| Church Cave June 2, 2002 by John & Marcia Rasmussen On a survey trip April 29, 2000, just beyond the Scotch Light room a tight passage had some roof collapse (additional information available in Microsoft Word or html format) On June 1, 2002 we assisted assisted with leading a group of Cal Poly students through the Circuit Route. At the sight of the previous collapse the passage is now completely blocked. The only route is now the lower and smaller passage on the left as you enter from the Root Entrance. On June 2, 2002 we lead a small family group through and took the following pictures. The Giant Sequoia Management Plan is now at the printers. This is the time to comment on the geological resources of the Monument. I expect the Plan to have little information concerning cave and other geological resources of the area. I will be posting additional information as I find it at http://www.bigbaldy.com/churchcave (Larger images are available by clicking on the images below) |
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The gravel quarry at Convict Flat. Originally reopened to restore highway 180 after the major floods a few years back. Why is the Forest Service still allowing Cal Trans to remove rock within the Giant Sequoia National Monument? |
| A new campground appears this year at Convict Flat with little to no public input. There are approximately five sites with tables and fire rings. A pit toilet was added a year or two back. I will be checking with the Forest Service for more information about Convict Flat. |  |
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| Views of the quarry from one of the most scenic turnouts of the Kings River. |  |
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| A view in the opposite direction at the same turnout. |  |
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Where the passage used to be. |
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| The left (north) passage is passable but smaller and tighter than the old passage. Individuals will long leg bones may also have some difficulty negotiating the turn in the passage. |  |
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| The picture on the left was taken on April 29, 2000. The picture on the right was taken June 2, 2002. Both individuals are in the left (north) passage. It appears that there was not any additional roof collapse. The passage apparently was filled by loose rock falling from the right of the old passage. | |
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The following pictures are from the inner side of the passage. The old primary route is now filled with rock. |
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Further down the passage. |
| Passage Pit. |  |
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Venturi Tube. |
| After the Venturi Tube. |  |