Date: Wed, 29 Nov 2006 23:13:34 -0500 From: "David A. Riggs" Subject: 2006-11-29 WVUSG Meeting Minutes Minutes from the November 29, 2006 meeting of the WVU Student Grotto. There were 13 lucky people at the meeting tonight. 1. John Tudek is trying to welcome (poison?) a few visiting NJ cavers on Saturday by taking them to lunch at Rio Grande in Sabreton [1] at 11:30, cavers are welcome to join in on the feast. 2. Saturday we are also doing an above-ground survey practice at Rich Finley's new property on Snake Hill (~15min from Morgantown), and will check out a good rappelling spot if time and weather permit. We will NOT be camping, as the weather forecast looks grim [2]. Meet at Rio Grande in Sabreton [1] at 11:30 for lunch, or at 12:30 to caravan to his place. Rich will email directions. 3. We are still planning on camping and caving the weekend of Dec. 16th, right after final exams are over, at Oildrum Falls in Randolph/Pocahontas Counties. Several people will not be able to make it down on Saturday. 4. Trip Reports: _4.1. John Tudek told us about ridge walking in NJ over break and doing some geological investigation into lithological factors inhibiting cave formation there. Photos at []. _4.2. Jason Simmons took some relatives into Key Cave, near Franklin WV. _4.3. Brian Masney and Dave Riggs talked about a fun survey trip into New Years Day Cave. I will post a trip report with Brian's photos tonight. 5. Presentation: Brian, Dave, and John T. gave a fascinating primer course on cave surveying. Everyone present is now a master at reading cave maps, sketching, reading instruments in miserable conditions, data reduction and cartography. We will practice these skills on Saturday at Rich's house. [1] http://www.communitywalk.com/map/33165 [2] http://www.weather.com/weather/weekend/26505 [3] http://wvu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2080463&l=795f7&id=25827072 - DR -- David A. Riggs