Flint River Grotto

The Flint River Grotto started out as the Florida State Cave Club (Florida State University Caving Club), which was a student group of the NSS, #175. The Idea for a cave club was initiated in September of 1967 by David Lobdell, a graduate student in biology at FSU and an experienced caver for over 10 years.

In the summer of 1968, a drive for membership was undertaken. This resulted in 18 dues-paying members. One of the first trips was to Gainesville, Florida, and the Florida Speleological Society, where the thought of an NSS Grotto was implanted.

 

In the fall of 1968 two NSS members, Richard Byrd and Jay Tullos, joined the club and initiated the drive for NSS membership. Formal recognition as a full University club was granted at this time.

 

The primary objective at this time was Climax Cave (partially mapped by the Auburn Grotto in 1956-1957), where previously unmapped areas were explored. Another earlier activity was mapping the caves and sinks at Falling Waters State Park. William Campbell undertook vertical training.

Possibly the best early exploration and experience that the club had were the northern trips to Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and the wester USA. These trips added invaluable experience to several members, especially in the area of vertical training.

 

The Florida State Caving Club flourished through the 70s, 80s, and early 90s. There were trips between grottos in the region, such as the Florida State Caving Club (FSCC), Florida Speleological Society (FSS), and Fort Rucker Ozark Grotto (FROG). There were great discoveries and mapping going on in Climax Cave, Glory Hole Cave, and Malloy’s Waterfall Cave. There were some great parties as well. Some of us were members of more than one grotto as our work or college moved us from one city to another.

 

Being a student organization had its perks. We were given money to buy ropes, helmets, lights, and carbide. Students could even check out state vehicles to take on caving trips. They were also able to receive per diem to cover travel expenses. We had a fresh supply of new students coming in each year.

There were some problems that eventually led to the formation of the Flint River Grotto #382. There came a time when Florida State University student organizations required the officers to be students. (At this time, a number of the members were not students.) To be an NSS organization, the officers had to be NSS members. Having students who were not financially able to made it difficult. The straw that broke the camel’s back was when the university announced a policy that any equipment purchased with school funds had to be loaned to any student who requested it. As you know, the last thing you want to do is loan out your climbing rope to someone you don’t know. This could be a life or death situation. In February 1992, the Florida State Cave Club officially became the Flint River Grotto.