First and foremost: Welcome to the adventure we call caving.
My info and background:
My name is Eric Edelman. I have been interested in the geology of southern Indiana long before I even knew what geology was. In 2007 I took a leap of faith, packed what little caving gear I had, and headed to Crawford County Indiana for the NSS Convention. None of my friends were the least bit interested in attending with me. Not many people would venture out on their own, much less to crawl in a hole in the ground. Since then I have had many wonderful experiences both above and below ground with many new friends. This has turned into a much greater opportunity now to help new comers, especially youth, share in what has become the single greatest consumer of my free time.
While caves are a somewhat constant fixture to our landscape, their inhabitants aren't. Whatever you decide to do be it a “mostly walking”, highly traveled, beginner, wild cave, or a wet, multi-drop, expert trip, be aware your actions can have long lasting consequences. Here is a link to conservation efforts many cavers are a part of. http://caves.org/committee/conservation/
Bats also need our protection. While the debate on White Nose Syndrome is likely to continue for some time, you can be better informed by clicking here: http://caves.org/WNS/index.htm
While not for everyone, there can be many great rewards associated with underground adventures. If you haven't been in a cave before there are several great places to start. To ensure everyone has somewhat of an idea of what to expect below is a list of commercial caves to be found in the Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky area. A visit to one of these caves is recommended to the complete novice.
Indiana
http://www.indianacaves.com
Ohio
http://www.goodearthgraphics.com/showcave/oh.html
Kentucky
http://www.ksscaves.org/member_services/commercial_caves.html
OK, maybe you have been there and done that. Concrete side walks and bright lights are fine for beginners, but give me more. “We want muddy crawlways,” you say. “Who needs a gift shop? I prefer a hike in the woods and a sense of self-reliance,” exclaims the voice in the dark!!!
While I am not going to go into all the details on this page, there is a lot of great information to be found at the Nation Speleological Society's Home Page http://www.caves.org.
Here: http://www.caves.org/youth/YGLC%20equipment%20discus%20logo%20Final%201~09.pdf
Also: http://forums.caves.org/viewforum.php?f=20&sid=9250b2e9fb0396ba19ce0b6d23b60dc7
Wondering what to bring along on your trip? I've got an answer for that too. http://www.caves.org/youth/YGLC%20equip%20check%20list%20FINAL%201~09.pdf
If you made it through all the information above, congratulations are in order. Please feel free to contact me with further questions.
Email: ejelinton@yahoo.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ejelinton