Butler Survey - 12/16/2023
Casey Tucker reporting
Six members of the Cville Grotto joined survey efforts in Butler Cave on Saturday, Dec 16th. On various teams they helped survey around 2000’ of cave as the BCCS continues in resurvey efforts of the entirety of Butler Cave.
Casey Tucker (reporting) took a team of three (Andy McKinnon & Brian Mayfield) to survey the French Passage. It was pleasant survey in Sneaky Creek in a highly decorated passage. This team was in the cave about 6.5 hours and surveyed around 850’.
Bang Nhan and Nora Bungard joined Eric Pelkey to survey around the Bean Room. This was their first survey and they had a great time! Eric gave accolades for their instant surveying prowess. “Naturals,” he said. From glancing at their notes, they surveyed over 500’ of cave on a 5+ hour trip.
Josh Rubinstein & Scott Wahlquist headed into upstream Sinking Creek to survey a small infeeder. They netted about 150’ of cave in wet, crawling, cold survey.
Chris Meyle joined Abbe Hamilton and Jake Cramer to survey from the Pool Room towards the Candle Room. This was also Chris’ first survey, and the report is that he, too, is a natural. It sounds like he had a great time on their 7+ hour trip. While I can’t confirm their footage, I expect it was well over 500’.
Grotto members Mark Minton & Yvonne Droms were also at Butler over the weekend to help with cutting and splitting firewood.
A few other teams surveyed in Butler and the whole effort added over half a mile of survey to Butler. Butler Cave is over 18 miles and over 3 miles has been resurveyed in the new project. That means there are 15+ miles left to be surveyed and leads to be checked & explored. There will be plenty more survey trips for all who are interested in survey and project caving.
Photos by Chris Meyle - select the photo to see larger image
