Formal Meeting (Presentation by Jef Frank)
Location: UT Brackenridge Field Laboratory
Officers in Attendance: Enzo Monfre (President), Holly Klein Perrine (Treasurer), Aaron de la Garza (Secretary), Joel Haus (Webmaster)
Presiding officer Enzo Monfre called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm
Official Announcements
All cavers are welcome to the Underground Texas Grotto’s 75th anniversary party, September 12, 2026 at Stricklandia. Walt is generously supplying beer. Attendees should bring food to share and any other drinks.
There are now just three spots (plus an additional UTG-reserved spot) remaining for NCRC’s Orientation to Cave Rescue, which will take place at the TCMA’s Deep & Punkin preserve September 18-20, 2026. This is a non-vertical event, but an optional vertical workshop will be offered on the evening of Friday September 18th. Registration and information here: 2026- OCR – Carta Valley, TX.
Unofficial Announcements
Beloved caver and illustrator Charlie Loving’s funeral will be held on September 3rd in Montell, Texas.
Gary Franklin will host the Grotto’s Halloween party which will, not coincidentally, be held on Halloween. There will be music, margaritas, and more. Gary requests held with decorations.
Dane Smith, editor of the Texas Speleological Society’s Texas Caver needs articles and content for the upcoming edition.
Peter Sprouse reminded attendees that the next Texas Cavers Reunion will take place at Camp Sol Meyer near Menard, October 22-25, 2026. Peter is planning trips to Powell’s, Neal’s, and other nearby caves prior to and on the first day of TCR.
Joel Haus and Eléonore Le Corvaisier gave away wet suits and collapsable storage containers.
Upcoming Trips
Joel Haus is setting up a Maple Run trip in September or October. Contact him if interested in joining.
Ron Rutherford announced that he would not leading a Thanksgiving trip to Muzaquiz this year.
Aaron de la Garza announced a November 3, 2026 Midnight Cave trip and November 6-8, 2026 Deep & Punkin trip; vertical training sessions at the Thicket will be held to help get cavers ready for Midnight and Punkin, and additional trips are being planned.
Recent Caving
Jef Frank discussed his trip to Del Rio’s San Felipe Springs with Ethan Perrine and Greg Sullivan.
Peter Sprouse discussed his recent caving in Colorado.
New Attendees
Ten new attendees introduced themselves and were warmly welcomed.
Formal Presentation
Jef Frank presented on his exploration of Del Rio’s San Felipe Springs in a particularly well attended presentation. Jef answered many member questions following his presentation.
The meeting concluded at approximately 8:45 pm. Members met up afterwards at the Hold Out Brewery.
The UTG’s next meeting is a trip report meeting. It will take place at 7:30 pm on Wednesday September 16, 2026 at the UT Brackenridge Field Laboratory. Members are encouraged to send photos or presentations to London Darce at vicepresident@utgrotto.org or to bring a USB drive or laptop with their photos or presentation to the meeting.
