Cave Exploring In Southern Indiana

Spelunking Anyone?

by Broc Bradley

Publication Date: January 1997

Derived from the Latin word "spelunca," meaning cave, spelunking is the hobby or practice of exploring caves. Sure, it would make a good Jeopardy question, but for those less scientific enthusiasts, "caving" is the term you'll hear most often around your local grotto.

I recently met with Mark Sutherland, a Clarksville resident and Indiana native, to learn more about the sport and discuss his trip to Louden's Pit, a cave in Harrison County, Indiana. Mark has been caving since high school and has introduced the sport to his wife, Leslie, and their 13-year-old son, Trevor. Louden's Pit is an advanced cave that leaves little room for error and moving around. Its main attraction is a 135 foot vertical shaft not far from the cave's small entrance. Mark and his family were scouting this particular cave as a potential sight for Trevor's Explorer troop.

Basic caving gear and repelling equipment were necessary to explore Louden's Pit's features. The tight fit at the cave's entrance left little more than three and one-half to four feet of head room. Positioning for the descent into the shaft was difficult. Mark, Leslie, and Trevor all planned to make the repel while another team member, Ralph Coulter of American Outdoor Adventures, provided a belay for safety. Repelling requires training from qualified instructors and should not be attempted without proper supervision.

As each member made the tricky descent into the black hole, it was Leslie who ran into trouble. Thirty-five feet from the top of the shaft, Leslie's repelling line twisted with the safety line, triggering a locking mechanism to freeze. Unable to go up or down, her only hope was to cut the safety line, allowing the mechanism to open. Fortunately, the plan worked and Leslie lowered herself the final 100 feet to the bottom.

Trevor made his way to the bottom and was the last to come up. Hanging out at the bottom of the pit by himself was no big deal for this moxie 13 year-old. Even though most Explorers are 14 or older, Trevor's skill far exceeds that of kids older than him. In fact, he placed second in a men's intermediate rock climbing competition in Ohio.

Climbing back up a 135 foot rope was no easy task. Mechanical devices called ascenders were used. These gadgets slide up the rope and lock into place providing hand holds. Nylon webbing attaches to each ascender to use as a foot step or hold. If you've ever tried climbing a rope ladder, you can appreciate the difficulty that must be involved in shimmying up a single rope.

Caving can be inexpensive and fun. It can also be extreme and dangerous. Indiana and Kentucky are rich with caves. Mark's 1961 book Caves of Indiana, published by the geological survey, lists 398 caves in Indiana alone. Some caves are on federal or state land and others are located on private property which requires permission to use.

Caves were formed by glaciers and subterranean water carving out the caverns. Some are classified as "delicate" and may require special techniques, like disrobing before entering any underground pools, or wearing booties over shoes. Caves maintain a constant temperature, which is approximately the mean temperature for the local area. This is about 56 degrees for the Louisville region. Caving, therefore, can be a year-around sport.

A list for must equipment for basic caving includes: two to three sources of light per person; helmet; old clothes; gloves; three or more people; food and water; and a game plan to include location of cave and proposed return time. For those over 21 that are serious about getting started, Mark recommends joining the National Speleological Society (NSS). The NSS is a non-profit organization affiliated with the American Association for the Advancement of Science. It was founded for the purpose of advancing the study, conservation, exploration, and knowledge of caves. More than 11,000 members in 200 grottos conduct regular meetings to bring cavers together within their general area and coordinate activities which may include mapping, cleaning, and gating sensitive caves. The NSS is also in charge of the cave rescue commission. Write to The National Speleological Society, 2813 Cave Avenue, Huntsville, Alabama 35810-4413.

Always remember the caver's motto:

"Leave nothing but footprints; Take nothing but pictures; Kill nothing but time."