Cushman Campout March 21 - 23

[White Rabbit]

Here's a picture of the cave, for anyone that's interested.

[Sertile]

Yeah, and that's just the entrance (which is several stories). The cave goes back a mile or two. Here's some background on the cave:

http://www.angelfire.com/ut/branton/cushman.html

[ambrosian_spelunker]

Here's a few more from the interior.

[jakethesartech2]

looks sweet

[ambrosian_spelunker]

Okay peeps here is a list I highly advise you to bring if you are coming and I wouldn't skip on any of it, speaking from experience on this one!


Helmet (a must .. highly advisable and very very
important)

Gloves (recommend at least two pair)

Headlamp (u definelty need a hands free light source)

2 extra lights (u need a total of three light sources)

Boots (I recommend boots but if you don't have any
please make sure the shoes you were have
good gripping ability)

3 pr Clothes (that you dont mind destroying)

Clean clothes (obviously lol)

Towel (I am providing the hot water and shower ur on ur
own on the necessities)

Gatorade Bottle empty (once we are in there that is ur
only relief avenue)

Batteries (make sure to have plenty and they stay dry
water will zap a battery quick)


Knee Pads (you will want these and if u dont have u will
wish u did)


High Protien and energy snacks u will need them in ur packs

Please if you take a pack in remember we will be in here for a long time make sure you dont over do it and some spots are very tight

First Aid Kit

Baby Wipes

Rappelling EQ if u have it who knows we might actually do a little rope work!

Bring your normal camping gear, tents, lanterns, bags, tarps ect. If for some reason u dont have something please please let me know ahead of time so I can arrange to have it for you! I AM VERY SERIOUS!


I CANNOT stress enough about having the proper gear! It is for your safety and to be honest if you don't have it I refuse to let you join the group in the cave! For those who have not been caving in a cave like this for warning ... I will escort you out for any behavior that endangers or causes damage!

Pm me if u need directions and if you need equipment of some kind I always have extra!

[jakethesartech2]

i've got 75ft of rescue rope, i am basic rope rescue certified, first responder-right below EMT-and i've got some knowledge on confined space rescue, so if in any case -god forbid-something goes wrong i'll be able to help

[Pinwheel]

Is this cave also known as Mud Cave?

Damn, I wish I could come, even though I am in no shape to cave. I'd love to hold down home base some time, though.

[ambrosian_spelunker]

No it is not this is Blowing Cave.

[Sertile]

Official stats on Cushman Blowing Cave (from the USA long caves list) -

Independence County, AR
1.400 Miles
2253 Meters
Mapped by the Little Rock Grotto

The cave is located on private land, but is open to the public

[xcathodex]

If I may make a suggestion, it might be a good idea to bring something you can use to collect some trash while you're in there. A lot of the locals do make a mess of the place and it's easy enough to scoop up the junk on the way out, especially if you'll be making multiple trips into the cave.

Last month 4 of us brought out a huge amount of twine, batteries, torn clothing, empty aerosol cans, just an overwhelming amount of garbage, and we were still quite far from the entrance when we ran out of room to carry anything else out; we'd all filled the excess space in our packs, pockets, and various ziplocs we found... we regretted not carrying extra packs or some kind of bags to collect more.

Most ridiculous piece of trash I saw: an empty air horn floating in a pool of water. It's still there, we were out of space at that point, although we did take it (and some other trash) out of the water so it doesn't sink and become unrecoverable.

Jeff

[jakethesartech2]

its pathetic the way people treat the enviroment

[ambrosian_spelunker]

Alright peeps. If u r going for sure I will need a complete head count no later than Tuesday. So far I have a definete from 6 people, with 8 maybe's. So let me know so I know how much food to buy!

[Curor]

I just finished reading the link that Sertile posted, by the end I was expecting it to end with something along the lies of "and your moving with your auntie and uncle in Bellair"

does anyone actually know how far back it goes? I find it hard to believe anything after the magic translator.

[jakethesartech2]

sadly i cant make it. fuckn parents have other plans

[Sertile]

By the way, I'm planning to go down after work on Friday night. I'll be leaving out of the Springfield area, and if anyone would like to carpool please let me know before then. PM me with your phone # and we'll set something up.