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: WeÕve 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 2010 year.
Current
Events coming up (or gone)!
Christmas Party December 11!
The party was well attended and everybody left stuffed!
The
annual Near Normal Grotto picnic on September 13 was a low key turnout but a
beautiful day and enjoyed by all.
If you werenÕt there, you missed it! Click on picture below of two members getting some practice
time to see other photos:
Vertical
Practice at the ROTC Bloomington Tower – done for 2009.
Remember, this is a great time to learn technique and meet other grotto
members.
A lot
of upcoming trips get discussed here! Tentative dates are being planned for
summer right now.
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.
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.
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 – Be aware that caves on Illinois and Indiana federal and
state property are closed due to White Nose Syndrome!
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
Our
Constitution and Bylaws
Some
past on-line newsletters July 2007 January, 2007
If you
go on a cave trip, PLEASE let me know
so that I can add a short blurb in the newsletter!
Want to know more? Contact us!
Questions or comments on
this site – email webmaster