ENDLESS CAVERNS - 2/25/2023

Casey Tucker reporting

Scott Wahlquist organized a grotto trip to Endless Caverns, which he unfortunately was unable to join due to injury. Those who were able to make the trip were Harriet, Kara, Bang, Nora, Josh, Patrick, Peri, and me. Everyone was at the cave by around 9:15 where we met with the manager, Mike, and two of his guides, Jake & David. After a quick rundown of objectives, we entered the cave around 10 or so with lots of lightbulbs.

Why lightbulbs? We were replacing any burned out or missing bulbs throughout the cave as we toured and crawled off trail. Mike sent groups scrambling one way, then another, to explore passages not on the tourist trail, and to find and replace bulbs. We replaced many and noted others where the fixtures or wiring was bad.

He also led us into another section of cave well off the tourist trail. It was nice to see the wild side of the cave, without graveled or carpeted trails, and without the bright lights. Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice to see the cave lit up with its best features on display. Endless is a really spectacular cave with some incredible formations, including large shields. If you haven’t visited Endless, I would recommend it.

Everyone did their share of crawling through tight spaces, navigating some exposed sections with handlines, and scrambling up and down and over breakdown. Mike was grateful to have some help replacing lights, and we were grateful he allowed us to explore the cave! He said we’re welcome back for another off trail trip sometime, and he’ll take us even further into the wild section. We exited the cave a little after noon for a 3ish hour trip.

The Grotto and Endless Caverns swapped rack cards, so if you make a trip to their cave, be on the lookout. And when you come to a grotto meeting, we might just have their cards out for folks who are interested.

Thanks to all who came out for fun Saturday morning! Here’s to more grotto trips, soon!

photo by Kara Grosbach