Huntsville Grotto upcoming events

April Vertical Practice (10 Apr 2026)

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 23:00:00 GMT

If you'd like to learn more about vertical techniques, the grotto has a monthly practice night. Signups are done at the grotto meeting. No experience or equipment is required. Additionally, classes in Single Rope Technique (SRT) can be found from the NSS Vertical Training Commission (VTC), and the Huntsville Cave Rescue Unit (HCRU).

2027 SERA Cave Carnival Planning Meeting (15 Apr 2026)

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Come help us get everything in place to host the SERA Cave Carnival in the Spring of 2027.

NSS Work Weekend (18 Apr 2026)

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT

We have so much planned for the NSS Headquarters in 2026. This is the year that so much painting is planned. Interior painting, exterior painting, painting doors and painting pavilions. We are giving much of the HQ painting facelifts!!!

We are painting and renovating a room in the back 5 for additional archive work and storage. There is always chainsaw work and invasive plant removal work to do!

There is indoor and outdoor camping available for the work weekends.

The NSS appreciates all of its volunteers. The NSS community is what makes the society one of the best organizations to belong to.

Maureen Handler

NSS Facilities Division Chief

Alabama Cave Survey Meeting (18 Apr 2026)

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT

It is time once again for our annual Alabama Cave Survey meeting.

This years’ meeting will be held on April 18^th, 2026 @ 9:00 AM. The meeting location will be the NSS Conference Center at 6001 Pulaski Pike NW in Huntsville, AL.

Keep in mind that memberships expire on April 30th. If you can’t attend the meeting, be sure to contact Angela Morgan to re-up.

In addition to re-upping memberships, we will also have officer elections and lively discussions about AL cave-related topics. Some of the latest cave maps will be on display for you to admire and critique. There will also be presentations on recent cave discoveries, mapping projects, etc.

If you have a topic you would like to do a presentation on, please contact one of the Executive Committee members listed below to be put on the schedule.

We hope to see every one of you there! Your contribution is appreciated!

Russell Cave Lecture and Cleanup (18 Apr 2026)

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 19:00:00 GMT

On April 18th, at 2:00 pm Central Standard Time, we will have a lecture with Andy Zellner, a rousing caver, adventurer, and writer. Andy has explored the southern reaches of the Russell cave system. He is a member of the National Speleological Society and has explored many of the 2000 known caves in Jackson County.

At 3:00 pm, we will celebrate Earth Day early by having a volunteer spring cleanup at the mouth of the cave! Please bring clothes that can get wet, sturdy shoes, and any trash collecting gear you have!

April Vertical Trip (25 Apr 2026)

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

One of our monthly vertical trips! This month we are going to Moses Tomb. Please sign up at the beginning of this month at our grotto meeting, or reach out to me at the email below. Vertical caving involves technical maneuvers while on rope and is not for beginners. All attendees on a vertical trip shall have their own vertical equipment and be able to demonstrate requisite skills. NOTE: This is a week after normal vertical trip to deconflict with ACS meeting

May Executive Board Meeting (6 May 2026)

Wed, 06 May 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Monthly Executive Board Meeting

All are welcome!

May Grotto Meeting (6 May 2026)

Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Monthly Grotto Meeting

All are welcome!

SERA 2026 (7 May 2026)

Thu, 07 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

The 2026 SERA Cave Carnival will be hosted by the Birmingham Grotto on the weekend of May 7-10, 2025. It will be held at Camp Maranatha 1091 Jeffrey Rd., Scottsboro, Alabama.

SCCi’s Homecoming 2026 (15 May 2026)

Fri, 15 May 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Hello Friends!

Since many of you plan your calendars months in advance, I wanted to send this email as soon as I could! More details and marketing efforts will be coming in the months ahead, but...

Save the dates for May 15–17 at the Little River Property (former TAG Fall Cave-In site)!

Mark your calendars for SCCi’s Homecoming 2026, a weekend fundraiser of camping, caving, and camaraderie benefiting the Southeastern Cave Conservancy. We’re heading back to the former site of the TAG Fall Cave-In for a relaxed weekend filled with the spirit of caving, connection, and conservation that defines our community.

Enjoy a full weekend of outdoor fun—set up camp, go caving, and enjoy the venue like never before. On Saturday night, we’ll host a live bluegrass and folk jam session, serve cold beer (the same way we always have at TAG) with the purchase of a souvenir mug, and hold a raffle packed with great prizes.

SCCi will host a small dinner on Saturday night with a limited number of meal tickets available. These must be reserved online in advance (more to come on that).

This special fundraising event is open to SCCi members and their guests. If you aren’t a member, consider joining today. If membership isn’t an option for you, please consider yourself my guest. If you are attending NCRC in Mentone the week prior, consider spending just a couple more days in TAG to camp and raise money for SCCi.

Registration and meal ticket prices will be announced soon, and full event details will be coming by the end of the year.

Come reconnect with your caving family and help save the places that connect us.

I hope to see each of you there.

Amber Lehmann

Board Director

NSS Work Weekend (16 May 2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 05:00:00 GMT

We are painting and renovating a room in the back 5 for additional archive work and storage. There is always chainsaw work and invasive plant removal work to do!

There is indoor and outdoor camping available for the work weekends.

The NSS appreciates all of its volunteers. The NSS community is what makes the society one of the best organizations to belong to.

Maureen Handler

NSS Facilities Division Chief

May Beginner Horizontal to Bluff River Cave (16 May 2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

One of our monthly horizontal trips! This month we are going to Bluff River Cave in Jackson County. Please sign up at the beginning of this month at our grotto meeting. NOTE: this is a week after normal horizontal trip to deconflict with SERA

May Intermediate Horizontal to Wet Cave (16 May 2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

One of our monthly horizontal trips! This month we are going to Wet Cave in Franklin County, Tennessee. Please sign up at the beginning of this month at our grotto meeting.

2027 SERA Cave Carnival Planning Meeting (20 May 2026)

Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Come help us get everything in place to host the SERA Cave Carnival in the Spring of 2027.

Speleofest (22 May 2026)

Fri, 22 May 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Speleofest is an annual caving event in Kentucky that takes place on Memorial Day Weekend. It was started in 1972 by the Louisville Grotto and has continued ever since. Proceeds from the event have allowed the Louisville Grotto to purchase the Lone Star Preserve in Bonnieville, Kentucky, which functions as a permanent location for Speleofest and a year-round educational facility for caves and karst. The Lone Star Preserve has grown to 126 acres in recent years and has 6+ caves on the property, 3 of which have over 500 feet of passage.

https://www.louisvillegrotto.org/speleofest/

May Vertical Trip to Balcony Sink (23 May 2026)

Sat, 23 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

One of our monthly vertical trips! This month we are going to Balcony Sink in Jackson County. Please sign up at the beginning of this month at our grotto meeting, or reach out to me at the email below. Vertical caving involves technical maneuvers while on rope and is not for beginners. All attendees on a vertical trip shall have their own vertical equipment and be able to demonstrate requisite skills.

May Vertical Practice (29 May 2026)

Fri, 29 May 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Huntsville Grotto Work Day at Robby's Farm (30 May 2026)

Sat, 30 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

We need folks to come out and help get the farm ready for the float trip and campout on the following weekend.

June Executive Board Meeting (3 Jun 2026)

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Monthly Executive Board Meeting

All are welcome!

June Grotto Meeting (3 Jun 2026)

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Monthly Grotto Meeting

All are welcome!

Grotto float trip and campout (5 Jun 2026)

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMT

June Beginner Horizontal to Guffey Cave (7 Jun 2026)

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

One of our monthly horizontal trips! This month we are going to Guffey Cave in Marshall County. Please sign up at the beginning of this month at our grotto meeting. NOTE: this is a Sunday to deconflict with the float trip

June Intermediate Horizontal to Vinson Cave (7 Jun 2026)

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

One of our monthly horizontal trips! This month we are going to Vinson Cave in Madison County. Please sign up at the beginning of this month at our grotto meeting. NOTE: this is a Sunday to deconflict with the float trip

Karst-o-rama 2026 (12 Jun 2026)

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Karst-O-Rama (KOR) is the annual caving convention hosted at the Great Saltpetre Cave Preserve in Mount Vernon, Kentucky. Open to all Cavers!

karstorama.com

June Vertical Practice (12 Jun 2026)

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

2027 SERA Cave Carnival Planning Meeting (17 Jun 2026)

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Come help us get everything in place to host the SERA Cave Carnival in the Spring of 2027.

NSS Work Weekend (20 Jun 2026)

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMT

We are painting and renovating a room in the back 5 for additional archive work and storage. There is always chainsaw work and invasive plant removal work to do!

There is indoor and outdoor camping available for the work weekends.

The NSS appreciates all of its volunteers. The NSS community is what makes the society one of the best organizations to belong to.

Maureen Handler

NSS Facilities Division Chief

June Vertical Trip to Conley Hole (20 Jun 2026)

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

One of our monthly vertical trips! This month we are going to Conley Hole in Warren County, TN. Please sign up at the beginning of this month at our grotto meeting, or reach out to me at the email below. Vertical caving involves technical maneuvers while on rope and is not for beginners. All attendees on a vertical trip shall have their own vertical equipment and be able to demonstrate requisite skills.

July Executive Board Meeting (1 Jul 2026)

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Monthly Executive Board Meeting

All are welcome!

July Grotto Meeting (1 Jul 2026)

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Monthly Grotto Meeting

All are welcome!

2026 NSS Convention (6 Jul 2026)

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 05:00:00 GMT

https://caves.org/convention/2026-nss-convention/

July Anvil Cave Ralley (11 Jul 2026)

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

One of our monthly horizontal trips! This month we are taking both the beginner and intermediate trips to Anvil Cave in Morgan County. Please sign up at the beginning of this month at our grotto meeting. NOTE: To get to Anvil requires the use of a kayak/canoe

2027 SERA Cave Carnival Planning Meeting (15 Jul 2026)

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Come help us get everything in place to host the SERA Cave Carnival in the Spring of 2027.

July Vertical Trip to Devils Dungeon (18 Jul 2026)

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

One of our monthly vertical trips! This month we are going to Devil's Dungeon in Marshall County. Please sign up at the beginning of this month at our grotto meeting, or reach out to me at the email below. Vertical caving involves technical maneuvers while on rope and is not for beginners. All attendees on a vertical trip shall have their own vertical equipment and be able to demonstrate requisite skills.

July Vertical Practice (24 Jul 2026)

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 23:00:00 GMT

August Executive Board Meeting (5 Aug 2026)

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Monthly Executive Board Meeting

All are welcome!

August Grotto Meeting (5 Aug 2026)

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Monthly Grotto Meeting

All are welcome!

Jackson County Underground (8 Aug 2026)

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Adventure underground into a world of exploration, science and history! Perfect for the adventurous and the curious, a visit to Tumbling Rock will create lifelong memories for young and old alike.

This is a self-led tour through a wild cave. Find your way from the entrance to a large "room" where you can explore at your own pace. Discover cave formations sculpted over hundreds of years as you journey deeper into this living cave. Docents stationed throughout will offer informative talks on some of the most notable features. What will you uncover in one of nature's most hidden worlds?

Note: Docents are experienced cavers and will be stationed as waypoints throughout the cave. They will offer information on the historic and geologic features of Tumbling Rock Cave.

Entry will be available by RSVP. Check back soon for the link to sign up.

August 8, 2026

This is a free event. Donations are greatly appreciated.

Participants must be 11 years or older to enter the cave. All participants will need to sign a waiver before entering.

Caving at Tumbling Rock is a very rewarding activity, but also physically demanding. Cave temperatures rest at around 56-58 degrees year-round. Participants can expect to navigate slippery surfaces and slopes, high steps, duck through low spaces, and use their hands and arms to help continue through the cave. Please consider these qualifiers in light of your own capabilities before signing up for this program.

Participants must come equipped with closed-toe walking shoes or hiking boots, and durable clothing that they don’t mind getting dirty. Helmets and headlamps will be provided or you can bring your own. Knee and elbow pads and gloves are recommended. It’s also advisable to bring a change of clothing for after the trip.

NSS Work Weekend (15 Aug 2026)

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 05:00:00 GMT

We are painting and renovating a room in the back 5 for additional archive work and storage. There is always chainsaw work and invasive plant removal work to do!

There is indoor and outdoor camping available for the work weekends.

The NSS appreciates all of its volunteers. The NSS community is what makes the society one of the best organizations to belong to.

Maureen Handler

NSS Facilities Division Chief

August Beginner Horizontal to Gross Skeleton (15 Aug 2026)

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

One of our monthly horizontal trips! This month we are going to Gross Skeleton Cave in Marshall County. Please sign up at the beginning of this month at our grotto meeting.

August Intermediate Horizontal to Wolf Cave (15 Aug 2026)

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

One of our monthly horizontal trips! This month we are going to Wolf Cave in Jackson County. Please sign up at the beginning of this month at our grotto meeting.

2027 SERA Cave Carnival Planning Meeting (19 Aug 2026)

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Come help us get everything in place to host the SERA Cave Carnival in the Spring of 2027.

August Vertical Trip to Vernal Well (22 Aug 2026)

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

One of our monthly vertical trips! This month we are going to Vernal Well in Madison County. Please sign up at the beginning of this month at our grotto meeting, or reach out to me at the email below. Vertical caving involves technical maneuvers while on rope and is not for beginners. All attendees on a vertical trip shall have their own vertical equipment and be able to demonstrate requisite skills.

August Vertical Practice (28 Aug 2026)

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 23:00:00 GMT

September Executive Board Meeting (2 Sep 2026)

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Monthly Executive Board Meeting

All are welcome!

September Grotto Meeting (2 Sep 2026)

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Monthly Grotto Meeting

All are welcome!

Cave Fest (4 Sep 2026)

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The best party in TAG for Labor Day weekend.

https://smg.caves.org/cavefest.html

Grotto Picnic and Auction (11 Sep 2026)

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The annual grotto picnic and auction!

September Vertical Practice (11 Sep 2026)

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

September Campout @ Moses Tomb (12 Sep 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 05:00:00 GMT

We will be having a campout near the entrance to Moses Tomb, close to both of the horizontal trips and the vertical trip. Please sign up at the beginning of this month at our grotto meeting.

September Beginner Horizontal to Howard's Waterfall (12 Sep 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

One of our monthly horizontal trips! This month we are going to Howard's Waterfall in Dade County, GA. Please sign up at the beginning of this month at our grotto meeting.

September Intermediate Horizontal to Ulla Cave (12 Sep 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

One of our monthly horizontal trips! This month we are going to Ulla Cave in Walker County, GA. Please sign up at the beginning of this month at our grotto meeting.

September Vertical Trip to Moses Tomb (13 Sep 2026)

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

One of our monthly vertical trips! This month we are going to Moses Tomb in DeKalb County. Please sign up at the beginning of this month at our grotto meeting, or reach out to me at the email below. Vertical caving involves technical maneuvers while on rope and is not for beginners. All attendees on a vertical trip shall have their own vertical equipment and be able to demonstrate requisite skills.

2027 SERA Cave Carnival Planning Meeting (16 Sep 2026)

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Come help us get everything in place to host the SERA Cave Carnival in the Spring of 2027.

NSS Work Weekend (19 Sep 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 05:00:00 GMT

We are painting and renovating a room in the back 5 for additional archive work and storage. There is always chainsaw work and invasive plant removal work to do!

There is indoor and outdoor camping available for the work weekends.

The NSS appreciates all of its volunteers. The NSS community is what makes the society one of the best organizations to belong to.

Maureen Handler

NSS Facilities Division Chief

September Vertical Trip to Penitentiary Pit (19 Sep 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

One of our monthly vertical trips! This month we are going to Penitentiary Pit in Marshall County. Please sign up at the beginning of this month at our grotto meeting, or reach out to me at the email below. Vertical caving involves technical maneuvers while on rope and is not for beginners. All attendees on a vertical trip shall have their own vertical equipment and be able to demonstrate requisite skills.

October Executive Board Meeting (7 Oct 2026)

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Monthly Executive Board Meeting

All are welcome!

October Grotto Meeting (7 Oct 2026)

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Monthly Grotto Meeting

All are welcome!

TAG Fall Cave-In??? (8 Oct 2026)

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The TAG Fall Cave-In is an annual caving event hosted in the TAG (Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia) region. This event celebrates caving and community and is a longstanding tradition. Hosted by the Dogwood City Grotto (DCG) with the assistance of grottos from all around, it features a weekend of caving, socializing, a large bonfire, entertainment, and much more. The event is also a major fundraiser for the grotto and proceeds go back into the community to support conservation, research, and rescue efforts.

https://dogwoodcitygrotto.org/TAG-Fall-Cave-In

NSS Work Weekend (17 Oct 2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 05:00:00 GMT

We are painting and renovating a room in the back 5 for additional archive work and storage. There is always chainsaw work and invasive plant removal work to do!

There is indoor and outdoor camping available for the work weekends.

The NSS appreciates all of its volunteers. The NSS community is what makes the society one of the best organizations to belong to.

Maureen Handler

NSS Facilities Division Chief

October Beginner Horizontal to Old Blowing Cave (17 Oct 2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

One of our monthly horizontal trips! This month we are going to Old Blowing Cave in Marshall County. Please sign up at the beginning of this month at our grotto meeting. NOTE: This is the week after normal horizontal trip to deconflict with TAG

October Intermediate Horizontal to Moody Cave (17 Oct 2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

One of our monthly horizontal trips! This month we are going to Moody Cave in Jackson County. Please sign up at the beginning of this month at our grotto meeting. NOTE: This is the week after normal horizontal trip to deconflict with TAG

2027 SERA Cave Carnival Planning Meeting (21 Oct 2026)

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Come help us get everything in place to host the SERA Cave Carnival in the Spring of 2027.

October Vertical Practice (23 Oct 2026)

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Spooky October Vertical Trip to Neversink Pit (31 Oct 2026)

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

One of our monthly vertical trips! This month we are going to Neversink Pit in Jackson County. Please sign up at the beginning of this month at our grotto meeting, or reach out to me at the email below. Vertical caving involves technical maneuvers while on rope and is not for beginners. All attendees on a vertical trip shall have their own vertical equipment and be able to demonstrate requisite skills.

November Executive Board Meeting (4 Nov 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Monthly Executive Board Meeting

All are welcome!

November Grotto Meeting (4 Nov 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Monthly Grotto Meeting

All are welcome!

Novenmber Beginner Horizontal to Limrock (7 Nov 2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

One of our monthly horizontal trips! This month we are going to Limrock Blowing Cave in Jackson County. Please sign up at the beginning of this month at our grotto meeting.

November Intermediate Horizontal to Couey Caverns (7 Nov 2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

One of our monthly horizontal trips! This month we are going to Couey Caverns in Madison County. Please sign up at the beginning of this month at our grotto meeting.

November Vertical Practice (13 Nov 2026)

Sat, 14 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

NSS Work Weekend (14 Nov 2026)

Sat, 14 Nov 2026 06:00:00 GMT

We are painting and renovating a room in the back 5 for additional archive work and storage. There is always chainsaw work and invasive plant removal work to do!

There is indoor and outdoor camping available for the work weekends.

The NSS appreciates all of its volunteers. The NSS community is what makes the society one of the best organizations to belong to.

Maureen Handler

NSS Facilities Division Chief

2027 SERA Cave Carnival Planning Meeting (18 Nov 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Come help us get everything in place to host the SERA Cave Carnival in the Spring of 2027.

November Vertical Trip to Mrs. Millers (21 Nov 2026)

Sat, 21 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

One of our monthly vertical trips! This month we are going to Mrs. Miller's Cave in Marshall County. Please sign up at the beginning of this month at our grotto meeting, or reach out to me at the email below. Vertical caving involves technical maneuvers while on rope and is not for beginners. All attendees on a vertical trip shall have their own vertical equipment and be able to demonstrate requisite skills.

December Executive Board Meeting (2 Dec 2026)

Thu, 03 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Monthly Executive Board Meeting

All are welcome!

December Grotto Meeting (2 Dec 2026)

Thu, 03 Dec 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Christmas Party and Executive Board Election

All are welcome!

NSS Work Weekend (5 Dec 2026)

Sat, 05 Dec 2026 06:00:00 GMT

We are painting and renovating a room in the back 5 for additional archive work and storage. There is always chainsaw work and invasive plant removal work to do!

There is indoor and outdoor camping available for the work weekends.

The NSS appreciates all of its volunteers. The NSS community is what makes the society one of the best organizations to belong to.

Maureen Handler

NSS Facilities Division Chief

December Beginner/Intermediate Horizontal to Tumbling Rock (5 Dec 2026)

Sat, 05 Dec 2026 14:00:00 GMT

One of our monthly horizontal trips! This month we are going to Tumbling Rock Cave in Marshall County. There will be a beginner group going to the Christmas Tree and an intermediate group going to Mt. Olympus. Please sign up at the beginning of this month at our grotto meeting.

2027 SERA Cave Carnival Planning Meeting (16 Dec 2026)

Thu, 17 Dec 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Come help us get everything in place to host the SERA Cave Carnival in the Spring of 2027.

December Vertical Trip to Youree Pit (19 Dec 2026)

Sat, 19 Dec 2026 14:00:00 GMT

One of our monthly vertical trips! This month we are going to Youree Pit in Madison County. Please sign up at the beginning of this month at our grotto meeting, or reach out to me at the email below. Vertical caving involves technical maneuvers while on rope and is not for beginners. All attendees on a vertical trip shall have their own vertical equipment and be able to demonstrate requisite skills.