NSS CONVENTION 2007
Marengo, Indiana
INTRODUCTION
The National Speleological Society 2007 convention was held Marengo, Indiana, from July 23 to July 27.
The convention was interrupted by either a micro burst or small tornado that ripped through the campground on the evening of July 26th.
Fortunately most people were away from the campground at a multi-media presentation when the storm hit.
Flash floods struck the area, prompting relief efforts by the American Red Cross.
I attended this convention as a member of Monongahela Grotto of West Virginia.
My camp at the convention
Convention Party!
A trip to the local liquor store, The Jig Store, provided this impromptu photo opportunity
MAUCK'S CAVE
Mauck's Cave is small but highly decorated. A tight crawl through formations leads to the back of the cave.
Entering the cave
Finding the way
Does this go?
Rest break
LANGDON'S CAVE
Langdon's Cave is a muddy cave with a difficult nuisance drop over slick boulders. A hang line is nice to have just because the muck is so slippery.
Aaron Birenboim of Sandia Grotto, New Mexico
BUDDAH'S CAVE
Buddha's Cave is a technical cave that requires some climbing and rope work. Just inside the entrance is a short but tricky and exposed climb. Once back in the cave, a short 40-foot rappel takes you down to the stream passage. You don't want to be in this cave in wet weather.
Crawling into the cave
Making our way back to the vertical pitch
Setting up the rappel anchor
On Rope!
Time to head home
OLD TOWN SPRING CAVE
Old Town Spring Cave is a really beautiful river cave, but the water is absolutely frigid.
You really need full wetsuits, hoods and gloves to accomplish a full traverse of the cave.
We turned around because of hypothermia issues.
The cave entrance
Nice flowstone draperies
Magnificent flowstone draperies
Try to keep the family jewels out of the cold water
Yes, it is cold!
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