ley , and is chairperson of the Greenbrier Grotto , a social club under the National Speleological Society which oversees cave activities . Speleology is the study of caves .
“ A lot of the Grottos are associated with NSS ,” Miller says . “ They can help you find Grottos in your area so that you can learn how to cave safely with people who know what they ’ re doing .”
Throughout the United States , and in Southern West Virginia , there is an age gap among the cavers , Miller says .
“ So , a lot of the people that took me caving , they were 70 years old and then at the time and I was 30 . So , there wasn ’ t a lot of younger people getting involved but our grotto is actually very healthy in terms of that we have a lot of younger people .”
Balfour says there are some good young people making some major discoveries .
“ I ’ m 75 years old now and I don ’ t get to do it as much as I used to , but I can still go . That ’ s not a problem . I don ’ t do 50-hour trips anymore .”
There is a lot to consider before taking off to the caves . Miller recommends reaching out to a grotto or someone experienced in caving .
Safety is a top concern and for caves in this area the average temperature is around 51 degrees , making hyperthermia is a real threat .
Even a minor injury underground can be serious .
“ You want to have a helmet , three sources of light , and proper attire ,” Miller says . “ There are plenty of people willing to take new cavers out and introduce them to the sport so it can be experienced safely .”
Some people may learn the hard way that they don ’ t like tight spaces and being in the caves can give a sense of claustrophobia , Miller warns .
She doesn ’ t recommend going alone and advises cavers to always make sure they have permission before entering private property , check that they are going at the right time , and not upsetting the local habitat or the local landowner .
“ Most caves are on private property . You need to talk to the owner and make sure they are okay with people being on their property . Some caves are closed in the winter because they are bat hibernation places , so we try not to disturb the bats in the winter .
“ Some cave owners may only want
you to come during certain times a day based on , you know , their schedule or based on when they put their cows in a certain field , kind of stuff like that . So , there are all kinds of other factors to consider .”
Greenbrier Grotto membership is $ 15 a year and it comes with a patch and a subscription to West Virginia Caver , a quarterly caving publication , and you get invited on all grotto trips – at least once a month .
“ If you get to know people , you ’ ll get invited on more trips ,” said Miller . “ We even invite people to come and check it out and see if it is something that like before they join .”
There isn ’ t much of a start-up cost , either . Loaner items like lights , helmets , knee pads , and gloves are available for first-timers .
Mostly , the Greenbrier Grotto is an adult club . While individuals are welcome to bring their own kids caving , the club does not take other people ’ s kids caving due to liability issues .
Even though grottos don ’ t offer pay-to-cave type expeditions , Lost World Caverns in Lewisburg offers paid wild trips which go off the tourist path and into the back of the caves .
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