Crystal Sequoia Restoration Bridge Construction in Organ Room
On Friday the 6th of May, Mike W., Michael W II, Tony Williams and Tom LaFrank, left
Mikeís house in Vallecito approx. 9 am and headed for Crystal Sequoia Cave in the
Sequoia National Forest to do some restoration work in the cave and to attend the
trustee meeting. They arrived at approx. 2:30 pm and were greeted with some rain
to help them in setting up their tents. After getting set up they huddled back in
the warm truck until the rains stopped about thirty minutes later. Others started
to arrive and by 6 pm camp was set up with the cook trailer, which was run by Mary
Roberts. Dinner ready by 7 pm (Tacos).
Later that night Mike, Tony, Tom, Mike Dillon (So. Cal) Allen Hager (So. Cal) and
Big Bill (So. Cal) went caving through some beautiful off trail passages. The trip
was over about 10 pm and then Michael II went down with Tony and Tom and some others
for some more caving which lasted until approx.12:30 am.
We started the next morning off with breakfast provided by Mary about 7:30 am. And
finally got headed down for work at 9 am. A large group of volunteers were assigned
with carrying the bridge down the mile and a half trail, while Mike, Tom, Tony,
Michael, Mike D. Allen H. and Big Bill were assigned with taking the rails down and
getting the stairs bolted in and secured before the bridge arrived. The bridge was
finally down in the cave about 12 pm and the hard part was just about to start.
The clearance in the cave was down to 1/2 of an inch at times so it was a very tedious
process. But, it was finally in and the securing process started about 1:30 pm with
all bridge and stair work completed by 3:30 pm. The restoration crew stayed until
about 5:30 cleaning out the old rim stone pools and flow stone that was unburied
during the old trail removal last Oct.
That night everyone partied and relaxed, but of course some had to get more caving
in, so Tony took Michael and Tom and some others back down for more. That trip lasted
till about 12:30 also.
Sunday morning about ten people went down to do some more restoration work while
others picked up camp and Tom went with a group to do some more caving "What
a cave pig!" Tom finally made it out at 1 pm although Mike had wanted to leave
at noon, but it seems Tom`s watch stops when it gets underground. The four headed
for home and arrived at Mike`s about 6:15 pm.
It was a great trip and we had good representation for our grotto, which is always
excellent. Mike W., A.K.A. T3
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Photos by Mike White & Allen Hager
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