28Th Annual TAG Fall Cave-In

A New Cavers First TAG

by Carol Vinzant:

28th Annual TAG Fall Cave-In Oct. 6-9, 2005

Lookout Mountain, Georgia

As a beginning caver from Florida, I have only been in a few “small” caves. I say “small” because they were nothing like the immensity of the caves that I experienced this year at TAG. This was an incredible caving experience for me. Until this trip the largest rappel I had done was over a quarry wall of about 70 ft. I have never been so scared, yet felt so alive in my life. In fact, I can’t remember when I had been so scared…that was until I was introduced to the drop at Stephen’s Gap.

It was a fair hike to the pit from where we parked, butthe weather was overcast with temps in the low 70’s which made the hike up comfortable. We walked past Pipeside Pit on the way, taking a brief look and deciding to drop this one on the way back from the Gap. I wanted to secure all my energy for the monster before me. As we approached the cave I could feel the adrenalin start to pump. It was exciting to watch as the ropes were rigged by Matt and we prepared for the 142’ rappel. I was not the first to rappel down of course, Matt was ( the guy that did rigged the pit goes first). I came down next followed by my son Danny then Woody. Brian was last after taking photos of all of us from inside.

My wonderful husband Woody stayed by my side while I got on rope and prepared for my descent. As I got into position my nerves took over and I felt nauseated and like I was going to die. I was shaking worse than a blender on high speed and doubted my ability to do this rappel. Through Woody’s gentle encouragement I made myself take the crucial few steps to “the point of no return” and I began my rappel. Breathing heavy and still shaking I had the cave walls close around me for the first 40 ft. as I slid through the fissure crack at the top of the drop. Finally it opened up into a free hang… nothing but me and the sweet air. I prayed a lot during this time. I looked around at my surroundings the best that I could, and what I saw was sheer beauty. The waterfall was breathtaking and had a gentle peace all its own., but I was never so happy to get to the bottom…and boy did I feel alive…I had done it!

Once off rope I was ready to go again, so I climbed out the bottom entrance for a repeat rappel. I was not nearly as scared and enjoyed it even more the second time down. What a exhilarating experience that I would recommend to anyone.

On our hike back to the truck we stopped to drop in at Pipeside Pit. I was more than ready for this one after my encounter with Stephen’s Gap. Once the ropes were rigged, again by Matt, we made the 70’ rappel into the cave. It felt so much smaller but had a beauty all of its own. Matt dropped in first and found a copperhead snake at the bottom of the pit. Brian rescued the snake and brought it to the surface in his pack. I had to “frog” out of this pit and was able to do so without event. It is amazing how your confidence grows with each challenge that is faced and met head on. Caving is not for the weak at heart but for those who appreciate being alive and experiencing life to its fullest.

Caving also has the power to increase your respect for the elements of nature. Nothing can be taken for granted. Our last cave before we left TAG was CampsGulf, a mammoth cave with tons of breakdown. We entered this cave late in the afternoon. The boulders were plentiful and incredibly slick. We spent 10 hours in this cave, thanks to a slight loss of direction in Echo Hall. The rooms were massive and incredible and I was told the largest one was 15 acres in size. Our lights were but candle glows to the massiveness of these rooms. After a brief stop in Echo Hall for photos, somehow we got turned around and a bit confused. Although we did begin to prepare for emergency measures such as conserving body heat, warding of dehydration, and conservation of our batteries, the embarrassment of being rescued persevered and 3.5 hours later we finally made it back to the Rotunda Room. I think we all said a few prayers, and with a lot of perseverance and good attitudes, we finally made it back to the entrance.

Would I want to do this cave again? I would have to say no, but, it definitely earned my respect…. and I know when to leave well enough alone. I was never so glad to see the entrance of a cave and feel fresh air in all of my life…I wanted to kiss the ground. ( I kissed Woody instead)

My overall experience of TAG was fantastic. I went there not knowing what to expect, and came back sore and tired butready to go again. I have a great husband and a great team that I love to cave with. I feel confident and secure when I am with them. Through all the mud, the sore muscles and even getting lost,if you asked me was it really worth it ? I would have to say, “Is the chocolate on ice cream at the Western Sizzler in Scottsboro worth it ?.…you ‘betcha baby”. TAG UP!!!