Hidden River Cave to Feature World s Largest Underground Swinging Bridge

Transcription

1 OFFICERS President: John Graves Luray Caverns, VA Ph: Vice President: Al Mathis DeSoto Caverns, AL Ph: Secretary Treasurer: Bob Holt National Caves Association Ph: Past President: Patty Perlaky Cave Without A Name, TX Ph: caveperl@yahoo.com REGIONAL DIRECTORS Region One: (CT, DE, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT) Greg Beckler Natural Stone Bridge & Caves, NY gbeckler@frontiernet.net Ph: Region Two: (MD, VA, WV, KY) Eric Helton Diamond Caverns, KY eric@diamondcaverns.com Ph: Region Three: (IL, IN, MI, OH) Claudia Yundt - Squire Boone Caverns, IN claudia@squireboone.com Ph: Region Four: (AR, IA, KS, MO, NE) Dennis Boyer - War Eagle Cavern, AR wareaglecavern@gmail.com Ph: Robert A. Holt Executive Director bob@cavern.com PO Box 625, Cobleskill, NY Phone: cavern.com September 2018 Hidden River Cave to Feature World s Largest Underground Swinging Bridge The world s longest underground swinging bridge is finally being assembled right in South Central Kentucky. The swinging bridge is being constructed inside Hidden River Cave located in downtown Horse Cave. Construction crews have been working tirelessly to bring in over ten thousand pounds of steel into the cave. With the bridge being assembled so far back into the cave, most of the steel has been brought in by hand. Region Five: (MN, MT, ND, SD, WI) Tom Hagen - Rushmore Cave, SD tom@rushmorecave.com Ph: Region Six: (CA, ID, NV, OR, WA, AK, HI, Barbados, Bermuda) Matt Doyle Lake Shasta Caverns, CA mdoyle@lakeshastacaverns.com Ph: CAVE Region Seven: (AZ, CO, NM, UT, WY) Steve Beckley Glenwood Caverns, CO steve@glenwoodcaverns.com Ph: CAV Region Eight: (LA, OK, TX) Ed Mayfield Caverns of Sonora, TX edmayfield@mac.com Ph: Region Nine: (AL, FL, GA, MS, NC, SC, TN) Lisa McClung Lost Sea, TN lisa@thelostsea.com Ph: DIRECTOR AT LARGE Denise Bell Seneca Caverns, OH senecacaverns@hmcltd.net Ph: DIRECTOR EMERITUS Steve Runkle - Cave of the Winds, CO rsr@caveofthewinds.com Ph: This photo shows the end of the tour at Hidden River Cave in downtown Horse Cave where the swinging bridge will be constructed. Photo courtesy of the American Cave Conservation Association Biggest challenge so far has just been getting materials into the cave, climbing in and out of the steps, and maintaining a safe environment. We are in a cave so you ve got a rocky and slippery environment to work in. So just

2 keeping everybody safe has been a big challenge. says Joe Shultz, a construction worker. It took 18 people to get two beams weighing over five hundred pounds inside the cave. This is the first time many of these construction workers have worked inside of a cave. So far the project has been difficult but rewarding. The next phase of it is going to be figured out as we go. It s a first time process for I think everybody here. adds Shultz. More walk ways and bridges like this one will allow people to explore parts of the cave that haven t been seen since 1943 including one of the largest cave rooms in Kentucky. Dave Foster oversees the cave and he says this project has been tedious and time consuming; the end result will be worth it. This is been a challenge, I've taken under a number of challenges here at Hidden River Cave over the years but this is probably the hardest thing we have ever tried to do. Because we are hanging what I believe will be the world s longest swinging bridge in the cave. says Foster. This conceptual drawing shows what crews will be working to create this spring inside Hidden River Cave in downtown Horse Cave. New walkways and a bridge are depicted in the background. Drawing courtesy of American Cave Conservation Association Foster says he expects the actual bridge construction to be completed by the end of August, but it will not be open to the public for a possibly a few months. He hopes the bridge will attract more tourists and eventually have up to 30 thousand visitors a year. Watch the TV report here: Smiths Buy Caving Quilt Created By Emily Davis According to Mike Warner, Emily's quilt "Caving" received a green "honorable" award at the NSS fine arts salon exhibit at the recent NSS Convention in Helena, Montana. New owners Judy and Gordon Smith purchased it through the gallery. A portion of every gallery sale goes to support the Fine Arts Section of the National Speleological Society. Prayers For Bob Gilman Beverly Rozewicz, Bob s sister of Lost River Caverns, PA reports Bob suffered a mild stroke. Although he is recovering very well, Bev felt she should not be away and had to cancel her convention registration. We wish Bob a speedy recovery!

3 After Four Years of Hard Work, Michigan Couple Reopens Crystal Onyx Cave in Kentucky Scott Sendtko stands on the steps near the entrance of the recently reopened Crystal Onyx Cave. Scott and Sara Sendtko made the decision to move to southcentral Kentucky from Michigan to pursue a business interest about eight years ago. Scott Sendtko is a fabricator by trade. We build machine bases for the automotive industry, so I've always worked in steel, he said. He and his family were familiar with the area, having visited several times while on vacation. We like caves. We have taken the kids on cave tours all across America, he said. One cave they have frequently visited was the Crystal Onyx Cave just outside Cave City off Ky. 90. We came to this one probably a half dozen times, he said. This was by far our favorite cave. The Sendtkos were in the area in 2010 looking for land to purchase so they could relocate to southcentral Kentucky when they drove past a billboard advertising the cave. I saw that cave closed sign on that billboard and I couldn't believe it, Sendtko said. The most beautiful cave in Kentucky is closed. Scott Sendtko began asking people about the cave and finally learned it was owned by Bluegrass Cellular.The cell phone company purchased the cave in They have their towers on top of the hill, he said. Once he found out who the current owner was, he approached the cell phone company about buying it and the company agreed to sell it. It took about nine to 10 months to get it all squared away and I ended up buying it. It was never for sale. I just had to ask, he said. In 2014, the Sendtkos began renovating the cave. It took me about four years working on this cave. About 90 percent of the work I did myself. Family came to help me on holidays and weekends and any time I got my son here I put him to work, he said. The Sendtkos replaced hand railings, stairs and bridges inside the cave. They also lowered and re-graveled the trails and installed new LED lighting. He also spent some time researching the history of the cave. This cave was open to public tours in 1965 and it exchanged five different times during that period. Even a moderately profitable business doesn't do that; change hands that many times, he said. That indicated to him that reopening the cave would be a bit of a struggle financially, but despite that the Sendtkos opened the cave to the public on Memorial Day Weekend. I did it for the love of the cave and not so much for the love of the money, he said.... But you know it's just beautiful land and a beautiful cave. Glad I was able to get it and use my talent for good.

4 Crystal Onyx Cave features three passages. It also has entrance, as well as an exit. Each passage is about 400 feet. We could offer as many as four different tours once we get things rolling. Right now, we've got basically one tour and the lower level, he said. The couple is still trying to work out the details on how best to offer more tours. The biggest thing is there are formations everywhere, Sendtko said. Some of the other caves are unique in their own right, but they don't have the mass of formations that I have. Sendtko's sisters, Gwen Kern, of Saginaw, Michigan, and Cheryl Siedelmann of Some of the formations featured in the cave. southern Idaho, work as tour guides. Kern loves caves almost as much as her brother. Scott brought us down here about 15 years ago. We were here on vacation and he said, 'Come see my favorite, most beautiful cave,' and he brought us here, she said. The support the Sendtkos said they have received from the private sector in the community has been wonderful, he said. We're getting so many references from like the Old Country Store, the resorts, the campgrounds are actually putting our brochures in packets they give everybody, he said. I can't mention all the small businesses that have been referring people to us and we have been getting a lot so the private sector support is great. Tourists have told the Sendtkos that Crystal Onyx Cave is comparable to Carlsbad Caverns! To get compliments like that and you know I've had people to come up and shake my hand when they see the work I've done and the effort I've put into it, he said. They just realize that it was a labor of love. That to me is by far means more than anything; to have people appreciate all the effort I've put into it. Greg Davis, interim executive director of the Cave City Tourist and Convention Commission, has not been to the cave in several years, but is excited to know that someone has reopened it. It's an additional attraction. I think Mammoth Cave, especially this time of year, many times is sold out, so it's great that we have another cave reopening, he said. Gina Kinslow Glasgow Daily Times WNS Report Tim Pinron became Mammoth Cave National Park's chief of science and resource management in June. One of his ongoing research projects will be WNS. Professor Andrea Porras-Alfaro of Western Illinois University was presented with a national award for published work in mycology. Research in her lab resulted in the discovery of 15 new species of bacteria that have anti-fungal activity against WNS. Trichoderma polysporum has been shown to selectively kill Pd, with minimal to no impact on the indigenous microbes present is oil samples. Patty Perlaky WNS Chair

5 Retail Corner: Ideas to Help Sell More Rocks, Fossils and Gemstones without Saying a Word Have you ever considered non-verbal methods to increase rock, fossil and gemstone sales? Consider implementing the following suggestions into your gift shop displays: Attentiongetters, Price tags and ID cards. Attention-getters Center a large, museum-quality item in the midst of smaller, more affordable pieces. This creates a "WOW" factor, drawing the guest toward the display. The museum-quality piece will typically have an unusually high price point, as its job is to attract attention to the smaller, more readily available (reorderable!) pieces. Price tags Place a price tag on every item. Merchandise with a clean, legible price tag is much more likely to sell than the same item with a faded, dirty tag or no tag at all. With certain rocks, fossils, and gemstone, price tags may not adhere very easily. One method for overcoming this challenge is to apply hot glue, along with a small piece of card stock paper, to the back of the item. Once the glue sets up, the price tag can be placed on the card stock. In our experience, sales have increased for items which have been individually priced. People often overlook generalized signage, and most do not make the effort to ask the cost of an un-priced item; they simply do not buy it. ID Cards Create identification cards for the items on display. Include the name of the item and provide specific facts about what makes that item unique. ID cards educate as well as provide added value. Print out duplicate ID cards, and place them next to the item so that they are accessible for the guest. A small plastic stand can be used to hold numerous ID cards. On a recent episode of Counting Cars, three guys who restore classic cars spotted a restored El Camino. The remarkable condition of the vehicle is what caught their attention and motivated them to seek out the owner for more information. After learning about the cars history, one of the men asked the owner for the price he would sell the El Camino. The owner paused, then said he'd start the price at $40,000. The statement which followed from the man who was no longer interested in the restored car was noteworthy. He said that there are two

6 asking prices: One price is intended to sell the item, the second price signifies that the owner is not interested in selling, but willing to part with the item if purchased at a premium price. There are a couple of parallels between the story about the El Camino and an effective gift shop display. Eye-catching pieces draw attention in a quality display, just as a classic car in showroom condition draws the attention of a car collector. Pricing a classic El Camino and pricing a museumquality rock, fossil, and gemstone also have similarities; if the item is rare, unusually stunning, or meaningful to the owner, these factors drive up the price. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then create an intentional gift shop display! Include an attention-getting piece in the center of smaller like items, make sure each item has a fresh price tag, and provide ID cards to complement the item. Then watch sales of rocks, fossils, and gemstones increase without saying a word. Jody Gertson Talking Rocks Cavern Carlsbad Caverns Installs Roadway Flood Warning Signs Turn around, don't drown. It's sound advice to those who travel on roadways with low points likely to be flooded, whether by flash floods or brief, heavy rains. Several of those low points where rain water collects can be found on the 7-mile stretch of roadway that leads to the Carlsbad Caverns National Park visitors center. In order to warn motorist of the dangers of crossing flooded roadways, Carlsbad Caverns partnered with the National Weather Service to install TADD or 'turn around, don't drown' signs at the site Aug. 7. "The main road at the cave has a couple of low points that flood very easily and can strand people in the park," said Mark Strobin, a meteorologist with the NWS. "Our office has built an excellent relationship with (Carlsbad Caverns) over the last five years that enabled the NWS and the (national park) to team up to make this endeavor possible and to save lives and property." Carlsbad Caverns was the first national park in the U.S. to install TADD signs. The park is now a Weather Ready Nation Ambassador. Ambassadors provide outreach content; explore collaborative and innovative approaches for outreach to affect change in communities. The program is an initiative of the National oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which partners with other organizations to educate the public on weather risks. "WRN Ambassadors serve a pivotal role in affecting societal change helping to build a nation that is ready, responsive, and resilient to the impacts of extreme weather and water events," NOAA's website reads. Jim Deberry, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, and Ranger David Hall installed the signs at the Caverns. Jessica Onsurez Carlsbad Current-Argus

7 Ruby Falls Property and Facilities Manager Wins Tourism Manager of the Year Honor The Greater Chattanooga Hospitality Association (GCHA) has officially named Bob White, Ruby Falls property and facilities manager, the 2018 Tourism Manager of the Year. White was chosen from a select group of Chattanooga area hospitality and tourism managers due to his outstanding service to the park, Ruby Falls guests and the community. In 1978, White joined Ruby Falls as a high school student and for 40-years has provided an unwavering dedication to multi-faceted responsibilities. From mentoring hundreds of team members over the years, to maintaining a cavern hidden 1,120 feet underground in addition to a historic, landmark building, Bob is a key part of creating lasting memories for hundreds of thousands of guests annually from around the world shares Kara Van Brunt, senior director of operations and development. Ruby Falls joined in celebrating White s achievement at the Greater Chattanooga Hospitality Award Luncheon today where the award was presented. White is a long-time resident of Lookout Mountain and serves as chairman of the selection committee for the annual John T. Steiner, Sr. Scholarship, a group charged with granting two scholarships annually to Ruby Falls team members pursuing college degrees. Bob White, Ruby Falls property and facilities manager shows his Tourism Manager of the Year award from the Greater Chattanooga Hospitality Association Ruby Falls President, Hugh Morrow, explains, Bob White s ability to flexibly meet the challenges of any given day is a hallmark of who Bob is. Morrow continues, Bob has the uncanny ability to bring out the best in team members because of his example and ability to mentor. Bob sees an individual s potential and willingly takes the time to nurture it. Each year, the Greater Chattanooga Hospitality Association recognizes outstanding cooperation and professionalism of individuals and companies in the hospitality industry with the Stars of the Industry awards. Hotel Guest Room Directories Thanks to Dennis Boyer at War Eagle Cavern in Arkansas for alerting us to a scam he encountered. You may be familiar with a Guest Room Directory you find when you are traveling and staying at a hotel. It gives you pertinent information regarding the hotel and at the back end you find an array of advertising for local restaurants and attractions. If you are solicited by someone selling advertising for such a directory, make sure you know who you are dealing with. In Dennis case, the man said he was representing a legitimate company that produces directories for hotels. The salesman also said he had a handful of local hotels he was producing these directories for. He would gladly take Dennis credit card for payment. Dennis was not so eager since the salesman said he would be in the area for several days, Dennis would get back to him. In the meantime, Dennis did his homework. He went to visit one of the hotels mentioned. Management said they were not having a directory produced! Know who you are dealing with when you are approached. Having been in this end of the business, I know the protocol for how directories are produced. A representative should come to you with a letter from the local hotel s general manager that introduces the salesperson who is representing the hotel and naming the directory company they work for. Normally

8 they represent one hotel at a time when in your area. Usually the directory company will accept your check for payment and not demand a credit card. If you have hotels in your area where you have placed ads, you more than likely know the rep as they return year after year. So know who you are dealing with. If you are unsure, do the investigative work like Dennis did. Call the hotel and speak to management. I have alerted the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) of this scam. Thanks to Dennis, the AH&LA will alert their members across the United States. You should inform your local chamber and state associations of this scam. If this is happening in Arkansas, where else is it going on? Bob House For Sale - A Living Cave $2,750,000 If your not getting enough time in your cave during the day, how about living in one? Or maybe you re looking for a nice, cool retirement home? Well here you go A single family home for sale in Parthenon AR for $2,750,000 with 4 bedrooms and 4 full baths. This 5,572 square foot home was built in 1989 on a lot size of Acre(s). RARE opportunity to own the unique Beckham Creek Cave Lodge. 4BR/4BA nearly 6000sf lodge built inside a living cave on acre m/l. Recently renovated, indoor waterfall, lodge is fed by an under-the-floor spring originating from deep within the heart of the cave, geothermal heating system, extra maintenance barn & apartment with horse stables, helicopter landing pad, small spring-fed lake originating from the spring inside the cave which creates a waterfall to this lake, back-lit bluff line drive, short drive to the Little Buffalo River and all the local attractions. See for more details and photos by checking out the realtor s website: Thanks to Laura Allen at Marengo Cave for bringing this to our attention Laura says If I win the lottery!

9 Affiliate Member of the Month Since 1989, Ropes Courses, Inc. (RCI) has proudly designed, manufactured and installed a wide portfolio of adventure products that millions enjoy each year in locations such as zoos, museums, family entertainment centers, camps, amusement parks, shopping centers, cruise ships and more! RCI is located in Allegan, Michigan but has a global presence in 29 countries due to the success of our thrilling line of products that appeal to all ages. Our Sky Trail, Sky Rail and Sky Tykes aerial attractions feature a variety of colors, themes and interactive elements for participants to traverse across, under and over while secured at multiple levels above the ground. In 2017, RCI expanded upon the core attractions offered and acquired Colorado-based company, Amaze n Mazes, as well as formed a partnership with New Zealand-based company, Clip n Climb. As a result, RCI now offers fun maze attractions perfect for providing weather resistant, year-round entertainment and manufactures Clip n Climb climbing walls for both the North and South American markets. No matter the industry, RCI adventure products blend seamlessly with any existing entertainment provided at a particular business and allow facilities to customize by choosing the colors or themes that they feel best fit their space. With the Sky Trail family of products, customers are also able to select the interactive Natural Bridge Caverns in San Antonio,Texas opened their Sky Trail in 2012 and also features a Sky Tykes and an Amaze n Maze at their park. elements they would like incorporated into their attraction such as bridges, rope ladders, lily pad stepping stones and more. The popular addition of a Sky Rail gives participants even more of a memorable experience as they soar through the air and enjoy a smooth ride from one side of the attraction to the other. Catering to smaller participants, Sky Tykes is the perfect attraction for children no taller than 48 and one that utilizes the same slingline technology and patented Passing Belay System as the larger Sky Trail for added safety. Sky Trail & Sky Rail at Shepherd of the Hills 2018 Due to its recent arrival in the natural and historic tourist attractions industry, RCI would like to highlight the Sky Trail and Sky Tykes installed this year at Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park! Shepherd of the Hills is a historic destination located in Branson, Missouri that provides entertainment that includes live performances in their outdoor theatre, tours of the preserved facilities and participating on both their Sky Trail and Sky Tykes attractions near their iconic 230 tall Inspiration Tower. The larger Sky Trail features 9 poles, 2 levels, 2 Sky Rails and 29 elements incorporated while the kid-friendly Sky Tykes consists of 11 poles, 1 level, 1 Sky Rail and 11 elements for children to enjoy. Both outdoor attractions can accommodate 45 and 20 participants respectively and showcase a unique color scheme consisting of the shades mandarin orange, mocha, and weathered bark. Whether it is a mid-western state or a country on the other side of the globe, RCI is proud to supply innovative adventure products for all generations to enjoy. For more information on all things RCI, please visit

10 Convention 2018 Round Up Hello NCA Members! We are so happy that September is finally here as we are ready to welcome you to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park and Glenwood Springs. To get you prepared for your trip to Colorado, we have a few tips for your stay. Colorado weather can be unpredictable and the month of September can really vary in temperatures.cool mornings and evenings with comfortable temps during the middle of the day. Highs would be 70 to 75 with lows around 40 in the evenings. For clothing to pack: Layers are highly recommended with comfortable casual wear; jeans, t-shirts, sweaters and a light rain jacket. Also, bring a swim suit for a soak on Monday night in the Iron Mountain Hot Springs! Don t forget to pack your western wear for our outings to Bair Ranch and to Glenwood Caverns and your best roaring 20 s outfit for the Hotel Colorado evening dinner event on Thursday night. Be prepared for high altitude. Glenwood Springs sits at 5,761 in elevation and Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park sits at 7,100. Be sure to stay hydrated and apply sunscreen! There are several sunscreen stations located throughout our Park. For more Glenwood Springs information, visit the Official Glenwood Springs Lodging, Dining and Activity Guide. Safe travels everyone.looking forward to showing you some good ole Rocky Mountain Hospitality! Iron Mountain Hot Springs Site of Opening Reception Hotel Colorado Convention Site View of Glenwood Springs from Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park The Staff of Glenwood Caverns Welcomes You To Glenwood Springs, CO!

11

12 Mystery Sign Appears at NSS Convention Gordon Smith sent us this sign found at the NSS Convention in Helena, Montana last month. At first, no one knew what cave the sign was referring to. Finally, after some investigative minds went to work, it was found it belonged to Dunbar Cave State Park, Clarksville, TN. Gordon says This is how a cave operator can become best friends with a local tow truck driver! Calendar of Events NCA Convention 2018, Host: Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Glenwood Springs, Colorado, September 24 28, 2018 ISCA 8 th Congress 2018, Genga, Italy, October 9-21, 2018 International Gift Exposition in the Smokies 2018, Sevierville, TN, November 3-6, Pigeon Forge, TN, November 4-7, 2018 IAAPA 2018, Orlando, Florida, November 13-16, 2018 National Cave and Karst Day, June 6, 2019 NSS Convention, Cookeville, TN, June 17 21, 2019 NCA Convention 2019, Host: Ruby Falls, Chattanooga, Tennessee, September 30 October 4, 2019 International Gift Exposition in the Smokies 2018, Sevierville, TN, (Dates TBD), Pigeon Forge, TN, (Dates TBD) IAAPA 2019, Orlando, Florida, November 11-15, 2019 National Cave and Karst Day, June 6, 2020 NCA Convention 2020, Host: Lake Shasta Caverns, Lakehead, California, (Dates TBD) International Gift Exposition in the Smokies 2018, Sevierville, TN, (Dates TBD), Pigeon Forge, TN, (Dates TBD) IAAPA 2020, Orlando, Florida, (Dates TBD) National Cave and Karst Day, June 6, 2021 Got News? Please make sure you let Bob Holt know when you have news to share with the membership regarding you and your cave. It is the goal of the NCA office to continue producing monthly issues of Cave Talk and this can only happen when you help with the sharing of your news. Please send your articles, photographs to bob@cavern.com. October 2018 Cave Talk Deadline Please have all articles to Bob Holt no later than September 15. Thank you! October Cave Talk will arrive late due to Convention ending September 27.