The Griffon News

 I took PED 171 cave exploring with Dr. David Ashley this semester. My first impression of this class was that we were going to talk about caves and then go on a guided tour. The tour was guided alright, but not by a man in uniform working for the conservation department with lights and walking trails. Our tour consisted of crawling through mud and water, negotiating every step and there was some minor rock climbing involved. Don’t let this scare you away from the class because I will tell you it was the most exciting experience I have ever been through. This class will definitely teach you how to trust your colleagues and instructor more than any other college experience you will ever have.

 We looked out for each other maneuvering  every obstacle we came to. We often looked behind us and asked if everyone was ok. It was a team effort and a connection that has no real description.

 We saw lots of bats from pips to browns and we even saw a gray bat.

I’ve never been face to face with a bat before. It may sound scary but it is really a deep connection with nature and the things around you. They were hibernating and we did our best not to disturb them.

 Those of you who take this class in the future will come to know the ‘hole of fame.’ It is small, crawl worthy and holds fame to all who achieve its challenge, but that’s all I’m telling you, other than “Go Tiffany!”

  Every one of us congregated at an undisclosed place in the cave and Dr. Ashley asked us to turn our lights off. This was my first experience with the definition of pitch black.

 It was so cool in understanding life that exists without eyes, and it certainly gives you an appreciation of eyesight.
 We discussed all the different formations within the cave and the colors caused by different minerals flowing throughout.
 Dr. Ashley takes a lot of pictures and you are bound to be caught between a rock and a hard place.
 Spelunking is like sex, once you do it you want to find new ways to do it even better.

 You can trust Dr. Ashley to see you through this challenge with exceptional guidance. He knows caves and he knows what equipment to carry in case of emergencies.

 Pay attention in his class room because the field experience will make you realize why you need the backup supplies he suggests you have.

 Spelunking is a very cool adventure that everyone should experience, but those lectures in a controlled environment are extremely important and should be completely absorbed for a safe and enjoy­able trip.

 When it comes to finals with Dr. Ashley you had better know your cave formations and every official cave exploring community.

 Oops, did I give it away?

 This instructor goes underground when it comes to exploring and he is above your understanding of this very dark world.
 Don’t forget a change of clothes and watch out for your exploring classmates who may want to wander off, you know who you are Sandra.