Caving Trip Reports

This is the short version of the Cyclops Entrance Series – 3 minutes: Getting into Cyclops Cave, a 7 mile system, is quite a challenge.  Eight tight and awkward drops are required to get to the Chandelier  Room.  This GoPro video documents 1.5 hours of the trials and tribulations of our 14 hour trip, with a reward at the end.

Just some random video from a survey trip into Maxwelton in January 2014. The Latte Room, checking out fossils, and the Cove Creek trunk passage.

In June 2014 we visited a recently discovered lava tube which contained nearly 2 miles of surveyed passage. It was mostly walking with some large borehole passage – but it did have a few crawls. This short 4 minute video shows some of this lava tube, plus some pretty cool formations.

Using 9 inch nails as an aid (and safety) to traversing the top of narrow canyons that don’t have ledges or footholds. See how it is done.

Warm River Cave

Warm River Cave, in Virginia, is unusual in the fact that it is a thermal system, where the water temperature ranges between 60 to 100 degrees F. In just the past year (2014/2015) the length of the cave was increased from 2000 feet to over 3 miles, with many interesting discoveries. This 12 minute narrated program documents the history and the new discoveries that have been made in Warm River Cave. Produced by Philip Lucas and David Socky. Narration written and performed by Philip Lucas. Please note that the cave is CLOSED by the owner except for the science team currently doing survey and data collection for science studies.

Under Construction

Sorry, but this is still being worked on. Hopefully, content will be coming soon.

Single Rope Ascending Systems – An Introduction

Whether one does vertical caving just because they enjoy going up and down a rope, or because pits and climbs always get in the way of exploring a cave (or both), one must learn the proper techniques in order to vertical cave in a safe and efficient manner.

When caving, the most common feature encountered that requires knowledge of vertical techniques is: “the pit”. Getting down is usually pretty easy (but it does require a fair amount of knowledge in order to do it safely). But if one goes down, it is usually necessary to get back up.

Getting back up the rope is the main subject of this video. This program is intended to be an introduction to the different techniques and rigs that are used around the world to ascend a rope.

The program will start out with how to set up a climbing rope for training with a heavy emphasis on safety. Then we will cover the workings of different climbing systems such as the Frog system, knots, the rope walker and others. Important aspects of each system will be described, including how to use them in a safe and efficient manner.

The Dream Lake Story

This is the story of the 1965 original Exploration of the Lower Fullers section of Culverson Creek Cave as told by Rock Ward. It includes the discovery of the tall canyons of Lower Fuller, Mud Everest, the Dragon’s Breath Room, and of course, Dream Lake. But what really makes this story exciting is Rock and Marty’s encounter with something terrifying, something that was following them, something … evil. This is the story of their discovery, their encounter, and their supposed escape. Produced by David Socky of Hodag Video Productions, 2018

Trekking the Indian Himalayas

When the trip to your adventure is an adventure in itself, you know you are going to have some good stories to tell! But, what is this adventure? …. Well, it’s a 13 day trek in the Indian Himalayas put on by Geck and Co in the summer of 2012. This short 6 minute video is a summary of this hike, which includes climbing up over Kang la pass and Poat la pass at 18,500 feet. This video is just a teaser about the adventures that took place … and the fantastic scenery that was discovered on this trip.

Wonders from Under the Ground

This is a fun ‘sing along’ video for kids of all ages (and adults too!). Learn about caves and all of the Wonders that can be found underground. Sing along about the little bats, the formations, and the salamanders that live in the special and unique world under the ground.

The song, Wonders From Under the Ground is written and composed by Marian McConnell. It was also entered in the 1999 National Speleological Society Cave Ballad Contest.

Five Short Hours – outtakes

Outtakes and bloopers for the music video Five Short Hours of Caving. See some of the fun and excitement in making a cavers music video. “This is almost as good as the video itself!”.

Five Short Hours of Caving

Two cavers go ridge walking on public land, looking for the elusive cave in an area thick with sinkholes. After running through the woods, with no luck, they come upon a fence with no trespassing signs. It looks like the end of their search for the big one. But what about that big sinkhole just up the hill on the other side of the fence. They’re in the middle of nowhere. Nobody is around. Nothing could possibly happen if they have just a quick look.

What would you do? What could be the harm? Just a quick peek. Well… This is a story, in the form of a music video, about the decision that the two cavers make when confronted with this situation – and the consequences of that decision.

Vendors Row

Go to any large caving function: OTR, NSS Convention, Sera Cave Carnival, TAG Fall Cave-In, etc., and you will find a Vendors’ Row; a gathering of several to many Speleo-vendors, ready to sell you every manner and type of cave-related gear. This entertaining video (with original music from the magic of Dan & Marian McConnell) exhibits the cavers’ love affair with the vendors and their wares and shows how great it can be to shop on Vendors Row.

Find out about brain buckets, lighting systems, vertical gear, cave books and batdananas. Read some sassy T-shirts, too. Find out why cavers always seem to be broke and what really makes them cry. Just remember the credo of Vendor’s Row: ‘Better Caving Through Currency’.

Born to Cave Wild

Even if you are an anthropologist, biologist, archeologist or some other kind of -ologist, I’ll bet you have never heard about the Familarius Americanus caveat SpeleoAmericanus Pan Troglodytes. This video portrays the first ever recorded sighting of this strange and exotic troglobyte. This rare footage not only shows the creature in its natural environment, but by using the latest in stop action video technology, the SpeleoAmericanus’ birth and developement is captured on tape for all to see.

There are legends about the SpeleoAmericanus, for he is a shy and elusive creature. Only a few cavers have been fortunate enough to observe his kind , and lived to tell about it. After portraying SpeleoAmericanus’ emergence, you will see the full range of habitats that this wild caver is found in, set to a special remake of Steppenwolf’s Born to be Wild.

Sit back, kick off your boots, and enjoy the show, Born to Cave Wild.

This video won an Honorable Mention in the 1999 Communicator Awards and was a finalist for the 1999 Telly Awards, plus it won Merit Award at the 2000 NSS Video Salon.

We’re Cavers and We’re Rescuers

“We’re Cavers and We’re Rescuers” is a humorous video about cave rescues which is based on the lyrics of Dan McConnell’s song of the same name. It demonstrates some of the more important aspects and techniques of cave rescue, but what it does best is to graphically show what cavers (rescuers and rescuees) should not do! It’s a brand new paradigm.

The methods of cave rescue are enhanced in this video by visually enacting the lyrics of the 1997 NSS award winning ballad. In other words, this is a cavers’ Music Video in the style of the well known MTV Music Videos.

In this video you will see how not to get a patient through low, wet passages. You will see what happens when you fake an injury. You will learn about the ‘turtle crawl’, tight passage rescues, and why you shouldn’t drink cave water. You will learn important aspects of rigging and rope work on rescues. But most important of all, you will be entertained by “We’re Cavers and We’re Rescuers” music video!

Granite Peak 2016, Montana

On Aug 10, 2016, a team of six summited Granite Peak, the highest point in Montana at 12,799 feet. This was day three of our four day expedition. We hiked from our camp two just below Tempest Mountain on Froze To Death Plateau with beautiful weather the whole day. It was a most exciting climb – the hardest I have ever done, but a great adrenaline rush. Enjoy.

Little & Big Niagara Falls, Maine

A short visit to little Niagara Falls and Big Niagara Falls in Baxter State Park, Maine. Also included is a nice view of Katahdin over Daicey Pond.

Katahdin & Hamlin Peak, Maine

A hike to Baxter Peak of Katahdin up the Hunt Trail and then over to Hamlin Peak. Baxter Peak is Maine’s high point at 5268 feet,

North Brother Mountain, Maine

A very short video on climbing North Brother Mountain in Baxter State Park, Maine. This was Steve’s final 4000 foot north eastern Peak (total of 115 peaks).

Pamola Peak, Maine

Camped at Chimney Pond in Baxter State Park and climbed Pamola Peak via the Dudley Trail.  Pamola Peak is on the other end of the Knife Edge from Baxter Peak and is part of Katahdin.

Mt Alice & Thunder Lake, CO

Day four, August 18, of our Colorado adventure had us hiking up to Thunder Lake Campground starting at 4:30am. We dropped our camping gear at Thunder Lake and continued on to summit Mt. Alice, whose summit is 13,310 feet. We made it to the base of the peak, at 12,600 feet, but decided against the summit because of a thunder and lightning storm. We finished the day with Stephanie taking a swim in Thunder Lake. The hike was 10.8 miles with a 4,000 foot elevation gain.

Blue Bird Lake, CO

Day three of our Colorado adventure was the start of our 3 day backpacking trip into Wild Basin. We dropped off our camping gear at St Vrain Camp and hiked up to Bluebird Lake. The hike was 10.6 miles with 3,150 feet of elevation gain.

Flat Top & Hallett Peak, CO

Day two of our Colorado adventure had us climbing Flat Top Mountain and Hallett Peak giving us great views of Longs Peak and other mountains. It was 9.7 mile hike with 3278 feet in elevation gain

Mount Sunflower, Kansas

Mt Sunflower is the state high point for Kansas at a stunning 4,039 feet above sea level. This short 53 second video documents our arduous trek to the summit – our first day of a 9 day excursion to mountain climbing in the Colorado Rockies.

Coming Soon

Sorry for this, but this is not quite ready yet. Come back later and maybe I’ll have it posted. Sigh…

Wind River Range & Gannett Peak 2018

In August 2018, Tony Canike, Jeff Pickholtz, and David Socky went on a 7-day hike into the Wind River Range. Our hike started at the Pole Creek Trailhead 28 miles north of Pinedale, WY. Our access to Gannett Peak was via the Titcomb Basin and over Bonnie Pass. Our summit attempt was on the 5th day, but because we took a wrong turn accessing Gannett, we ran out of time and did not summit. However, the trip was great and covered some fantastic scenery. This program will give the viewer a front row seat on a great hike through some fantastic country. Enjoy!

Longs Peak, CO

Day six, August 20, 2014 was our long awaited hike up to the top of Longs Peak. We camped at Goblins Forest and got up very early in the morning to make the long trek to the top. The hike was 14.8 miles, round trip, with an elevation gain of 5,444 feet. It took us 22 to hours. Longs Peak is 14,280 feet.

Zero Gravity Slot, Utah

This is the first slot canyon we did on our month long trip to Utah. The slot was done on September 16, 2020. Participants included Larry Fisher, Gordon Cole, Steven Martinez, and Dave Socky. The highlight of this trip was squeezing through a near chest compressor rappel near the end of the slot.

Cheesebox Slot, Utah

This is a short program of our excursion through Cheesebox Slot on September 23, 2020. This is a technical canyon requiring vertical gear and wet suits and was completed by Dave Socky, Larry Fisher, Gordon Cole, and Steven Martinez. Cheesebox Slot is in south east Utah about 20 miles east of Lake Powell and just south of Dark Canyon. The actual slot is 3 miles long, with entry and exit hikes adding 2 miles to the trip if you can set up a shuttle.

Spencer Slot, Utah

This is a short 4 minute video about our trip through Spencer Slot on October 7, 2020 in the Grand Staircase-Escalante, near Spencer Flats. This is a technical canyon requiring vertical gear and wet suits and was completed by Dave Socky and Larry Fisher. This slot had only one 30 foot drop requiring a rope, but there were cool sections that were deep, narrow, and dark. There were a few pools where a wet suit was nice, but not absolutely necessary. It was a fun, short slot canyon.

Culverson Creek – Lower Fullers

Produced 2017, 1:07 minutes

On August 12, 2017 five of us went on a trip to Lower Fullers to rig the drops, add bolts for the second drop and flag the route through the breakdown. This is a short 1 minute clip which highlights parts of our trip. The participants where Mitch Berger, David DeBernardis, Errol Glidden, Mark Hodge, and Dave Socky

Connecting Caves – The McClung Cave Dive

Produced 2019, 15:37 minutes

This program is about the historic dive in September of 2019 from the McClungs Cave downstream sump into Maxwelton Sweetwater upstream sump to make the Great Savannah Cave System in West Virginia. The combined 24 mile Maxwelton Sink Cave and the 18 mile McClungs makes a 42 mile long system. The Great Savannah Cave System is now vying for the number one spot in West Virginia.

Mystery of the Lost River

Produced 2022, 45:46 minutes

On January 2, 1960, two cave explorers from Ohio crawled under a ledge in the longest cave in the world and discovered a deep canyon with a flowing stream.

Two months later another caver from Ohio accompanied one of the original discoverers on a return visit to the canyon. The passage continued in both directions. Upstream was a small waterfall, and behind that a clear pool.

That was the last time anyone visited the canyon with the flowing stream. Later exploring parties could not find it.

Decades later a team of geoscientists tried to locate the “Lost River” by detecting variations in the force of gravity in the passage above the area where the canyon is known to exist. It was the first time ever that a micro-gravity profiling survey was attempted deep inside a cave. This is the story of the attempt to find the “Lost River”.

Petra was a cat. A Pleistocene cat, probably at least 11,000 years old, living near the end of the most recent ice age. Petra, now a mere skeleton, got stranded in a cave, and remained frozen in time by the cave’s stable environment, and hadn’t seen light in millennia, until 2016, when a group of curious cavers discovered it.

What is involved in recovering a large set of bones from the depths of Burja Cave? How do you get to the cave? What is the passage like to get to the bones? Are the bones fully articulated? Are they mush or solid? How should they be packed? How to get them out? That is what this program is about. The science – the steps – the process – what is required to recover the bones of an ancient cat with the least damage.