White Cliff Gate Repair
Caren Beck

Surprisingly this gate repair project was actually EASIER than expected!! Sean, Becky, Brandon, Bill Walker, Brian, and Sullivan met at the cave and began the repair project. It was decided that the gate would be easier to fix if it was hauled to the welder near the cars rather than hauling the welder to the cave entrance. Brian, Sullivan, and Sean welded the gate and fortunately, the welding went smoothly (no fighting with the generator or any other problems). The redone gate fit the first time and locked correctly (Yeah:).

While the gating team worked topside, the subterranean team worked below. Bill Walker, Caitlin, and I guided (not that they needed one) several beginners into their first dry caving experience. Two of our group (Cave Diver Adam and Sarah) were experienced cave divers who had never done a dry cave before. They enjoyed exploring a dry cave and I think they appreciated not having to run a line and of course, being able to relax and just breath up the air! (Just wait until you see the big, pretty caves in TAG!) Steve, a former FSSer, and his girlfriend, Wen, also explored the cave. A local resident of the area, Debra, and Sarah's brother, Nate, also came along for the fun!




Sean and Brian do repairs...




...While everyone else plays in the cave!



Steve in a typical White Cliff passage



Sarah in another hole