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April 2008 Meeting Minutes for Tennessee Central Basin Grotto

Bob Biddix started the meeting at 7:22 p.m. with 16 members present. I would have said the meeting started "promptly", but as you can see it most definitely was not prompt! That's because Bob Biddix was filling in for Bobby Hopkin's absence and Bob admitted that he had forgotten he was conducting it until 1 hour prior. We appreciated his honestly, but I personally was offended!

Bobby Hopkins was not there this meeting, but we ALL congratulate him on his recent marriage! Congratulations Bobby!

Bob Biddix showed us 4 pictures he had taken at Camps Gulf. Two pictures were of the Second Room/Rotunda Room, one was of the Fourth Room/Tunnell of Love, and one was of Echo Hall. They are available for purchase if you are interested. The cost is $30.00 for each, which is simply the cost of his investment in them. Get with Bob if you are interested.

Please make sure Karen Carr knows if you want to be on call for "Cave Rescue", as well as marking this on your membership forms. This is very important whether you realize it or not, because it aids in knowing who wants to be contacted in the need of a rescue. --- A situation came about in Sumner County, while Rutherford County was on rescue stand by. Bob Biddix was the one who got the call. Short story--- is that an individual was overdue after being in a 150 ft. cave; along with many other twists and turns of the story, it was said that the guy was later found in a ravine. However, it turned out to be nothing major. Bob was able to send out a message to some people. But, for future reference, if you DO want to be on call for "Cave Rescue" please make sure Karen Carr knows. She pretty much knows the list by memory, but this will make it MUCH easier in case of a real emergency.

It was discussed about the complexity of being able to get certain park permits, in order to be able to go into specific caves. Even Bob Biddix has had trouble getting the "ok" to go into some of these, and we all know how well known he is….. The response has been that they only let "qualified" people go. It was mentioned that maybe the reasoning for this was due to changes in park superintendents.

Dan Hubbard brought a pamphlet and passed it around the room of SERA 1994. It had lots of fun pictures from the past, and it probably brought back some funny memories for some of you.

SERA 2008 will be held in Bristol this year.

Bob Biddix has been working with Larry Matthews on a book called "Caves of Knoxville in the Smokey Mountain Area" (hopefully I got the name of that right, if not, my apologies). Hopefully, the book will be published by June 2008. At this time there are a few more caves left before the completion of it. The NSS Convention this summer will be in Lake City, Florida. It was discussed who all would be attending. Quite a bit of people mentioned they were going.

On May 3, 2008 – Avis Moni's family is having a BIRTHDAY party for her at Avis' house. She asks that no gifts be brought, but please come to celebrate with her! They will be having a pot-luck dinner. – Mark your calendars!!! More information about this celebration will be sent out by Avis as the date gets closer.

Keith Filson will be leading a trip to Blue Springs Cave on April 19th. This is planned to be a 24 hour survey trip. Last time the trip was cancelled due to snow/rain/ice. Please get with Keith if you are interested in going on this trip.

Next months NSS magazine should have an article on Henpeck Mill. Keith Filson has been working very hard on this article, so be on the lookout for it!

Bob Biddix told very little about their recent backpacking trip. (ha ha, wonder why?) They started from 2 different locations, and then met at Hobbs Cabin. All they will say about it is that it went "well" (and they said this with a funny little smirk on their face). Maybe that was because it rained off and on Saturday, then later that night it set in, and started raining continually…… Bob did say he wished it would have been longer. (Maybe because he was hoping EVENTUALLY it would clear off!) haa haa~ I don't think any harm was done though, right Bob, after all, you don't melt, you just float!! hee heee.

We watched a video of "NSS 2006 Slide Sloan". There were lots (111 to be exact) of wonderful pictures, including some from our very own Bob Biddix and Jonathan Griffith! Great Job guys!!!

Keith Filson announced that sometime in May there will be a Grotto trip to Mega Junction- Blue Springs Cave. Keith will be leading this trip. More information is to come when the date is definite.

Bob Biddix told about him finding a HUGE pile of Styrofoam peanuts across from the gate at Snail Shell Cave. He filled a 45 gallon trashcan full of them! Way to save the day Bob!

Don Harter announced that there was an Alabama Cave Survey meeting coming up in Scottsboro, Alabama. If you are interested in attending this meeting please see Don for more details.

And last but not least….. KEITH FILSON TURNED 40 on April 3rd!!!!!!!!! !! Happy Birthday OLD MAN!!

Meeting was adjourned at 8:19 p.m.

Minutes by: Sheryl L. Prater