Part 1.

Here’s a secret about me: I’m afraid of tight spaces. Not so much that I hyperventilate, but more afraid of what might be in those tight spaces. And afraid of not getting out.

Getting stuck, unable to move, it’s dark, and I’m alone. That is the worst place for me to ever be.

At least I thought it was…

I met with the UT grotto at 6:30pm. Daylight saving time has been over so the sun had been down for about an hour. There were 6 of us: 2 guides; Heather and Matt, and 4 caving trainees. This was my 1st time but the others had a bit of experience already in caving. As the guides ran through the most vital reminders I strapped on my knee and elbow pads. “Hmm”, I thought to myself, “what do we need these for anyway?”

Ok, we were off. We had walked a few hundred yards by starlight and headlamps when we came upon this big hole in the ground. This was our entrance.

The 6 of us trickled our way down the rickety ladder into the caves that lace through the ground all under Austin. The ladder ended in a room that was almost large enough to stand up in. The rock all around me was smooth and wet from the rains. I sat down and waited for everyone to gather around. This was our ice breaker cave. Heather introduced herself and then invited everyone to tell a little about themselves.

“My name is Tasha, this is my 1st time caving and I have claustrophobia. But, I also have acrophobia and I jump out of airplanes. My favorite breakfast is… oatmeal.”

I didn’t want to worry anyone but it seemed everyone was pretty supportive of my effort to overcome my irrational fears. The caves were wet and muddy at first, but we were descending and the rock eventually became dry and powdery. At first through the descent, it was recommended to crab walk (legs first and hips up). My natural reaction was to look down to see where I was going but in many places, it that was impossible. The walls and ceilings are so jagged and tight that the only thing that fits is you, one piece at a time.

The biggest cave under Travis County is aptly named the Travis Co. room. We took our break here. I didn’t feel like I had done much work but I was sure out of breath and dying of thirst!

Now, I don’t want to give anything away but I’ll give you a tease: the guides put on a few performances in this room and get you involved in games that are really fun but also exhibit just how different this environment is.

Also, look out for the “rat hole”. I recommend trying it for yourself but I wont blame you if you don’t… I sure didn’t!

“Lights out”. Everyone turned there headlamps off. It was pitch black… no, wait… pitch black is a moonless night sky. But there was no starlight to interrupt the darkness. So, what is blacker than pitch black? Well, whatever it is, that is how black it was. A thick space devoid of color, devoid of even a fraction of light. I heard noises around me and at times, the breath of my fellow cavers seemed to have disappeared. But not once in this light vacuum did I feel afraid. I laid back onto the rocks and let the sound of my own heartbeat relax me.

My eyes were open but not in use. There was nothing for my eyes to see or to focus on. In fact, it felt like a blanket was laying right on top of my retina. A thick blanket of infinite blackness…

For the rest of my caving experience, visit back on Saturday. There, you will learn whether or not I survived the madness of my fears lying deep within.

Visit the grotto’s website, maybe you will find the guts to go underground yourself: Underground Texas Grotto. If so, go the the New Cavers training page to learn how to get started….