Beginner/Horizontal Caving Trip to Tumbling Rock

We will meet at the Tumbling Rock Cave in Fackler, AL at 9:30am sharp Eastern Time.  Tumbling Rock is an SCCI owned cave and each person in the group must sign the SCCI permit (do not just click the boxes but read it because there is some good information provided). Permit will be emailed once you register.

A few minors might be accepted on the trip but reach out to James Hoffman via sosjames11@gmail.com beforehand to discuss their maturity and physical levels.  Also, reach out to discuss any physical or medical concerns.

We will have a gear check, safety and conservation meeting before entering the cave at 10am.  Plan to be in the cave for at least 5 hours to make it to our destination “The Topless Dome.”  Because this is a Sunday trip and many of us will have a long drive home, the trip should be over by 5pm or a little sooner.  There is no cell phone signal at Tumbling Rock, but there is free Wi-Fi in the parking area (no password) to communicate with the outside world.

What to expect:

The temperature in the cave will be about 60 degree, but we will be getting wet which will make it seem much cooler so wearing light layers works best.  Tumbling Rock is kind of like a fun jungle gym because we will be climbing and sliding on slippery surfaces, playing in the mud and water, and because of this it is considered hazardous. We will be walking along ledges with 30-foot drops and will need to be extra careful of our footing in these areas.  A little upper body and hand strength will be used to lift and lower your body up and off rocks and ledges.  There are a few short, tight, crawling spots, but no one has ever complained that it made them feel claustrophobic.  It is about conservation, safety and having fun so come have fun and leave the anxiety at home.

What to wear and bring:

•          No Cotton-- Synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon work best. Bring an extra gallon Ziploc bag to put your jacket or layers in to help keep them dry.
•          A helmet with mounted light and new/fresh batteries (if you need to rent for $5, contact Nancy Aulenbach & Jon Zetterberg ASAP! Also, you will need to bring 6 brand new AA batteries.)

•          Knee pads are a must and elbow pads are optional.
•          Textured garden gloves-- Dollar General has some bright green and orange ones that are cheap and work well. Again, no cotton or leather.
•          Long pants and no shorts. And an optional light, long-sleeved shirt to protect your arms is recommended.
•          A light day pack.
•          Snacks-- protein bars pack well. Put snacks in Ziploc bags to protect from getting wet.
•          Water (32oz) recommended.
•          Extra batteries for each light source protected by a water-resistant container or bag.
•          Good sturdy shoes or boots. Waterproof boots will only hold water and keep your feet wet. Old hiking boots or shoes work well.
•          Large trash bag for muddy clothes and shoes after caving
•          Clean clothes for the ride home
•          Optional camera or cell phone for pictures, they will get wet and possibly a little muddy so protect how you feel best and at your own risk of damage.