Report published in the Jan./Feb. 2003 MSS Liaison newsletter
This article is my last official duty as the representative for the Meramec Valley Grotto. As M.V.G. gets more involved with the projects of Carroll Cave Conservancy I will be refocusing my activities as the MVG’s CCC representative. Two MVG members were elected to the board of the CCC, Inc. at the members meeting held Jan. 16th at the Camden County Firehouse. Theresa Marsan and Rosalie Shaw were elected to the posts of Secretary and Treasurer respectively. Theresa also volunteered to bring in her artistic talents to develop an official logo and donated a show piece of cave art for display at the CCC Fieldhouse. Rosalie brings over 10 years of accounting experience and a bubbling enthusiasm for efficiently handling the money bag (often fuller of IOU’s than currency). As grottos and independents across the state join the ranks of CCC surveyors, biologists, photographers, carpenters and cooks keep in mind that this project takes nothing away from other established caving oriented groups. Due to the size of this project and the nature of the land owner relations a separate organization is needed to facilitate the effort. This is a cooperative effort with all groups and people benefiting from a wiser use of properly understood and protected resources.
Elsewhere in MVG a ceremonial dance and feast was held Jan. 11, 2003 in a manmade centennial era structure above St. Louis’ Cherokee Cave. Videos from in the cave were shown and annual awards were given out to deserving members. No cave air or gods were seen. Luckily the open bar closed at 11pm. Don’t miss this one next year, open to members and friends. Earl & Lannis drove all the way in from the country (of Mexico) for the festival picking up some family members in Texas along the way. Also in Mexico this winter was Safety Master Tim Harrison on Jan.3 no doubt picking up new vertical techniques for the next MVG rope school in Cueva de Cara Yesu, SLP, Mexico.
Jessica Nave made another trip to TAG (presumably with NAG folks) visiting Guys Cave, Cagles Chasm, South Pittsburg Pit and (back in MO) surveying in Carroll Cave between 12/28 and 1/2/03.
Gail Newman reports a trip to Salt Peter cave in Illinois (probably with Stygian?) on New Years Day and Drywell Pit (Perryville) on 1/11/03.
Doug Wessel & Jim Reudin camped over Jan. 3-4 splunking the caves of Spout Spring Valley & Jayco Hole Cave in Carter Co. and Possum Trot Hollow Cave & Grapevine Cave in Shannon Co.
Joe Sikorsky saw 60’ of virgin small watercrawl with Dan Lamping in a small cave near Otto Mo.
Back to the CCC MVG surveyors B. Borton and T. Panion have signed on to the survey with Tom leading a survey in the Round Room. Just past the Round Room a breakout in dolomitic swiss cheese has occurred and current trips are surveying south as they go in this direction. The cave is close to a valley here yet evidence supports a new water divide flowing in from the next ridge.
The CCC Access Policy is being reworked again to keep the land owners, cavers and cave fairies all in harmony. It is possible to become part of the project! Just RSVP to any event on the CCC website calendar (carrollcave.org). Everyone is qualified to do something. On Feb. 15 the first section of ladder will be installed in the new entrance shaft. Help is needed. Contact Rick Hines at 913-897-4258 to help.
That’s all for now so when you’re itching to go underground don’t forget to take along a cave report form and digital camera. Cave trip reports may be turned in at your grotto meeting or on the website at http://mospeleo.org/ (the MSS website).
-Marty Griffin