[geocaching] Re: Green's Cave environs
- From: Richard Sheffold <dsheffold@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: geocaching@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Wed, 30 Jan 2002 16:56:26 -0600
Earl and Lannis,
The first time we went to the cave was in the early 70's. All we knew was
Green's Cave was a big cave on the Meramec and you couldn't miss it. At the
time the old bridge went across the Meramec at 185 and we drove part way
down a jeep road off the road that now goes off of 185 towards Hamilton,
Greens, etc. We parked at what is now the holes left by the Corp of
engineers for the dam site. Anyway, we walked from that point along the edge
of the river till we finally got to the cave. It was a miserable walk; no
trails, high brush in places, rocky ledges in other places. I've gone in
several times from Hamilton Cave and I think that's the easiest way, except
for parking at the top and walking in from there (except for the 'keep out"
signs.)
Rich
----- Original Message -----
From: "Earl and Lannis Hancock" <earlannis@xxxxxxxxx>
To: "Geocaching List" <geocaching@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2002 4:40 PM
Subject: [geocaching] Green's Cave environs
> Hi All,
>
> This post is some background on the area around Green's Cave.
>
> Green's Cave is on Meramec State Park property, a legacy of the Green
> Family who generously shared their cave with floaters, and who lost it
> all to the Corps(e) of Engineers when the Army attempted to build a dam
> on the most cavernous piece of real estate in the state, perhaps, the
> country. Meramec State Park has 43 cataloged caves in it's 10.9 square
> miles.
>
> There are three usual access points:
>
> * Float the Meramec from Sappington Bridge 2.6 miles upstream. 37 09'
> 13" 91 06' 55" (NAD27)
> * Hike in from Hamilton Iron Works (listed on the cache page)
> GEOCACHING - Details - Greens Cave Overlook by Butch
> * Hike in from Hwy 185 (listed on the cache page) Same as above
>
> The cave entrance is 90 feet high and 90 feet wide, being the largest
> cave opening east of the Mississippi. The overlook above the cave would
> have been a 10 foot drop into 95 feet of water had the dam been built.
> As it is now, it is one of the gems of the state, and the Crown Jewel of
> Meramec State Park. There is a gorgeous grove of cedar trees where you
> can pitch a tent at the edge of the bluffs! Almost a religious
> experience.
>
> The cave should not be missed. A clear stream exits the cave, past a
> concrete picnic table built by the Greens for passing floaters. The
> dimensions get quickly smaller as you near the dark zone and climb a
> small waterfall into 6 foot wide by 10 foot high passage. Easy walking
> passage, formations are as good as in most show caves in this section, 5
> minutes from the entrance. Tennis shoes are good to walk in the ankle
> deep water, but with care you can keep your feet dry. This is a good
> turn around spot; because within a couple hundred feet the ceiling drops
> to a hands and knees crawl for 2200 feet to the end. (Did I say bitter
> end?)
>
> Bring a camera and more film that you'll need! This place will bring you
> back.
>
> Hiking the creek down Hamilton valley rarely involves more than a
> stepping stone ballet as you cross the creek twice. It drains very
> quickly, even after a downpour. I don't know anything about the hike in
> from Hwy 185. (I was trying to add a link to the River Gage at
> Sappington Bridge, but it seem to be down right now, along with the rest
> of the gov's sites.)
>
> I'm looking forward to this one. Butch lives up to his reputation with
> this hike!
>
> Earl and Lannis
>
>
> Info for this list is at: //www.freelists.org/webpage/geocaching
>
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