Spelunking

 

Caves are an amazing place for your inner-explorer to emerge and planning a spelunking adventure for your road trip can be an amazing adventure if you plan it properly.   Combining your cave adventure with a camping excursion is a great low-cost vacation package that you will never forget.  Caving is not a high-risk activity as long as you take the proper precautions.

These are some safety tips for you to keep in mind:

• Make sure there is no flood danger during your expedition.  Rainwater that flows underground can fill a cave very quickly and can potentially trap people and potentially drowning them. 
• Travel in teams (4 or more people is ideal).  If there is an injury one team member can stay with the injured person while the other two team members go for help.
• Notify people outside the cave when you intend to make y our way out of the caverns.  This way if you don't make it out of the cave they can send in a search party for you.
• Use a helmet with a mounted head lamp and carry plenty of extra batteries.  You will also want to have a heavy-duty flashlight for additional light sources.
• Make sure you have heavy boots.  Wear warm socks (preferably wool) which will dry quickly.  It is always a good idea to have spare socks packed away in your backpack.
• Wear plenty of warm clothes which will shed water and keep you dry-avoid cotton at all costs.
• Make sure that all members in your party make their own map of your route.  Using highly visible flagging tape tied to a rock or feature will help you make your way safely out of the cave.
• Avoid climbing technical rock walls or outcroppings-as tempting as it may seem.  Do not attempt to vertical explore unless you have the proper equipment and all members in your party are properly trained.
• Make sure you leave your keys in a safe place outside of the cave.  All members in your party should know where to find them.