Went on a float trip on the Meramec last Saturday.

[Chris]

We found two springs along the way, one of which lead into a large cave opening. I didn't have a flashlight and thus couldn't explore it, but I do intend to return. The second one just bubbled out of a hole in the ground no bigger than a basketball. Both produced crystal clear water and it was ice cold. Despite day's comfortable warmth, I had to thaw my feet in warmer water after I walked back.

Also, we found a quite large abandoned lodge type building.

I'd like to return to explore both the cave and the lodge.

[Hiccup]

The Illuminator didn't have a flashlight?

[gimpface]

I was there earlier this summer. The cave (if it's the huge ass one I'm thinking of) goes back pretty far, but the cold-ass water gets deeper the farther back you go. It's a nut-numbing good time! If I think about it, I'll post some pics.

[Chris]

I'd like to see those pics.

And no, I didn't have a flashlight. I honestly did bring one down there on the chance that I may stumble onto a cave, but then I thought 'yeah right, what are the chances of that' and left it in my truck. :::bangs head up against wall:::

[flyfisherman_46]

I used to flot Meramec alot years ago usually from Leesburg (Onondoga Cave park) Down towards Bourbon, there is A huge cave that has the Indiana bats in it. Back in the 70's they talked about daming the river but because of those bats bing endangered they couldn't do it. I remeber that cave went way back but there was a lot of bat guano in there so we didn't explor it fully.

[Willard]

I remeber that cave went way back but there was a lot of bat guano in there so we didn't explor it fully.

Dude! You should have started a makeup company! If you said it was from rare chemicals (not fully a lie) women would practically storm you house to buy some!

[BROUSER]

Surprises me that with that kind of population they don't have it gated. I'm all about exploring caves, but I cherish bats, so I hate to see them disturbed.

[gimpface]

Apparently wifey took the pics to her work for... well, I don't really know why. Anyway, it will probably be a bit before I can post a few. They may or may not be that interesting though... we had a couple of small, dying lights and a lot of the photos are just darkness. But I will post them at some point. Maybe. If the spirit so moves me.