Vertical Training
No gear is necessary, absolute beginners welcome!
Email Trevor Cicchinelli at
trvcic@gmail.com if interested.
Survey Efforts on the Barbara Schomer Preserve
Email the board
pittsburghgrotto@gmail.com if interested.
2023
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
Indiana Cave Capers
Date: August 4th-6th
Location: Harrison County Fairground, Corydon, Indiana.
Fun weekend of caving and meeting other cavers, typically vendors are present to sell gear - camping. Website:
http://www.cigcaves.com/indiana-cave-capers/all-about-cave-capers/
Fall MAR
Date: TBD
Location: TBD
A weekend of some of the best caves in the Mid-Atlantic region! Website:
https://mar.caves.org/fieldmeets.htm#spring
MAKC board meeting
Date: 10 AM, August 19th
Location: Bob and Bev Danielson Center, Blairsville PA
August Member's Meeting
Date: August 23th, 7:30 PM
Location: Room 4304, Gates Hillman Center, CMU
The board will updating the Grotto on matters. Also a meet-and-greet for new members or interested guests.
Old Timers Reunion (OTR)
Date: August 31st-September 4th
Location: OTR campsite, WV
Annual gather of “cavers” in WV – generally a party atmosphere but caving is known to take place – Vendors for cave gear can be found here. You need an invite from a member of the TRA to attend. Website:
https://otr.org/, Become a TRA member:
https://otr.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/TRA-Application-082122.pdf
September
Grotto Fall Picnic
Date: September 15th-17th
Location: Laurel Caverns, Farmington, PA
Camp out at Laurel Caverns!
September Board Meeting
Date: September 27th, 7:30 PM
Location: TBD
The board will be meeting to discuss matters. All members are allowed to sit in.
October
Fall TAG Cave-In
Date: October 5th-8th
Location: 2477 Old State Road, Menlo, GA
Annual event that’s somewhat like OTR, but a bit more civil with southern hospitality – The deepest caves in the continental US are here at the intersection of Tennessee-Alabama- Georgia (hence TAG) – Vendors for cave gear can be found here. Website:
https://dogwoodcitygrotto.org/TAG-Fall-Cave-In
Hesston Cave Preserve workday
Date: October 14
Leased by the MAKC. Contact Tom Metzgar for info.
Bridge day
Date: October 21st
Location: Fayetteville, WV
Annual event of rappelling and base jumping (for those that meet the experience requirement and are on a team) off of the New River Gorge Bridge – There is a cost involved and advanced training in vertical rope skills is required for the rappelling – Little fear or brains required for the skydiving – food and festivities to be found along the highway above – don’t plan on going anywhere else the day of. Website:
https://officialbridgeday.com/
Fall VAR
Date: October 21st-23th
Location: RASS Field Station, Millboro, VA
This year hosted by
VPI CAVE CLUB, a weekend of some of the best caves in the Virginia region! Website:
https://var.caves.org/index.php/events/fall-var
October Member's Meeting
Date: October 25th, 7:30 PM
Location: TBD
The board will updating the Grotto on matters. Also a meet-and-greet for new members or interested guests.
Orientation to Cave Rescue
Date: October 27th-29th
Location: Brookhaven Volunteer Fire Department, Morgantown, West Virginia.
Registration opens September 8, 2023.
From October 27–29, 2023 an Orientation to Cave Rescue class will be hosted by the Brookhaven Volunteer Fire Department in Morgantown, West Virginia.
This introductory level class will cover all phases of a cave rescue with classroom instruction and field work. This course is physically demanding. Participants must be in good physical health and must sign a liability waiver.
The OCR's are an excellent opportunity for new cavers to learn about safe caving and about rescue. It's also a good idea for everyone to have at least a little rescue training, in case you're on a trip and someone needs help.
November
MAKC Board meeting and Elections
Date: 10 AM, November 18th
Location: Bob and Bev Danielson Center, Blairsville PA
November Board Meeting
Date: November 29th, 7:30 PM
Location: TBD
The board will be meeting to discuss matters. All members are allowed to sit in.
December
Grotto Christmas Party
Date: December 2nd
Location: TBD
Annual get-together. A fun evening with cavers and pot-luck.