This started out as a Boy Scout trip to Bat Cave. After a month and a half of changing dates and not getting permissions, we changed the location to a cave that could accommodate the small troop of 5. Permission was granted and then the scout group reported they now had 12 scouts and several adults (which this small cave would not accommodate). Then…the scouts cancelled. On the bright sunny morning of April 18, 2026, River City Grotto (RCG) made our own trip.
We had two brand new or almost new people. Lucas had done some caving with the Boy Scouts and was now older and in College after making Eagle. John also joined the group and had no idea what he was in for.
The quarry has been made into a beautiful garden, which we explored before rigging a handline and doing a quick safety brief.
The water table is very low in Florida. This cave is rather small but extremely interesting as it transitions between fissure (high and narrow) to bedding planes (low and crawly).
After navigating through water, mud, and squeezes, we made it to the back room to chill and marvel at the wonders.
From my understanding, when this cave was forming the water had a high concentration of Manganese, which turned the formations black. New calcium carbonate formed over the top of the older formations making it look like Harry Potter had a battle with Voldemort deep underground. Another affirmation of the battle was lurking in the shallow pools: Cave shrimp (no photos) and Cave Isopods.
This was a truly fantastic trip to a cave we rarely visit. Thank you to Lance, the owner, for saving this cave and granting us permission in a very short time even while being gone. Thanks to Mike for handling the property access and locks while Lance was away.
Of course, after the trip (and cleaning up a bit) we strolled down to Pudgee’s in Floral City and tried the Florida famous Cave Man Burger. what a great day!!!
As a small note: we did see the tumbling, crumbling rock in the ceiling.
Story by Philip Walker. Photo’s by Scott Thompson and Nicole Marti.