Near Normal Grotto

A chapter of the

The Near Normal Grotto is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study, exploration and conservation of caves and cave life. Our members come from all walks of life – landscapers, camp counselors, carpenters, geologists, mechanics, teachers, and students, to name a few. In other words, people like you. Our interests may vary from exploration to conservation to photography, but we all share a passion for caving. If this interests you and you would like to know more, feel free to attend one of our monthly meetings!

Where: We’ve MOVED! We are now holding meetings at BroMennn Medical Center in Normal, Illinois. To get to our meeting, go north on Main St. (a primary north/south street with interstate exits), then east or right on Virginia Ave. Go two blocks on Virginia, then turn right or south on Franklin. After turning right on Franklin pull right into parking deck of BroMenn Medical Center. Building is back across Franklin on right. Go through revolving doors and down escalator. At bottom of escalator turn left and follow signs to cafeteria/conference center.

When: Normally, the second Friday of each month at 7 p.m. If you are not a member of the grotto, please email to confirm date and time.

$$: Heads UP! Dues are now $15 for the 2008 year.

Are you a grotto member and want to be informed on coming events, but not on the Yahoo NNG group list? Then contact NNG group list to be added.

Recent trips by grotto members were taken to TAG country. Photos of Rumbling Falls are available for viewing at:

Rumbling Falls Photos

Photos of Surprise Pit, Cagles Chasm, and Wilkison’s Hollow Horror Hole are at:

Tag-January 2009

The Karst Conservancy of Illinois has been surveying Pautler Cave. For a hint of what Pautler looks like,

Check out the Pautler Photos

Check out the Karst Conservancy of Illinois web site, and consider joining.

Vertical Practice Day! Date was August 10 (Sunday) at the Illinois State University ROTC Rappelling Tower. Upcoming days will be posted. Don’t miss these opportunities to expand your caving horizon!

Want to see what Vertical Work can look like? Grotto member Nathaniel Bluedorn has created a video

on You Tube of the 2005 Picnic. Check it out at Near Normal Grotto 2005 Picnic

Illinois-Indiana Information

a. Indiana Cave Rescue Number - (812) 337-7050.

b. Information on Equality Cave closure

c. Did you know that Illinois Caverns has changed their summer hours (and not for the better)?

Check out current information at: Illinois Caverns Information

How did we start?