Why go caving?

When I show friends and family pictures like this

They always say “Your’e crazy! What if you get stuck?!” Its hard to explain why we enjoy crawling through a hole no bigger then a pumpkin, spending hours underground on our hands and knees slopping through mud and water just to see a different colored rock.

For me its the thrill of exploring something few have ever seen. Discovering a new cave or passage is a thrill we enjoy. Being deep underground in a foreign eco-system, seeing new insects and animals that spend their entire life underground is an amazing experience.

Just recently an entire new genus of cricket was found in a cave in near the Grand Canyon.

Spending hours underground and seeing formations resembling wings of angels or even bacon is the reward for many cavers. Others find being deep underground away from the busy city life a very relaxing experience. Taking time to sit with your light off and listening to the dripping of the water from a stalactite very peaceful.

Though with exploration comes responsibility. Every caver needs to help maintain the delicate ecosystem. Never leave trash, disrupt wildlife or remove crystals.

With proper education and conservation caves environments will be around for future generations to enjoy