T-Junction Dig 16
December 22 & 23, 2001
Plugged Again
Only 52.03' to go (118.5' from ground surface to cave ceiling)

Diggers:  Brad Blackburn, John Bowles, Michael Byers, Craig Hines, Rick Hines, Ryan Freeman, Andy Isbell, Dave McCool, Dave Porter, James Sakitio, Chris Wolters

It was a cold windy weekend and we plugged the 9" pilot hole but the bottom of the dig moved down and we saw a 100' geyser. 

Plastic pipe, 1.3" diameter by 16" long, was used to collar the 1.5" holes after each was drilled.  About 6" was left above the surface.  Depth and angle were measured prior to setting the charge.  Holes were redrilled if necessary to get a consistent depth.  A chain was hung in the hole to try to prevent the 9" hole from plugging.   

The first blast Saturday cleaned up the step left after the last blast last week.  Two holes were drilled and loaded with two Power Split sausages each.  We gained 2.35 feet and were left with 54.83 feet to go.  The 9" pilot hole was clear after the blast.

Eight holes were drilled for the next blast, with the outer 6 over 4'4" deep.  After the blast the 9" hole was not visible.  When we pulled up on the chain we found that it was near the surface of the debris.  It must have been blown up with the first blast.  On future blasts the chain will be set deeper or we will go back to using a heavy pipe or I-beam.  Dave Porter went down to try to work the debris down the hole.  Most of the material flowed down the 9" hole but must have plugged again farther down.  The 9" hole was not visible and the distance to the debris in the 30" hole showed a pull of at least 2.80'.  We could not push a pipe or pry bar through the plug but the drill easily moved through 4.5 feet of debris.  The hole soon filled with water to a depth of 12'.

On Sunday we tried three times to blow out the plug.  The first attempt used 3 Power Split sausages.  The water blast did not clear the top of the 8' pipe.  The second blast used 7 sausages and the third used 15.  The water blew high above the tripod for a spectacular show but the plug was unmoved.  

I will purchase long sections of ¾" pipe to weld to a drill stem before the next dig.  The drill stem will be cut in half and the pipe welded in the middle.  With rotation, hammer and air we should be able to drill through the plug.  Other more professional drilling equipment and options will also be considered.  If we get lucky the water flowing through the plug may wash it out without our help.

We will also run 1.25" pipe from the compressor to the inside of the 8' pipe.  If anyone can help supply the pipe or help transport it to the dig please let me know. 

Eddie Simmons and a crew he is organizing will work at the dig Saturday 12/29/01 doing clean up.  Eddie and Chris Wolters may organize a dig prior to the next currently planned dig on January 19-20.  Please call or email Hines to sign up for the January 19-20 dig. 

Don't forget the next CCC meeting:  Sunday, January 27, 2002, 1:00 PM at the Lake Ozark City Hall.  We need to plan Carroll exploration and the MVOR.

Please send your 2002 CCC dues ($25 if you have email or $30 for snail mail) or donations to:
Wayne Burnett
Treasurer, CCC
8322 Grant Ave.
Overland Park, KS  66212

Merry Christmas

Rick     913 - 897 - 4258