Recently I joined a group of other earth science teachers for earth science adventures. I realize that sounds kind of nerdy but we go cave exploring, rock climbing (that's where you find the best rocks), storm chasing, and fossil hunting. Most of our trips are mini expiditions! On our first caving trip, I found myself a little clusterphobic but was able to calm down using some meditation techniques learned in class. That's just the beginning. We were climbing through a small chute (a tube like structure in a cave) when I found myself somewhat stuck. Imagine being 2 miles into a cave, no light except for what you bring, damp, dark, and about 200 feet below the surface and you get stuck! I started to get a little panicky when I realized I could move my hands and feet. That kept me from panicking but what could I do? Then the crawls we did so much of in class came back to me. I wiggled my way out using just my toes and kind of a breast stroke motion with my hand and arms. We do something like that in class. I showed the group what I did and now they are doing the Cave Wiggle to get through some narrow chutes. Seems as though its more than kicking and punching. You can add caving to the list!

Explore the world.
Robert Pedneault