by OZTOTL Staff

 A backpacking/climbing/caving store, Recreational Equipment Inc., is the meeting site for the Dallas-Fort Worth Grotto. The meeting time and date is 7 p.m., June 25, 1997. The address is 4515 LBJ Freeway, Farmers Branch, Texas 75244. The phone number is (972) 490-5989.

 This month's program is a presentation of historic Carlsbad Caverns by Chris Baker.

REI is located just west of the intersection of the Dallas North Tollway and the LBJ Freeway. To get there from Fort Worth and the mid-cities, take I-30, 183 or any east-west artery to Dallas and get on Stemmons Expressway (I-35), then follow it north and then turn east on 635 instead of continuing north toward Lewisville and Denton.

 Take the North Dallas Tollway-Dallas Parkway exit (the Galleria and its twin towers are visible on the left or north as you exit.) Make a left on the overhead ramps, cross over 635 and make a left (or U-turn) to go back on the I-635 West service road. Stay on the service road, go through the light at Welch Road and REI is on the immediate right. If you get to Midway Road, you've gone too far.

 From downtown Dallas, go north on the tollway, crossing over 635 and make the left to go west on LBJ. Then stay on the service road and watch for REI past Welch Road.

 The REI store closes at 9 p.m. A climbing wall and shopping are available at the store before the meeting. If cavers want to get some climbing practice in, it's advisable to come around 5:30 p.m. The line forms quickly and early.

 The REI store is the company's second largest in the country. REI stands for Recreational Equipment Inc. The Seattle-based cooperative sells climbing (and caving) hardware, rope and yes ... even carbide lamps.

 The national retailer of outdoor gear and clothing for muscle-powered recreation employs several grotto members!

 A prepared statement from the company says REI has supported outdoor conservation efforts since 1976. The company's corporate contributions program is designed to assist in the protection of public lands, rivers and trails nationwide. And REI takes an active role in the communities it serves with service projects for outdoor recreational opportunities.

 If you need carbide, contact Dave "Cave'' McClung at (972) 594-1183 and place your order for delivery at the meeting. Join us afterwards for the grotto social hour at a local eatery.

from staff reports

The May 1997 DFW Grotto meeting was opened by Jerri Pearson, the vice-chair of the Grotto.

 Dave Milhollin gave a trip report on a possible cave in Palo Pinto County. Shannon Seals told of a past trip to Midnight Cave. Pete Lindsley told of his outing with some Boy Scouts to the Robber Cave, Ok. area for some hiking, camping, and climbiing. Dave McClung and Troy Shelton gave reports on their trip to Carlsbad Caverns.

 The Rites of Spring expenses were brought up for comment and further discussion is under way.

 The Adopt-a-Hiway activity is waiting for a response from the Highway Dept. so there isn't any new info on when or where the Grotto will cleaning up a section of Texas Highway. There have been comments and questions about how many times will they replace the sign if it is missing.

 Shannon Seals won second place in the photo salon at the TSA convention. His award was given to him at the Grotto meeting.

 Mike Pearson gave a program on the uses of GPS , Topo maps, and how they can be used together to locate caves and karst features prior to trips as well as in the field. He also demonstrated a special ruler for Topo maps that helps convert GPS readings to locations on Topo maps and Vice-Versa. The ruler is called the "Coordinator" and sells for about $9 at One Map place on Forest Lane just around the corner from the Taco Cabana where we have our after meeting meals.

The customary ``after-meeting meeting'' was again held at the ever-popular Taco Cabana south of Interstate 635 at Webbs Chapel, where the salsa was muy caliente and the blender beverages were muy frio. Aiiiiiiyyyyyyeeeeeee!

 12-18 Lincoln National Forest, Capitan Area Expedition. This a CRF project. Contact Dick Venter, Expedition Leader @ 505-892-7370.

 Honey Creek- Mark Minton, (512) 847-3829.

 Carlsbat Cavers- Phyllis Weston, (505) 887-6790 Restoration, Educational Programs, Off trail cave trips during busy holiday periods.

 Carlsbad Caverns CRF - Contact Barbe Barker @ 972-594-1183 or e-mail: cavers@gte.net

 Fitton Cave Survey- Pete Lindsley (972) 727-2497 or e-mail: lindsley@mcopn.dseg.ti.com

 Madonna Survey Trips- Mike Huber (505) 887-6065

Mystic Cave Survey- Woodrow Thomas (903) 395-4431 or e-mail: wwthomas@tenet.edu

 Government Canyon Karst Project- George Veni (210) 558-4403 or e-mail- kveni@tenet.edu

 Colorado Bend State Park- Ed Young (915) 628-3449

Butch Fralia (817) 346-2029

Rune Barnett(512) 444-1127

Keith Heuss (512) 280-2812

 Powell's Cave Survey - Terry Holsinger (512) 443-4241

 Whirlpool and Lost Oasis (TCMA caves)- Contact Nico Hauwert (512) 282-8441

 Robber Baron (TCMA cave)- Contact James Loftin (210) 731-9392

0-9 Well (TCMA cave)- Contact Walter Feaster (915)559-3297

Amazing Maze(TCMA cave)- Contact Walter Feaster (915) 559-3297