McAlisterville Cave

I got to visit this cave during a grotto trip organized by Kevin Dunleavy. The participants included myself, Harry Sowers, Allen Horn, Kevin Dunleavy, Sharn Cleland and Tammy Johnston. I am fairly sure that the following weekend included another trip (since Kevin still had the key) which included Kevin, Sharn and George Bange. The pictures below were taken during both expeditions.

This is a decorative cave with passage that offers a variety of challenges to cavers that are not particularly stretchy, tall or thin. I was fortunate in this case to be able to get through some difficult areas...

	From left to right: Kevin, Allen, me, Tammy, Sharn, Harry This photo was taken by Karen Bange which waited outside the cave until we surfaced, took our picture and then had most of us back her house for lasagna and salad. All cave explorations should end this way! Thanks Karen!!!
	The entrance is a smooth pipe that is about 8 feet long and is at about 35 degree angle. It's easy to get in but a little difficult to get out when you're covered in mud. The door itself is pretty unusual with a long lever/arm that goes all the way to the bottom of the tube. This is probably George Bange (2nd trip) coming out.
	Being very careful not to bump, break or disturb the formations, Sharn explores a lead behind this large column.
	Well Sharn, does it go any further?
	I don't remember where any of the formations are within the cave but there are plenty to see.
	There are places in this cave that vertical gear is very helpful, even if only for safety.

	Sharn was quick to try and blend in with the formations but we could see him the whole time.
Tammy can tell you that getting to and from this formation requires a thin build, a little help and some support from your friends.
	Kevin checks the map to see if there is any hope of getting lost or finding passage that's not on the map. We did (but Kevin didn't have the energy or narrowness to make it through the squeeze on that trip....next time.)

Sharn Cleland went to be with god on July 5th, 2001 while awaiting rescue from a cave collapse. There was one more rock to be removed from his waist/chest area before he would be free. Sharn had been stuck in that collapsed passage for about 28 hours when the rescue workers lost contact with him. They had been talking with him, had given him an IV to keep him hydrated, a wool hat and warm air while they worked outside the tunnel in an effort to get him out.

He made it out but the final collapse which the outsiders could not see sent him to be with god instead of greeting his friends and family waiting outside the crumbled shale.

To Sharn whom I will miss: Thank you for touching my life and passing your energy on. You surely loved the outdoors and the environment and I will continue in your spirit Sharn. I'll see you someday and then you can show me the smaller cave passages that our bodies are too large to fit through.

I hope you get to meet my grandfather who also liked very much to go fishing. He's a great guy too!