Hiking, plus some questions for you cavers

[sonoranrn]

So just got back from another couple hours of hiking. I didn't go as far as I did last time, but that's okay. I want to go back Wed and Fri of this week, as well as Mon and Wed of next week, in preparation for my caving trip so don't want to overdo it and have Evil Knee attack. I've got a good loop path figured out now -- I hike 1 mile up the switchbacks of La Luz trail, then veer off to a steep but shady path that eventually connects back with La Luz. Not sure how far the path I take is (when I unpack my GPS I'll take it with me and find out) but today it took me about another hour or so. It's about 2 miles back down La Luz to the parking lot. It kicks my ass right now, but I know I'll get better. Just gotta stick with it and not overdo it.

So -- you cavers: I'm getting my things together for the trip. I've done some bullshit little caving before, but nothing like this. I've got a pair of rock climbing gloves I'll be bringing and will, of course, be in jeans and my hiking boots. I assume I want long sleeves? Also, they say to bring kneepads. I'm guess they mean the hard ones you can buy at Home Depot or wherever, right? Also, our only light will be from headlamps and flashlights. Is it worth it to bring a camera or will I just wind up annoyed at having any extra crap to contend with and/or be worried about damaging it? Should I bring a small shoulder or hip bag for camera and water?

Help!

Comments

[thebroomecloset.livejournal.com]

OK. Stuff for caving. You can take a look at the "What is the proper equipment?" entry on the FAQ list that my local caving club has at http://www.tritrogs.org/faq.shtml. That's targeted at a full-day, non-guided wild caving trip. You probably don't need to quite that much since you'll be on a tour (albeit a wild tour) and it sounds like you won't be needing to eat in the cave. Now on to your specific questions ...

You'll definitely want gloves. Any sort will do. I would pick up a cheap pair of gardening or work gloves rather than take a nice (expensive) pair of belaying gloves since they'll be getting pretty dirty.

I'd recommend long sleeves. Most caves keep a fairly steady temperature in the mid-50s year-round. If you're going to be moving the whole time, you'll probably be fine in jeans and long sleeves. (My first underground trip I wore jeans and a thermal shirt and was fine.) If you were going to be sitting around, I'd recommend taking an extra layer.

Any sort of kneepads will do. I started with cheap fabric ones (think volleyball style). I've never actually tried the hard plastic ones. I think they might be a little annoying is crawling along rock, but I'm pretty sure I've seen other cavers wear them so I'm sure they work.

Yep, your only light will be what you bring with you. (The general rule in caving is to have three independent light sources, although the tour isn't asking you to do that.) Bringing a camera is a good idea. Just remember that anything you bring will probably get dirty. If you want to bring your nice digital camera, that's fine, just be careful with it. Maybe pack it in a tupperware with some padding to keep it from getting banged around too much. Another option would be to pick up a disposable camera. If you do, make sure you get one with a flash!

If you're going to be bringing water and a camera (and anything else like snacks, extra small flashlight, etc.) I'd defintiely recommend bringing a small daypack or hip bag. I caved for a few years with a cheap daypack that I got at a conference until one of the straps tore off, then I got a dedicated cave pack that's much more durable.

I think that's about it. If you have any more questions just let me know (here or e-mail). I'm sure you're going to have a great time!