JUG SINK CLEANUP IN ARCHER, FL
By Caren Beck and Brian Williams

Saturday, December 15, the FSS embarked on our second sink cleanup project. This one took place at Jug Sink in Archer, Florida.

The cleanup site was a beautiful fern and moss covered 15 foot diameter solution tube about 15 feet deep. However, instead of ending in a pool of water or a dirt floor, it ended in a pile of garbage, including much rusted metal and many old glass bottles.

We began by rigging a pulley above the center of the pit. This was a little tricky considering there were no branches overhanging the pit directly. With Sullivan and David at the bottom of the pit, and the rest of the crew (Brian, Becky, Brandon, Caren, Tom, Roy, Buford, Paul, Robbie and Doug) pulling the rope topside, we had a good system. In time, we hauled out 2 washing machines, a cast iron furnace, and numerous bucket-loads full of trash. After making some headway, we broke for lunch, which was an unexpected surprise provided by the landowwners. It was complete with homemade Christmas goodies for desert. Thank you!! It was delicious!!

After lunch, we fought the urge to nap, but were excited to begin opening the cave up. We had to suspend our 12 foot ladder because the bottom of the pit had descended with the trash removal, making the pit about 25 feet deep now! This time Sullivan and Brian were at the bottom of the pit. After hauling a couple of loads, there was some excitement and a call for a camera. Then Brian disappeared from sight and Sullivan called to us that Brian was swimming in passage!!! We were excited to take pictures of this newly opened creation and several of us took the plunge into the cold water to see what virgin passages awaited our discovery! After wading through the entrance pool and heading west, we found a beautiful subway-tunnel water passage 54 feet long and about 15 feet high. It ended in a mud embankment with a tight squeeze, which opened into another small room with several smaller side rooms. To the east, we found 200 feet of mostly dry passage, which ended in a fairly deep pool of crystal clear blue water. Brian came equipped with his pony bottle to take a quick look for any future underwater cave exploration possibilities.

After this exhilarating exploration, we wanted to take a look at the other sink on their property already identified as being water-filled. With a handline, Adam, Sullivan, Brian and Bill Walker descended into this 25 feet deep fissure crack. Brian discovered a fairly large, underwater phreatic passage and Sullivan and Adam swam on and found about 20 feet of dry passage.

The FSS would like to thank Roy and Della for being such gracious landowners. It is obvious that these Florida residents care about identifying, respecting, and preserving these sensitive and beautiful karst environments. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to help identify and appreciate this beauty with you.