Trip Leader: Jon Jasper
On Trip: Jon Jasper, Cami Pulham, Dale Green, Rachel Keske, Cami Litchford, Ralph Powers, (unknown).
When I found out that Jon was planning to do a middle of the week trip to gate Blowhole, I knew I had to get in on it. I like to think of myself as a project caver and am willing to lend whatever assistance I can whenever I can. Being unemployed at the present makes this ideal. Of course not having a ride does put a crimp in such aspirations.
None-the-less Rob, Cami L. and Rachel and another young man were going to go and they swung down to Provo to pick me up enroute the southern way to the cave.
When we got there Jon and Cami P. and Dale had some of the stuff prepped. With my last job I had gained enough experience in cutting metal with a saw to be given that chore. Unfortunately the steel was 1/2 thick hardened steel and just real hard cutting with the carbon blade we were using. It was decided that it would be much faster using the cutting torch instead for the rest of the stuff. The edges would have to be grinded smooth to facilitate welding. Some of the smaller stuff however were cut with the saw. Provided that there wasn't too much pressure which caused the saw to lock up and trip the generator's breaker. This happened more times than was necessary.
Cami P. and Rachel were down in the cave drilling out the holes for the steel rods. Actually Cami was doing the drilling and Rachel was videotaping with Rob's camera.
Jon cut various pieces to length after yo-yo-ing the entrance drop several times for measurements and re-measurements to ensure a one time one cut fit. He did that very well.
We took turns doing various jobs and going down the drop to help out where we could. I helped Cami L. not feel so left out by showing her how to use the electric grnder to smooth out the rough edges of the steel that was cut by the torch. Like wise with that young fella that joined us (to be edited later when I find out what his name is... sheesh).
I forgotten that the date was also the day Rob planned the Dan Clyde gravesite memorial gathering. At close to four we had to go. I wanted to stay and help out but since there goes my ride I had to bow out with the rest and head on with them.
Jon, Cami P. and Dale stayed behind to finish up what they could. The project would take two days to finish. I had a last minute emergency trip to Kansas and thus couldn't make it.
Jon posted a picture of the completed gate on the Utah Caver Forum so that can be viewed there.
My pics are all of the work in progress.
Now what about Nutty Putty??
| Photography | ||||
 The gating crew Ralph Powers |  Rachel videotaping Cami as she drills Ralph Powers |  Cutting that tough steel... not easy as it looks Rob Cranney | ||
 Jon manhandling the cut steel down into the entrance Ralph Powers |  Cami L. grinding off the rough edges Ralph Powers |  Darth Cami! Ralph Powers | ||
 Jon welding the hinges on Ralph Powers |  Looking up from where the gate is placed Ralph Powers |  Welding the door frame to the rods Ralph Powers | ||
 Jon inspecting his handiwork Ralph Powers | ||||