2014 TSA Spring Convention
May 2 - 4, 2014
Cave Without a Name , 325 Kreutzberg Rd., Boerne, TX 78006

For more information, contact the TSA Vice-Chair at TSA Vice-Chair

Note:  information is subject to change.

Location MAP

The TSA, founded in 1956, has been bringing cavers from around Texas for over 50 years.  TSA Spring convention is a great time for all of us to come together with family and friends to enjoy group meals, presentations, workshops, new works at the Map & Photo Salon, treasures at the TCMA auction, business meetings, and your favorite vendors.

The spring convention is the annual technical meeting featuring presentations on projects and information on the scientific aspects of caving.

Speakers Schedule

Good morning cavers!

I hope you're getting all your "weekend chores" done around the house for this weekend and next, because next weekend is the TSA Spring Convention and I hope to see all of you there!

The convention begins Friday evening, May 2 at Cave without a Name in Boerne and ends on Sunday, May 4.  The informational talks are held INSIDE the cave on May 3.  The lineup is awesome and listed below.

Speakers Schedule (PDF)

Again, this should be a great convention.  Roger Moore, with the support of cave owner Tom Summers, has arranged for great parties (a band on Saturday, a musical party on Friday night) and we will have all the usual fun stuff (the "big feed", kegs of Shiner, the TCMA auction, vertical troubleshooting courtesy of GGG and David Ochel, etc).

I can't wait to see you all next weekend!

Mallory Mayeux
TSA Convention Speaker Coordinator

Shiner Beer will again be graciously providing four kegs of their finest at no charge for our enjoyment during the convention

Hootenanny and Volunteer Entertainment

Sundown until the last chord sounds.  Bring your instrument and your voice for messing around the campfire.  All instruments welcome, acoustic, electric, wind, string, brass, etc.  Can you fire dance like the devil? Or do crazy hoop tricks? Burlesque queen in your spare time?  RenFair juggler?  Tote your gear and amuse and amaze your fellow cavers!

Vertical Gear -- Adjustment and Safety Workshop
Saturday, 5 - 7 pm
Bring your vertical gear!!

Do you feel you are lacking efficiency when climbing on rope?  Do you have basic knowledge on how to get up and down a rope, but you never learned (or have forgotten) about basic safety protocols and precautions?  Do you have particular questions about aspects of single rope technique or pieces of your vertical kit?

This will be a loosely structured workshop, based on participants' needs and interest.  The objective is to review whatever questions you might have, with the goal of improving the overall safety awareness and competency of Texas' vertical caving community.  Bring your own gear - we will aim to have ropes set up for gear adjustment and review of techniques, but this is *not* an introduction to vertical caving for those who have never been on rope.  (Ask your local Grotto for such training opportunities.)

The Spring Convention will be held on May 3 and 4 at Cave Without a Name near Boerne, Texas, owned by Greater Houston Grotto member Tom Summers.  Mr. Summers has cleared additional area to enlarge his campground and constructed an all-weather, crushed limestone loop road through the facility.  The campground expansion will remove any concerns of overcrowded camping for the meeting.  Potable water will be available at or near the campground via Summer's adjacent home.  Mr. Summers has also contracted with an electrician to extend power service to his new pavilion so that it will be available for the food and auction site.  He has offered a large rain-proof metal building between the campground and the cave for use for the Salons.  Don Arbun has agreed to head up the Photo Salon again, and Marvin Miller will take care of the Map Salon.

The paper sessions will be presented in a suitable room of the cave itself, which is often used for such purposes.  Seating (on chairs already stockpiled in the cave) should be sufficient for those who attend the talks.  The cave room is, of course, already supplied with necessary electrical service. 

Site Information

Camping at Cave Without A Name, Boerne, TX (Website)!

If you have any questions about facilities, contact TSA Vice-Chair.

Convention Events

Mallory Mayeux is excitingly lining up presenters so if you have a great topic to present, please contact them.

Facility for Saturday Meeting: Inside Cave Without A Name.

Full use of Cave Without A Name campground facilities for Sunday meetings, auction, and meals.

All pets must remain on leash.

Hope to see you there!

Map Salon

Photo Salon

TCMA Auction!

Recycle your awesome stuff into caves - Get ready for another incredible TCMA Auction! at the TSA Spring Convention. If you have donations please contact auction@tcmacaves.org.