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So, what is caving? Well, two common terms for individuals that go into caves are as follows. First you have the term spelunker. This term, derived from the latin spelunca, is used to describe an individual that goes into caves. A spelunker is my opinion is an idiot that has found himself in a subterranean passage welcoming death with every step that he or she takes. |
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Idiot Spelunking |
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So what is caving then? Well, caving is a person that knows what he or she is doing while entering a cave. Spelunkers typically find themselves in cave wearing clothing that is entirely inappropriate, carrying a flashlight, and descending over drops with cheap ropes and then have considerable trouble getting up. The point is, a spelunker is one that knows nothing about what they are doing and put their own lives at considerable risk, as well as the lives of others. Cave rescues are not funny, cheap, or lacking of danger. Cave rescues can put your life and the life of others at risk, so make sure you know what you are doing and how you are doing it. |
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Spelunker |
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In order to be a true caver, a few things must be done. First, read up on caving safety. Also, understand the importance of caves, their formation, and how to help conserve them. Get involved with local clubs that clean up caves and help to preserve them. Caves, like any wilderness, are our heritage and should be taken care of so that future generations can enjoy them as we do. |
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A Prepared Group of Cavers |
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Cavers, unlike spelunkers, typically have good reasons for entering into caves. It may be for their pure love of formations or perhaps it is to look at the various wildlife you see inside caves. Whatever the reason may be, cavers enjoy themselves while doing it safely. Whatever your reason is for wanting to enter into caves, make sure that you do it as safely as possible, leaving no trace inside and taking nothing but pictures. |
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