Tumbling Rock Cave (Advanced) - Sat, Jan 24 2009

REGISTRATION & PAYMENT REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page. This is a paid event with payment managed by the trip leader(s) and NOT the AOC. Please read the event description carefully for payment details and instructions.



Tumbling Rock Cave (Advanced)


The Basics:
Event Type:Caving
Event Location: Jackson County, Alabama (near Scottsboro)
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Jan 24 2009  7:15 am >> N/A  (Carpool Departure: 7:30 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Wed, Dec 17 2008 9:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Jan 23 2009 5:00 pm
Event Duration:15 hours incl travel
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
Trip Leader(s):
EB
Jason Kotz
Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.
Member Cost:$10.00/Person (See Detailed Cost Info Below)

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:12
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 11 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:
Do not sign up for this event unless you are at least an intermediate caver and know you can handle being in a cave for at least 10 hours!

This event is an advanced exploratory trip to Tumbling Rock Cave. This cave is 6 miles long and on this event we will give AOC cavers the opportunity and time to explore the entire cave. With this goal in mind, while allowing an intermediate sized group, we plan to be in the cave for approximately 9-10 hours!



** We are planning a beginner's caving & camping weekend back to Tumbling Rock around March 14-15th. Details Soon **

This is one of our favorite caves. We'll drive from the carpool up to Stevenson, AL to the SCCI's Tumbling Rock property. We'll give everyone time to explore every hole and arm extension they want to poke that might not necessarily be the most direct route to the end of the cave. We'll make a long stop in the area of The Kings Shower, The Christmas Tree, the Topless Pit and The Great Hall to give everyone time for pictures and to explore. After that we'll continue to (and climb) Mt. Olympus to see the Pillar of Fire (pictured above); finally we'll reach the back of the cave by Grant's Tomb before heading back to the entrance.

This cave is mainly dry with a couple of minor wet areas around the King's Shower and another small waterfall. There are a few rock scrambles, belly crawls, and tight squeezes to navigate.

As we will be in the cave for a long period of time, you must bring plenty of food, water, batteries, and a receptacle for your waste (if you need guidance on this, please contact Jason or EB for gender-specific suggestions :)

We may not get out of the cave until 8-9pm. You are welcome to head back to Atlanta, but EB & J will be camping out in the area that night if you want to join us. Please let us know beforehand and plan gear, food, and your carpools accordingly.

Tumbling Rock Map


Required Items to Bring:
  • Helmet with chin straps and mounted VERY BRIGHT Water Resistant Light
    (if you don't have one, you can rent one for $15. Let me know & bring cash or check to event)

  • 8 AA-size Alkaline, Lithium , or strong NiMH Rechargable Batteries (do not get the cheaper "Heavy Duty" ones). These are for the helmet lights. You’ll probably only use 4. The other 4 are for backup.

  • A Small Flashlight to be used as a backup light. Verify before you leave that it works.

  • Old Clothes that can get wet, dirty and scuffed. The temperature inside the cave will be 58 degrees, so no jackets needed inside. A long sleeve T-shirt usually keeps me warm enough. You may get wet, so synthetic material may be advised.

  • Hiking Boots or Trekking Shoes with good tread (no smooth soles). Caves are hard on boots so I use a $20 pair from Walmart just for caving.

  • Knee Pads (soft only, no hard plastic). These can be bought at Wal-Mart or Home Depot for about $6-8.

  • A Large Plastic Garbage Bag to put your dirty/wet clothes into.

  • Gloves. Wear what you like. The cheap gardening gloves with the little rubber beads are popular to use. Very tight gloves can be difficult to take off when they get wet and muddy (not good if you’re trying to take pictures).

  • A Day Pack or Fanny Pack to hold water, snacks, flashlight, and anything else you want to bring in the cave with you. Note that zippers, velcro, and snaps generally do not last long in caves when they start getting mucky with dirt and mud. Draw string bags or cave bags are recommended.

  • Snacks and Lunch to be eaten inside the cave. Granola, power bars, and sandwiches work well. Small Tupperware helps your food from getting smashed.

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • Clean Clothes to change into after the cave (this includes underwear in case they get wet also).

  • Wool or Wynthetic Socks will help your feet stay warm when they get wet. Cotton will make you colder.

  • A Large Towel to wrap around you for modesty while you’re changing clothes.


How to Get There:
Event Directions:A map and directions to the SCCi Tumbling Rock Cave property will be provided at the carpool.
Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):300Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 7:30 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $120.00 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:
This is a long exploratory event, please respect your fellow cavers by being prepared and in decent physical and mental shape before spending the day in the cave.


* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cost & Payment:
Member Cost:$10.00/Person
Non-Member Cost:$10.00/Person
Cost Includes:Regular members of the SCCi will be asked to make a $7 donation. Non-members age 18 and over will be asked to make a $10 donation. SCCi Sustaining Members will not be asked to make a donation, as they already donate to the SCCi each month, and the SCCi uses a portion of those donated funds to support the Tumbling Rock Cave Preserve.
Make a Payment:Although there is a cost for this event, you do not pay through the AOC. Please review the event details carefully for information about how/where to make your payment.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.