I go caving quite a bit. about 5 years ago I got into doing vertical work, and it’s really extending my opportunities for going caving. Caving, of all types, is a life long passion for me, and I’m grateful to be living in the one of the best karst areas in the country.

Check out the National Speleological Society’s website and get hooked up with a grotto (local caving club). They’d be more than happy to take you caving and teach you techniques. There’s a very large, active, non-commercial (non-tourist based) caving community out there, but nearly all of it is affiliated with the NSS. There are even weekend to week long caving festivals all across the country from spring to fall.