Location: Austin Public Library, Menchaca Branch, 5500 Menchaca Rd, Austin, Texas 78745
Officers in Attendance: Enzo Monfre (President), London Darce (Vice President), Aaron de la Garza (Secretary), Joel Haus (Webmaster)
Presiding officer Enzo Monfre called the meeting to order at approximately 6:30 pm.
Official Announcements
- UTG officers are working on a new supplier for UTG gear; sample t-shirts were displayed.
- Accomplished caver and scientist Mike Walsh has passed away. Walt Olenik spoke of his memories of Mike and of Mike’s accomplishments.
Unofficial Announcements
- A celebration of the life of Gill Ediger will take place on Saturday March 7, 2026 from 1:00-4:00pm at the Texas Speleological Center, 14045 N Green Hills Loop, Austin, TX 78737.
- Volunteers are needed to assist with (simple) food preparation at the Texas Speleological Association’s upcoming spring convention (April 17-19 at Cave Without a Name). Interested persons should contact Dane Smith.
- Peter Sprouse has the new issue of the Association for Mexican Cave Studies Newsletter for sale, featuring several articles written by UTG cavers.
- Eléonore Le Corvaisier announced that she is organizing a visit to a Hays County cave on the weekend of March 20, 2026 to train Aggie cavers; she requests assistance from experienced sketchers and riggers.
Upcoming Trips
- Jef Frank announced that there are open spot available for the next Whirlpool beginner trip (March 11, 2026)
- Jim Crash Kennedy is planning a trip to northern Mexico from March 14-21, 2026.
- Aaron de la Garza wants to set up a Goat Cave trip for members working on their vertical skills.
- Rich Zarria is leading a dig in Hays County on the weekend of March 20, 2026.
New Attendees
- Luke introduced himself. He found the Grotto after an attempted visit to Bullet Cave was thwarted by a sign warning of ticks; Luke called the number of the sign and was eventually directed to the Grotto.
- Tanya introduced herself. She was directed to the Grotto following a wild cave tour at Longhorn Caverns.
Recent Caving
- Garrett Smith and Katheryn Jager described their recent 11-hour trip into Honey Creek cave with Patty Calabrese and paleontologist John Moretti.
- Aaron de la Garza discussed his recent survey trip at Honey Creek cave.
- Jef Frank reported on his experiences providing surface support for last weekend’s Airman’s project.
- Peter Sprouse discussed numerous successful efforts in Menard County concerning Powell’s Cave and its potential extensions, including successful surveys in Neel’s Cave and an examination and excavation of a sinkhole north of Silver Mine Cave which may be connected to the Powell’s system.
Formal Presentation
Vice President London Darce and President Enzo Monfre gave a presentation entitled “What’s in Your Cave Pack,” which included a discussion of essential first aid and SPAR items and a demonstration of a Palmer furnace. Members then had an opportunity to gather supplies for their own Palmer furnace and first aid kit.
The meeting concluded at 7:50pm. The after-meeting social gathering was at the Lil Darlin’.
The UTG’s next meeting will take place at 6:30 pm on March 18, 2026 at a location to be announced. This is a trip report meeting, at which members are invited to present on their recent (or not so recent) caving adventures. Pictures and presentations may be sent in advance to london.darce@utgrotto.org, or brought to the meeting.