Lubbock Area Grotto Trip Report 20080301

Small Gypsum Flower that has survived the test of time.
By: Tammy Tucker

Brian Alger, William & Tammy Tucker, Dennis & Sharon Welch, Christi P, and Jenny camped on McKittrick Hill on Friday, February 29th. The next morning we geared up for the cave and Brian explained what we would be doing. With map in hand, Dennis, Sharon, Christi, and Jenny proceeded to the Easy Chair Maze to sketch floor details and survey some side passages. Brian, William, and Tammy made their way to the Expressway and then to Lower Maze for survey work. We all worked hard and ended the day with reports of much survey done, a snake, a gorgeous helictite (Sharon) on a soda straw, a cute little plunger on the end of a soda straw (Sharon), and an enthusiasm for returning the next day.

Live 6' snake found in the Expressway
By: Tammy Tucker

Sunday morning Dennis, Sharon, Christi, and Jenny made it to the War Club room among other places. Brian, William, and Tammy returned to survey work in the upper part of the Lower Maze. Much was accomplished (see Brian’s report for details) and each group exited the cave, with the last one being about 3:30 p.m. (Texas time). Of particular note, a large bubble of gypsum we nicknamed “Jabba the Hut” (and were actually able to crawl through and survey!) It looks like we will need to make ONE MORE trip to Endless to complete the work.
[Editor Note: One more trip will be required to finish the Lower Maze. There is still a small amount of mop-up survey work to do in a couple of areas.]