclear whether all the projects would be a go, depending on weather, resources available, and if we could con (oops, I mean "recruit") enough people to return to make this an annual event. 

Soon enough we were busy with Crawlathon, and family activities around the holidays, leaving little time to think about the rapidly approaching March Camp.  Then about a day after Crawlathon was over (I let Coy have a whole day off before bugging him!) I contacted Coy and said it was time to get busy on plans for this Restoration Camp.  It was about this time that signup began for camp, and it took off like lighting!  It we had received any more applications I was afraid we were going to be required to contact Ticketmaster!  Sure enough, there was interest in a camp! 

Coy and the park picked up speed by preparing to have on hand the necessary tools and supplies for the event.  It is difficult to round up enough equipment to keep 80+ participants equipped for 10 projects at 3 different cave site locations.  But the park (Coy!) pulled through and we had the right gear for the projects. 

As we closed in on the final month before the camp, Park Manager John Jordan got involved preparing for the much-anticipated Saturday Night Cookout.  In 2007 he spoiled the volunteers with a feast that is remembered to this day (He was even offered marriage by some!).  He demanded that in 2008 he would raise the bar!  He must outdo himself!  For those of you who were able to attend dinner that night, I am sure you will agree he did!  As far as what he can do for 2009 to raise the stakes, one can only imagine… 

Finally we closed in on the final week prior to the event…  Many of us were watching the 10-day weather forecasts expecting the worst and hoping for the best.  After the fabulous weather we benefited from last year, we were only asking for the same again.  But, with March being March, we had not an idea what was going to happen.  Sure enough, we got some of those spring showers, and some more, and some more--until we'd had enough rain to cancel most of the Friday Night Early Bird Trips!  The 9pm trip to Cascade was still on, however, and everyone had a grand time just being underground, even if it was “only” Cascade. 

Saturday morning was here before you knew it, and the 7:30 team leader meeting also.  (Hey, who makes a Caver attend a meeting at 7:30 am?!  I do!)  Then soon following was the 8:30 participant meeting which was attended by some people, but not nearly 100.  We had 96 volunteers registered as of Friday, and I expected to see approximately 96 on Saturday morning.  I was worried that I couldn't be heard by a crowd of that size and contemplated a PA system.  However, my worries of needing a microphone faded once I saw the crowd of only 30 or so..  Yikes!  What had happened to my cave slaves?.. agh, I mean volunteers!  Thankfully many of them were just off schedule a bit, (aka late) and arrived soon enough.  After we counted we had 75-80 volunteers for the weekend!  Not too bad!  Several had varying issues on the home front that hindered them from attending this year, but we will get them to try again in '09… 

Soon enough teams got together and projects were underway!  The speed of the teams was amazing!  We placed strong emphasis on the quality of the projects, not the quantity of the work, but nevertheless the cavers never stopped amazing us!   I was kept busy in the morning getting the kinks out of the system, and it seems every time I turned my head something got accomplished, BIG TIME!  By lunch many of the goals of the day were complete including the Horn Hollow Steps and Valley Cleanup Project, and the Bat Cave Back Door Fence Removal Project.  Oher projects were nearing their ends. 

Soon after lunch, people were right back into the cave, and off to work again!  Those who had completed projects jumped in and helped others.  WHAT GREAT TEAMWORK!  Around 2pm several projects were complete and by 3pm almost all the projects were wrapping up!  Two hours ahead of schedule.  After taking a tour of the Cascade Cave and X-Cave projects I have to say I am overwhelmed by the success of the teams and their accomplishments.  Way to go, folks!

Soon the volunteers were heading down to the picnic shelter for the slacklining, overseen by ESSOs very own Brian Saul and company..   Trust me, stay away from this device!  It can look very tempting, but it is not safe for us bankers!  Haha!  Brian and others can make it look very easy, but it does take practice and effort.  I give them lots of credit for the skill they have mastered in this.  After watching some of this for a bit, it was time to EAT! 

As I said earlier, John Jordan outdid himself on this cookout!  After a long day underground working, it was much appreciated to see this feast set before us.  I have a feeling a few might return just for the great cookout! 

Following the cookout we offered two trips to Cow Counterfeiter Cave.  One was an “easy” trip, led by Rick Williams, with limited crawling (Boardroom Crawl), whereas the other trip was the Serpents Express Trip led by Brian Saul.  Brian and four others pushed the other trip and lived to cave another day, whereas ten of us ventured on the other trip.  We were all in bed a little after midnight. 

Sunday morning came fast and we were soon regrouped at the welcome center at 8:30 am.  However, the group had shrunk!  Perhaps it was just too much for some, while  others needed to get on the road to home.  But with about 15 in attendance we headed to Tar Kiln Cave to tackle some of the graffiti at the main entrance.  Following a cleanup of the valley of approximately 200 pounds of trash we entered the main entrance to the cave and worked on that graffiti.  After cleaning for a short period we opted to return another day with more tools, cleaning gear, and manpower. At that point we entered the cave for a visit.

Mark opted to lead a “dry” cave trip that involved only getting wet to your ankles for most, whereas I opted to lead a “wet” cave trip that involved being wet from head to toe!  Perhaps that is why that morning I insisted on getting out that wetsuit and worming into it!  One thing for sure, I had some hard core cavers with me on that adventure seeing that I was the only one wearing artificial blubber to keep me warm.  It did little good as the water was VERY cold!  But five hearty souls followed anyways!  Tina, Jeff, Phil, Kevin, and EARL!  Soon we were at the ear dip, then on into dry passage and out the middle entrance.  Everyone was excited and wanted more!  I requested Mark to rig a hand line out of webbing at the waterfall entrance and we descended back into the cave and on up the steam into “WET” passage!  Soon we were in a moving steam, crawling on fist-sized cobbles our backs to the ceiling, and our mouths sipping the water level.  I soon shouted, “Isn’t this great!” and got back several replies: “Oh yeah!”, “whooo hooo!”, and “I cannot feel my legs!”.   About the point people started not to enjoy the water, however, I got to the corner and saw the light, the entrance!  I quickly sent the news back and everyone became overjoyed with his or her accomplishment of pushing themselves through this wet obstacle. 

Before long everyone was out of the cave and back above ground, sharing stories and memories.  After a stiff hike (remember the wetsuit) out of the valley and to the vehicles we changed and said our goodbyes.  The 2^nd Annual Carter Caves Restoration Camp is over!  It was a success and many memories were made, new friends were created, and reunions with old friends are over.  Until the next time we clean our gear, pack it away and prepare for another trip… 

Many thanks to everyone (Park Staff, Team Leaders, Participants), for without you the event would not of been possible.