Carter Caves State Resort Park
Winter Adventure Weekend
January 27-29, 2012
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Saturday
Saturday 8:30am TRIP #5: Down For Dummies (Level 2) - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 10 people - Status: full Would you like to try rappelling? Here's your chance. No experience will be necessary. This will NOT be a ""how to"" workshop. You will be given basic instructions, put on the rope, and monitored on the descent. We have a new location for the 2012 event that will make you pucker before your decent. Required equipment includes leather gloves. Follow signs from in front of lodge to site. No transportation required.
Saturday 8:30am
Now that you have rappelled into the pit you have to get out, right? This trip will give you a taste of what is needed to ascend out of that pit you may someday find yourself at the bottom of. You will be introduced to a basic system of rope ascending commonly used by cavers and you will get a chance to do a rope climb. These same techniques are used whether you need to climb 12ft. or 1200ft. Down for Dummies may get you to the bottom, but you will need us to get you out! We will provide you with all necessary equipment including a climbing system and helmet. Follow signs from in front of lodge to site. No transportation required.
Saturday 8:30am
Eastern KY has a rich and proud coal mining heritage. This trip will strive to show the participants what it was actually like to work in the mines with only the light of various flame lamps. From early clamshell lamps to carbide, the last flame lamp, this will be a history and hands on experience of how the miners did their hard work underground with barely enough light to see. We will have working original examples and explain the history of each type of mine light. See original photographs from the day of not only the miners, but the kids as young as 6 years old that worked in the mines day in and day out. Trip will take place on the commercial routes of Cascade Cave. No Flashlights will be used, participants will be provided a carbide miners light (one light per two people) to light the path ahead. (Participants please do not wear any clothing or shoes that have been in another cave or mine outside of the Carter Caves area since 2006. This possibly will help prevent the spread of White Nose Syndrome, a disease that is killing bats across the Eastern United States. Because of the seriousness of WNS, all participants are required to walk across a bio-mat containing Lysol I.C. solution at the end of the cave trip.) Meets at lodge . Transportation required.
Saturday 8:30am
During this multi-mile hike through much of the park, you will learn to decipher tell-tale surface features that are indicative of a dynamic sub-surface environment. Cave entrances, sinkholes, pits, shelters, springs, arches, and bridges will be featured on this scenic ramble through some of the Park's less-traveled paths. Meets at lodge . No transportation required.
Saturday 9:00am
Drop in - no registration required. Do you like tight places? Come find out just how tight of a space you can mentally and physically squeeze through. Due to the nature of their amusement, cavers have always wondered how tight of a place they can fit through. That was when the squeeze box was invented and later constructed. Here is the way it works. There will be 3 different categories: adult competition (15yrs - 39yrs), troglobite competition (40yrs & up) and the kids competition (6-14yrs). We will have preliminary rounds from 9am-12pm & 1pm-4pm on Saturday in the fields facility of the Lodge. Adults and troglobite competitors must drop in during these times to attempt to qualify for the finals held on Saturday night. In the adult competition, the top four male contenders along with the top four female contenders in each weight class will advance to the finals. In the troglobite category the top four male and female competitors will advance. The winners in each adult & troglobite category will receive a prize ribbon, sign the squeeze box and best of all have bragging rights until next years competition. Adult & troglobite finalist will be posted in the lobby by 5:00pm. In the kids competition, kids ages 6-14yrs old can take a stab at the squeeze box during the preliminary competitions held on Saturday. We have set different categories for children and will keep track of the records throughout the day. The child that squeezes through the box at the lowest height in each weight category will be determined the winner. The winners of the kid's squeeze box competition will be posted by 5:00pm in the lobby of the lodge. Kid's competition winners in each weight category will win a prize ribbon. The ribbons will be awarded before the adult squeeze box competition. Meets in the fields facility. No transportation required.
Saturday 9:00am
Drop in - no registration required. This is an EXTREME cardboard maze that is adventurous for both adults and kids. You will encounter extensive crawling passages and some constrictive spaces during this trip. The passages simulate conditions often encountered by cavers in the area's wild caves. The corrugated cave has undergone some renovations since last year. Bring a light (NOT carbide!) but you can leave your shoes & helmet behind. Dress lightly, it is strenuous and can get stuffy in the cave. Knee pads are a good option if you have them. We allow 10 people maximum in the cave at one time, therefore a short wait may occur. Children 10 years old and under need parental supervision in order to participate. Follow signs from lobby to basement. No transportation required.
Saturday 9:00am
Now that you have had the chance to go down a rope and up a rope we are introducing the concept of across the rope. That's right, a high-line over 200 feet long will be stretched across the gorge down behind the lodge. We will strap you in for you to take a ride to remember as you drop 40 feet in elevation and cruise by the parks largest natural arch, Smoky Bridge. Make sure you bring your cameras for there will be some great photo opportunities. A weight limit of 250 lbs is in place for this trip. The Friends of Carter Caves organization helped make this years high-line possible by purchasing $1,000 worth of vertical gear for rigging the ride. More gear is needed to guarantee this trip year after year. Keep this in mind when you are making bids during the silent auction. Follow signs from lobby to site. No transportation required.
Saturday 9:00am
The elusive Bigfoot has remained a mystery because he practices Leave No Trace to preserve his environment. Meet Trek and Track, the fun hiking boots that use interactive activities, targeted towards the younger generation (ages 6-10) to introduce you to the principles of Leave No Trace. Each participant will receive a Leave No Trace backpack tag. Meets at Cottage 248 . Transportation required.
Saturday 9:00am
Archaeological studies have demonstrated that within a short distance of the park lodge there are a large number of rock shelters, open habitation sites and small caves that were used from around 1400 AD to at least 4000 BC by the first cavers and visitors to the park lands. Evidence of this occupation is scattered on the surface of some park trails indicating that the Smokey and Tygarts Creeks served as a resource for cobbles of chert (flint) that was used to make a variety of tools. We will follow park trails and pass through, over, and under at least 15 ancient habitation sites. We will visit Raven Bridge which may have served as some form of ceremonial site or special habitation location. Also, we will descend the cliff about 30 ft. to visit several rockshelters and a small cave that were used by Aboriginal visitors to the area. A rope will be used but it will not be necessary to rappel. [proper shoes a must] We will not go into the cave due to the presence of hibernating bats. Total distance covered is around 1.5 miles. Meets at lodge . No transportation required.
Saturday 9:00am
Like climbing trees? Recreational tree climbing is a popular high adventure activity that puts a twist to our backyard tree climbing pastime. We will cover what the traditional tree climbing schools are teaching, which is traditional double rope technique that involves using a modified hip thrust to pull themselves 20-40 feet off of the ground. Changes for 2012 include a new location and the addition of Single Rope Technique (SRT) Climbing opportunities. This is a strenuous high adventure activity. Participants 15yrs & under require parent or guardian supervision. Required equipment includes climbing appropriate gloves and warm clothing. Meets at lodge . No transportation required.
Saturday 9:00am
Often described as the most beautiful and enjoyable rappel in the park, Natural Bridge is off limits to rope work for 364.5 days per year. Join us for this rare rappelling opportunity through the roof of a spectacular natural rock formation. This is NOT a training class! Although your ruggedly handsome guides will likely offer tips and advice, you must possess basic rappel skills and equipment. This 70' drop is near the paved park road and the return walk from the bottom is a short uphill hike. The trip will go regardless of weather. If time permits, rope climbing will be allowed. Required Equipment: Rappel harness and rappel device, carabiners, gloves, helmet. Optional but suggested equipment: QAS Safety, rappel rack. Meets at lodge . Transportation required.
Saturday 9:00am
Have you ever wondered how we find caves? As it turns out, winter is a perfect time to go looking. We will explore the world of ridge walking by hiking through a section of the park, noting karst features and having a general discussion on the topic. What do we look for? What is important to remember? What can we find? How do we mark our maps and take notes? All this and more will be answered in a nice hike through the woods. Because this hike is off the normal trail system, it is rough! It's not for the kiddies! Participants need sturdy hiking boots, layered warm clothing, a day pack, pack lunch, snacks, water, helmet, knee pads, flashlight, gloves, camera and a small notepad and pencil. Meets at Lodge. Transportation required.
Saturday 9:30am
Winter survival will involve the fundamentals of survival methodology and mindset. This workshop will include practical application and skill building for specifics including shelter, fire basics, water, food, and signaling. You will be outside during this workshop so dress appropriately for the weather elements. Meets at lodge . Transportation required.
Saturday 9:30am
View X-Cave in a way that most visitors do not... by flashlight only. We will turn out the commercial lights of the cave and cruise the passages with your flashlights. A dependable light source is required for every participant. Keep your eyes peeled and you may see some of the resident big brown bats hibernating in X-Cave. (Participants please do not wear any clothing or shoes that have been in another cave or mine outside of the Carter Caves area since 2006. This possibly will help prevent the spread of White Nose Syndrome, a disease that is killing bats across the Eastern United States. Because of the seriousness of WNS, all participants are required to walk across a bio-mat containing Lysol I.C. solution at the end of the cave trip.) Meets at Welcome Center. Transportation required.
Saturday 9:30am
Would you like to try rappelling? Here's your chance. No experience will be necessary. This will NOT be a ""how to"" workshop. You will be given basic instructions, put on the rope, and monitored on the descent. We have a new location for the 2012 event that will make you pucker before your decent. Required equipment includes leather gloves. Follow signs from in front of lodge to site. No transportation required.
Saturday 9:30am
This is a 6-mile canoe trip that navigates you through the Tygarts Creek Gorge. Kentucky's most scenic limestone gorge. You will be on the creek for at least 3.5 hours. It is cold and wet, especially if you swamp! Because of the remoteness of the gorge and limited access, there is no turning back once you start. Needless to say this trip is not for beginners. Canoes, paddles, and vests will be provided. You should bring water, lunch or a snack for we will be eating lunch along the creek. Required Equipment includes the correct attire for cold weather paddling, a wet or dry suit is highly recommended, if not you are required to have a complete change of clothes in a dry bag. There are no exceptions to the required equipment, and the trip leaders can remove you from the trip if you do not meet the requirements. This trip can be canceled if the creek is frozen over. If this happens you can cancel your registration and receive a full refund or we can register you for other trips during the weekend. Meets at lodge . Transportation provided.
Saturday 10:00am
Drop in - no registration required. Do you like tight places? Come find out just how tight of a space you can mentally and physically squeeze through. Due to the nature of their amusement, cavers have always wondered how tight of a place they can fit through. That was when the squeeze box was invented and later constructed. Here is the way it works. There will be 3 different categories: adult competition (15yrs - 39yrs), troglobite competition (40yrs & up) and the kids competition (6-14yrs). We will have preliminary rounds from 9am-12pm & 1pm-4pm on Saturday in the fields facility of the Lodge. Adults and troglobite competitors must drop in during these times to attempt to qualify for the finals held on Saturday night. In the adult competition, the top four male contenders along with the top four female contenders in each weight class will advance to the finals. In the troglobite category the top four male and female competitors will advance. The winners in each adult & troglobite category will receive a prize ribbon, sign the squeeze box and best of all have bragging rights until next years competition. Adult & troglobite finalist will be posted in the lobby by 5:00pm. In the kids competition, kids ages 6-14yrs old can take a stab at the squeeze box during the preliminary competitions held on Saturday. We have set different categories for children and will keep track of the records throughout the day. The child that squeezes through the box at the lowest height in each weight category will be determined the winner. The winners of the kid's squeeze box competition will be posted by 5:00pm in the lobby of the lodge. Kid's competition winners in each weight category will win a prize ribbon. The ribbons will be awarded before the adult squeeze box competition. Meets in fields facility. No transportation required.
Saturday 10:00am
Drop in - no registration required. This is an EXTREME cardboard maze that is adventurous for both adults and kids. You will encounter extensive crawling passages and some constrictive spaces during this trip. The passages simulate conditions often encountered by cavers in the area's wild caves. The corrugated cave has undergone some renovations since last year. Bring a light (NOT carbide!) but you can leave your shoes & helmet behind. Dress lightly, it is strenuous and can get stuffy in the cave. Knee pads are a good option if you have them. We allow 10 people maximum in the cave at one time, therefore a short wait may occur. Children 10 years old and under need parental supervision in order to participate. Follow signs from lobby to basement. No transportation required.
Saturday 10:00am
Now that you have had the chance to go down a rope and up a rope we are introducing the concept of across the rope. That's right, a high-line over 200 feet long will be stretched across the gorge down behind the lodge. We will strap you in for you to take a ride to remember as you drop 40 feet in elevation and cruise by the parks largest natural arch, Smoky Bridge. Make sure you bring your cameras for there will be some great photo opportunities. A weight limit of 250 lbs is in place for this trip. The Friends of Carter Caves organization helped make this years high-line possible by purchasing $1,000 worth of vertical gear for rigging the ride. More gear is needed to guarantee this trip year after year. Keep this in mind when you are making bids during the silent auction. Follow signs from lobby to site. No transportation required.
Saturday 10:00am
Drop in - no registration required. A Saturday mini-presentation. Basic information on three popular types of bicycling: road, cyclocross and mountain biking. There will also be information on cycling opportunities in the area along with a presentation on basic bicycle maintenance and repair. Presented by members of Ashland Cycling Enthusiasts. Meets in fields facility. No transportation required.
Saturday 10:00am
Some of the most unusual and interesting animals are found in the darkness of caves. Bats, bugs, and many other animals call caves their home. Join Breaks Interstate Park Naturalist, Jayd Raines, on a field trip to get an up close and personal look at these creatures of the darkness. Close toed shoes and flashlight are required. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. (Participants please do not wear any clothing or shoes that have been in another cave or mine outside of the Carter Caves area since 2006. This possibly will help prevent the spread of White Nose Syndrome, a disease that is killing bats across the Eastern United States. Because of the seriousness of WNS, all participants are required to walk across a bio-mat containing Lysol I.C. solution at the end of the cave trip.) Meets at lodge . Transportation required.
Saturday 10:00am
Now that you have rappelled into the pit you have to get out, right? This trip will give you a taste of what is needed to ascend out of that pit you may someday find yourself at the bottom of. You will be introduced to a basic system of rope ascending commonly used by cavers and you will get a chance to do a rope climb. These same techniques are used whether you need to climb 12ft. or 1200ft. Down for Dummies may get you to the bottom, but you will need us to get you out! We will provide you with all necessary equipment including a climbing system and helmet. Follow signs from in front of lodge to site. No transportation required.
Saturday 10:30am
Cascade is the largest commercial cave in Carter County. You will experience large cave passageways, bats, beautiful cave formations and finish with a look at a 30 foot underground waterfall. This is a commercially lit walking tour with some stooping and bending. Kenny the Real McCoy will be your guide and provide you with one uniquely delivered cave tour. (Participants please do not wear any clothing or shoes that have been in another cave or mine outside of the Carter Caves area since 2006. This possibly will help prevent the spread of White Nose Syndrome, a disease that is killing bats across the Eastern United States. Because of the seriousness of WNS, all participants are required to walk across a bio-mat containing Lysol I.C. solution at the end of the cave trip.) Meets at Welcome Center. Transportation required.
Saturday 10:30am
Would you like to try rappelling? Here's your chance. No experience will be necessary. This will NOT be a ""how to"" workshop. You will be given basic instructions, put on the rope, and monitored on the descent. We have a new location for the 2012 event that will make you pucker before your decent. Required equipment includes leather gloves. Follow signs from in front of lodge to site. No transportation required.
Saturday 10:30am
Like climbing trees? Recreational tree climbing is a popular high adventure activity that puts a twist to our backyard tree climbing pastime. We will cover what the traditional tree climbing schools are teaching, which is traditional double rope technique that involves using a modified hip thrust to pull themselves 20-40 feet off of the ground. Changes for 2012 include a new location and the addition of Single Rope Technique (SRT) Climbing opportunities. This is a strenuous high adventure activity. Participants 15yrs & under require parent or guardian supervision. Required equipment includes climbing appropriate gloves and warm clothing. Meets at lodge . No transportation required.
Saturday 10:30am
Do you like the outdoors and modern technology? How about gadgets and gizmos? We have the perfect activity to combine both. A great family activity, geocaching uses the internet, GPS units, and a sense of adventure in the outdoors to send you on a scavenger hunt like no other. You can bring your own GPS but don't worry; we'll have extras if you don't have one. We'll provide the instruments and instruction on how to begin participating in this world wide phenomenon! Following a instructional presentation, you will put your new found skills to the test by venturing outdoors to find some specially placed caches. Meets at Welcome Center. Transportation required.
Saturday 10:30am
Paddle your way on this 6-mile KAYAK trip that navigates you through the Tygarts Creek Gorge. Kentucky's most scenic limestone gorge. You will be on the creek for at least 3.5 hours. It is cold and wet, especially if you flip your boat! Needless to say this trip is not for beginners! If you have not figured it out BYOK stands for bring your own kayak. The park provides the transportation shuttle from the Welcome Center and guides for your trip down Tygarts Creek. Required Equipment includes; kayak, paddle, PFD (life jacket), helmet and the correct attire for cold weather paddling. A wet or dry suit is highly recommended, if not you are required to have a complete change of clothes in a dry bag. There is no exceptions to the required equipment, and the trip leaders can remove you from the trip if you do not meet the requirements. Bring a pack lunch or snacks for we will be stopping for lunch on the creek. We will load your kayaks on our trailer at the Welcome Center then head for the put in point. This trip can be canceled if the creek is frozen over. If this happens you can cancel your registration and receive a full refund or we can register you for other trips during the weekend. Meets at Welcome Center. Transportation required.
Saturday 10:30am
For the first time ever we are offering a guided horseback ride during Winter Adventure Weekend. Take a guided horseback ride through parts of the beautiful Tygart State Forest and Carter Caves State Park. This ride will take you up high on ridges with awesome views and deep into the valleys of Cave Branch. The ride will be around 5-6 miles and last about 1 1/2 hrs. Horseback riders must be 8yrs or older to participate. Participants will be required to sign a waiver. Parents or guardians of children will need to sign off on a waiver for their children. This program cost an additional $30 per person. Needs a minimum of 5 participants to go, if not the trip can be canceled. If this happens you can cancel your registration and receive a full refund or we can register you for other trips during the weekend. Meets at Horseback Riding Stables. Transportation required.
Saturday 10:30am
Bat Conservation through Cave Conservation, Restoration and Preservation: a field trip that will take you to several caves on the park with a discussion on bat species' natural and life history, the gating of Laurel Cave, and protection and ongoing conservation and restoration efforts at Saltpeter Cave. This trip will lead us to the small building protecting the Abe's Room sinkhole culvert. Then off to the entrance of Bat Cave to discuss the gating and flood control efforts that are on-going at this critical site where conservation and preservation efforts intersect. Other cave and bat conservation work in Kentucky will be discussed along with current conservation efforts necessitated by the threat of White Nose Syndrome. This trip will be led by Michael Baker, Eastern Rare Bats Program Coordinator, for Bat Conservation International and Brooke Hines, Bat Ecologist for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Together they have over 30 yrs of Bat protection experience. Meets at Welcome Center. Transportation required.
Saturday 11:00am
Drop in - no registration required. Do you like tight places? Come find out just how tight of a space you can mentally and physically squeeze through. Due to the nature of their amusement, cavers have always wondered how tight of a place they can fit through. That was when the squeeze box was invented and later constructed. Here is the way it works. There will be 3 different categories: adult competition (15yrs - 39yrs), troglobite competition (40yrs & up) and the kids competition (6-14yrs). We will have preliminary rounds from 9am-12pm & 1pm-4pm on Saturday in the fields facility of the Lodge. Adults and troglobite competitors must drop in during these times to attempt to qualify for the finals held on Saturday night. In the adult competition, the top four male contenders along with the top four female contenders in each weight class will advance to the finals. In the troglobite category the top four male and female competitors will advance. The winners in each adult & troglobite category will receive a prize ribbon, sign the squeeze box and best of all have bragging rights until next years competition. Adult & troglobite finalist will be posted in the lobby by 5:00pm. In the kids competition, kids ages 6-14yrs old can take a stab at the squeeze box during the preliminary competitions held on Saturday. We have set different categories for children and will keep track of the records throughout the day. The child that squeezes through the box at the lowest height in each weight category will be determined the winner. The winners of the kid's squeeze box competition will be posted by 5:00pm in the lobby of the lodge. Kid's competition winners in each weight category will win a prize ribbon. The ribbons will be awarded before the adult squeeze box competition. Meets in fields facility. No transportation required.
Saturday 11:00am
Drop in - no registration required. This is an EXTREME cardboard maze that is adventurous for both adults and kids. You will encounter extensive crawling passages and some constrictive spaces during this trip. The passages simulate conditions often encountered by cavers in the area's wild caves. The corrugated cave has undergone some renovations since last year. Bring a light (NOT carbide!) but you can leave your shoes & helmet behind. Dress lightly, it is strenuous and can get stuffy in the cave. Knee pads are a good option if you have them. We allow 10 people maximum in the cave at one time, therefore a short wait may occur. Children 10 years old and under need parental supervision in order to participate. Follow signs from lobby to basement. No transportation required.
Saturday 11:00am
Now that you have had the chance to go down a rope and up a rope we are introducing the concept of across the rope. That's right, a high-line over 200 feet long will be stretched across the gorge down behind the lodge. We will strap you in for you to take a ride to remember as you drop 40 feet in elevation and cruise by the parks largest natural arch, Smoky Bridge. Make sure you bring your cameras for there will be some great photo opportunities. A weight limit of 250 lbs is in place for this trip. The Friends of Carter Caves organization helped make this years high-line possible by purchasing $1,000 worth of vertical gear for rigging the ride. More gear is needed to guarantee this trip year after year. Keep this in mind when you are making bids during the silent auction. Follow signs from lobby to site. No transportation required.
Saturday 11:00am
It's not always a breathtaking overlook or picturesque ridge top that makes a hike special. On this trip, we'll concentrate on the views that Carter Caves provides best - cave entrances, our windows into darkness! We'll start out near the Welcome Center, view the entrances of several Cave Branch caves and then hike into Horn Hollow valley where the karst spectacles continue. You'll see no less than 10 different cave entrances, maybe more, each with their own unique personalities, so to speak. Keep in mind that we will NOT be going into any caves, but bring along a camera or sketch pad because these underground wonders are wondrous to behold from the outside too! Join us as we hike with our feet, and our imaginations! (Note: Some off-trail and rough hiking may be required.) Meets at Welcome Center. Transportation required.
Saturday 11:00am
Drop in - no registration required. A Saturday mini-presentation. In March 2011 Andy ""Captain Blue"" Niekamp set out on a hiking journey from Dayton on Ohio's Buckeye Trail. His goal was to hike on the Buckeye Trail for as long as it was fun. Over 1,400 miles and 88 days later Captain Blue returned to Dayton on the Buckeye Trail, the longest circular trail in the nation. His presentation will take you on a foot journey around Ohio with his beautiful photos and narrative. Come get acquainted with Ohio's backyard trail. Andy is the 6th person to complete a thru hike of the Buckeye Trail. Meets in fields facility. No transportation required.
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Carter Caves State Park 2011 Winner of Outstanding Park Of The Year. |
| Winter Adventure Weekend 2011 Winner Of The Outstanding Special Event Of The Year. |
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