Vermont Cavers' Association

Spring NRO May 15, 16 & 17, 2009

Hosted by Vermont Cavers Association

Located in Leicester, Vermont. At Country Village Campground (3 miles North of Brandon on US Route 7). 43*50’41.07 N 73*06’22.14 W

Rodrick (Friday) 802-773-8767 Campground 802-247-3333

 NOTE: NEW TRIPS AND UPDATED INFORMATION !

• Items you may want to bring. Bicycle, canoe / kayak, hiking boots, cave gear, vertical cave gear, camera, field glasses
• There will be a self-guided trip to Aeolus to view in person the devastation of our bats here in the northeast. Aeolus is a 1 hour walk from the parking area. There will be a post trip discussion at 7PM before the auction.ALSO we are considering opening Weybridge Cave, the Pittsford Ice cave and the small non bat caves in the Middlebury / Brandon area. (Rimmond Cave, Anne Story Cave, Piper Crossing Cave, Johnson Pit and the Bristol Caves).
• There will be a pressure washer and decontamination center at the campground for any caving and the Aeolus trip.
• We are encouraging families and children. Our activities are at all levels with many things to do so everybody can participate in a weekend of fun.
• Registration will open 3PM Friday May 15^th

A tailored guidebook for self-guided trips can be printed on the spot just for you. ($ TBD)

• Camping $5.00 per night per person (children 6-12 $2.50)
• Add $10 extra for RV camping per weekend
• NRO base attendance fee $3.00
• Day passes (if not camping) $3.00

7AM  Breakfast by Steve Janesky. ($6)

• Speleobooks opens for business

9AM Led trips begin at sharp.

• Other activities at campground; volleyball, shuffleboard, mini-golf, horseshoes. 
• Vertical rope work: At the Falls of Lana. Practice your vertical skills and rock climbing. Bring your own gear and a rope to be sure we have enough. We will also have a zip line across the falls.

• Hiking: The area offers many trails, here are three suggestions
  • For the seasoned hiker; [weather dependent] enjoy the views from Battell and Breadloaf Mts. A serious 8 mile hike with significant elevation gain. Day packs, sturdy hiking boots, lunch, and 2 quarts of water strongly suggested. Bring your camera and binoculars [Leader Art Portmore].
  • For a moderate family hike, from the Falls of Lana around Moosalamoo / silver lake area. [Leader Joel Flewelling]
  • Abbey Pond; Distance (round trip): 4 miles 6 tenths, hiking time: 2 hours 30 minutes, vertical rise: 1,250 feet A half day hike to a ridge top pond; suitable for rainy weather. Special attractions:Pristine pond, cascading brook, and assorted wildlife. [A self guided hike]
• Canoeing / Kayaking:
  • A section of the Otter Creek with many road crossings so you choose how long you want to river paddle.
  • There are also many places to flat-water paddling. IE: Fern Lake, Richville Pond, Lake Dunmore, Goshen Dam,
  • if you really want the challenge; a 2 mile kayak carry to Silver lake (no cars or motor boats).
  • Art will lead a kayaking trip on Sunday if anyone is interested. (See Sunday’s Schedule
• Mountain Biking:
  • A 15-30 mile dirt road bike trip to many points of interest in the Brandon area. including the Forest Dale 1860’s iron furnace. [Leader Kathy Pingree]
  • Road trip or bike: A self guided 51 mile loop over 2 gaps with many points of interest along the way.

  • Waterfall guide: A self guided tour of up to 30 waterfalls in the area.

• Caving: Limited to non bat caves followed with cleaning by a pressure washer and decontamination procedures.

If you do not have your own kayak or bike you can rent in Rutland either at Eastern Mountain Sports ph# 802-773-9782 Great Outdoors Trading Co. ph# 802-775-9989 

5:00PM Saturday Dinner by NNJG ($9) 

7:00PM WNS update presentation (Future of our caving) & maybe a short film by Lea Nichols and/or slides on Ely mine by Randy Dickson

8:00PM Auction f.b.o. NCC; Auctioneer Nice Bob Addis 

• Bonfire (with marshmallows) Good for children during the auction, even a good game of flashlight tag.
• NNJG is looking into getting a band and a hot tub.

7AM  Breakfast  by NNJG ($5)

8:30AM  NRO meeting and election of officers

• NSS 2010 Convention planning meeting at conclusion of NRO meeting.
• For anybody not attending the NRO meeting / 2010 convention meeting.

**Many of our Saturday activities are available Sunday. Just ask!**

• Canoe or Kayak 6-8 miles on Lemonfair river or Otter Creek. This is a 4-6 hour trip and is not suitable for first time paddlers. The river will be beautiful and generally calm, but expect strong flow, log carryovers, and an occasional class-1 rapid. Depart NRO Registration at 9AM sharp with boats and gear on your car, ready to go. If you have to ask about a PFD, please choose another activity. [Leader Art Portmore]

• Don’t forget May can be black fly / tick season so bring plenty of bug spray

Rick Pingree / Vermont Cavers Association