Kayaks & Caves
Date/Time
Date(s) - 09/15/2023 - 09/17/2023
All Day
Categories
Kayaks & Caves
| Dates: 9/15-9/17 | Time: Multiday |
| Early Bird Deadline: 9/4 | Early Bird Cost: $125/$150 |
| Sign Up Deadline: 9/11 | Cost: $150/$175 |
| Pre-Trip Meeting: 9/11 @ 6pm | Location: McKinney Fall State Park & Inner Space Cavern |
Trip Description:
Explore some of the best nature North Texas has to offer – caves and kayaking! This trip combines both of these natural phenomena into one memorable weekend! Let Texas’s karst geography entertain you for the weekend as you visit McKinney Falls, and Lake LBJ. Then head underground into Whirlpool cave on a guided tour before heading back to TCU with friends and memories that will last a lifetime!
Trip Cost:
Early Registration: $125 with a TCU ID, $150 as a sponsored guest
Regular Registration: $150 with a TCU ID, $175 as a sponsored guest
- Prices reflect the TCU student/faculty and sponsored guest rate.
- Please read our cancellation/refund policy carefully before registering.
- Price does not include meals on the road
Trip Registration:
Register in-person at the Campus Rec Front Office or online @ mycampusrec.tcu.edu
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Pre-Trip Meeting:
4/17 @ 6pm
Pre-Trip meetings are required and are held the date of the registration deadline (listed above – generally the week of or week before the trip), from 6-7:30 pm at the TCU Climbing Wall. You will meet the leaders and other trip members, as well as cover all details such as weather, menu, safety issues, and clothing requirements. You will also be issued all of your equipment at this time (sleeping bags, pad, tent, etc.).
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart TCU around 3pm and head south to McKinney Falls State Park. We will have an early night setting up camp and making dinner. And plan on ending the evening around the campfire together before heading to bed.
Day 2: Spend the day hiking and scrambling around McKinney Falls, Pernadales Falls, and Hamilton Pool. In the evening, we will return to our original campsite, eat a delicious meal, and watch the stars come out.
Day 3: We will start the morning off with a hearty breakfast. The group will then continue exploring by going on a short cave exploration at Whirlpool cave before heading back to TCU and concluding the trip. Arrive at TCU approximately 5pm.
Physical Challenge
Hiking and scrambling around waterfalls and caves can be strenuous on the legs. Designated trails may be non-existent. We could be hiking 2-4 miles over rough terrain as we explore. Staying well hydrated, taking your time, resting when necessary (but not for too long), and keeping your energy level high is essential. Trip members should be in good physical condition for hiking on rocky and rugged terrain.
TRIP RATING 1 out of 3 – This is a beginner trip camping and exploring rough terrain.
Packing List
We are limited on space, and the less stuff you bring, the less you have to carry around. Ask yourself…What would I want in the coldest weather or the hottest weather? Pack to be prepared for both!
Things that should be packed inside your personal day pack and kept with you inside the van:
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PERSONAL EQUIPMENT:
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CLOTHING LIST: |
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HEAD:
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HANDS:
FEET: NO FLIP FLOPS!!
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UPPER BODY
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LOWER BODY:
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PERSONAL EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY TCU:
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GROUP EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY TCU:
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Risk/Safety
There are numerous risks and hazards associated with State Parks. Rattlesnakes, scorpions, cactus, and other sharp desert plants require extra caution when hiking. Not dressing appropriately can result in heat or cold illnesses (Hyperthermia or Hypothermia). Caving includes squeezing through some tight spots – though there are multiple exit points for participants that need alternate routes. Not drinking enough water results in dehydration and not being in adequate physical condition can result in sore muscles. Trip members must make a conscious effort to be safe. One person’s disdain for safety will always result in more hardship for the group. If we do have an accident or injury that requires medical attention beyond the scope of our leader’s experience, the trip is immediately over without refund. Our leaders are trained to administer first aid in an outdoor environment; however, while they may be able to treat injuries they cannot always prevent them.
Hygiene/Comfort
Our campsite will be located in a developed campground operated by the Park. There will be designated tent sites, picnic tables, fire pit and running water nearby. In addition, there is a public restroom facility with flush toilets and running water. TCU will provide tents, warm synthetic sleeping bags, and foam sleeping pads. You will have the choice to share a tent with two or three trip members or sleep under the stars. The sleeping area provides us with durable hard packed dirt.
Weather
The trip leaders will research the weather conditions in advance to assess the situation. The Trip will be canceled if the weather is dangerous. If you do not receive an email about this, then please be prepared to be out in the weather. Please follow the weather and use your best judgment as well as the packing list to determine what you will personally need to stay warm and dry during the entirety of this trip. Layers are recommended for cold weather and failure to bring proper attire will be detrimental to your experience
Please contact Emily Tumilty, the Outdoor Program Coordinator with any questions. e.tumilty@tcu.edu