Date April 18th, 2003 Trip Leader: Eddie Simmons
Project: Restoration, Mike Hartley Purpose: Flag the cave pearls
Participants: Terry Sherman, Carl Wagner, Jim Wilson, Ryan Butler, Skip Withrow, Greg Glazner, Barb Smith
Report:
This was a special trip considering some of the participants. When some Colorado cavers came to Missouri and had some problems going to the cave they wanted, we were glad to help with a trip of our own. Jim Wilson is the cave Manager at Wind Cave in South Dakota. He had just recently helped me with some issues pertaining access regulations. I thought it only fitting to pay him and his guests back by entertaining them when their plans fell through.
Our purpose was to flag off and hopefully protect the untouched cave pearls that Terry had found years ago. These pearls are somewhat hard to find, but just as easy to destroy if not noticed. The flagging will now at least prevent that.
Our group had a great time seeing one of Missouri’s finest. They were all impressed with what our “Lady” has to offer. They especially liked the second Azure. We tried to make it to the Collapsed Dome for a photo, but didn’t quite make it. We settled instead for a photo of Upper Thunder Trunk. (Which is on the photo page on the web. Barb Smith is the subject in the picture)
We exited the cave to a nice day outside and all departed. Our guest gave me a T-shirt from Colorado Grotto and a book A Half Century of Caving. Terry, Carl and I were pleased to have helped some fellow cavers.
