August 10-11, 2002

Diggers: Bill Copeland, Terry DeFraties, Rick Hines, Chad Hines, Peddgie

Heinz, Ron Lather, Ken Long, Casey Long, Dave McCool, Dave Porter, D J

Porter, Kathy Sumner, Richard Thompson

Prior to the dig the CCC Board of Directors met. Plans for an entrance structure and a ladder were approved.

The remainder of Saturday was spent chipping rock from the sidewalls and

hauling trash from the T-Junction. We chipped away at tight spots to open up

the shaft to at least 32". The last 5 or 6 feet, just above the cave

ceiling, is still tight. The shaft is looking much more uniform but another

day or two of chipping will be needed to finish rounding out the shaft.

Additional chipping will be needed as the ladder is mounted.

Thanks to Hertz for again loaning us the pneumatic chisel and thanks to Bill

Copeland getting the chisel to and from the dig.

Dave Porter, Chad Hines and Peddgie Heinz dropped in Saturday afternoon to

continue cleaning up pipe, steel and other trash at the T-Junction. They

filled buckets and tied on pipe that we hauled to the surface.

Sunday morning Dave McCool was lowered into the cave, coffee cup in hand, to

start knocking down the debris cone below the dig. Dave was soon joined by

Bill Copeland. Ken Long and his son Casey were the next ones down to dig and

finish up the last of the clean up work.

Terry DeFraties and Kathy Sumner repelled in and then tested frog systems for the ascent. Each took about 17 minutes for the climb.

DJ Porter and Dave McCool continued the explosive enlargement of the frog pond.

The next work weekend will be August 24 and 25. We will continue chipping to open up the diameter of the shaft. We will also start the process of replacing the existing rope and rope ladder that drops into Thunder River just below Thunder Falls with a fixed aluminum ladder.

Before heading home we drove by the natural entrance to confirm that Duane Pemberton has posted a "No Trespassing" sign. Please respect his rights. If you are not already a member join the CCC and use our entrance. It's easier on the bats and legal.

See www.carrollcave.org for CCC news and membership options.

Please call or email Ed or Rick to signup for August 24-25.

Ed Simmons 417-736 3195 CAVEREBELS@prodigy.net

Rick Hines 913 - 897 - 4258 rickhines@aol.com

Rick Hines

PS Please consider the CCC sponsored NCRC Cave Rescue Seminar Sept 14-15.