Memories Of Brittany

Thursday, February 15th 2007 - Ralph Powers

Trip Leader: Ralph Powers Brittany was a great caving buddy. She and her husband Doug became good friends. I thank James Henry for the introduction to these two wonderful people. Earliest memory I have of caving with Brittany was the first trip with them. Silly Putty Cave, to help Bud Snedecor continue with his dig project there. Next one was out at Pink Lime Pit and introducing Brit to the joys of vertical caving. Others had taken the reins of showing her the how-to\\\'s but I remember being tethered to her as she and I made our way down the flat wall portion of the pit for her first time. Afterwards her vertical caving took off. I remember a trip to Boomerang cave in the snow. This is also where I met Dannille for the first time. My best memory of that trip was seeing Brittany in high heel boots, for they were the only ones she had at the time. Other trips included a couple to Spanish Moss. One of those was where a bighorn sheep stood in the middle of the stream at the lower trail to the cave and then went up the exact same trail that we normally take to the cave. Pictures were taken but none came out that well. Another Spanish Moss trip was with Tammy Jo Heazlit and Britt and myself. The three of us had a great time and enjoyed a leisurely paced tour of the cave. A fun Christmas party at Jim Olsen\\\'s house. Her gleeful participation in the hot-tub of \\\"Caver Stew\\\" where 14 of us managed to get in by sitting tightly packed next to each other. Candlelight trips and others highlight my memories, she and Doug made it so much more fun with their presence and easy banter. Last trip with Brittany I can remember was Indian Springs Cave, during the RMR 2005. When she exited the cave she was covered in mud, her clothes, gear and hair bore the marks of a great caving experience. Pictures were taken, one of them... my favorite. Focus on the mud-caked hair and smeared clothes... but mainly the focus of that endearing smile. The smile that said it all where words would fail. Words fail me now as I think of her and think of her smile. I will take her caving with me always from now on. Put a spot in my heart next to Dan Clyde whenever I put on my helmet and harness, I\'ll think of that smile and know that she is with me as my friend and caving buddy.