A huge artificial cave/tunnel system somewhere in South Dakota. Since these caves are so extensive (15-25 miles), the MSP folks have been visiting them fairly often, and I got to go three times during my two visits to the area. The first trip was a brief introduction and attempt at mapping, the second was with the Wraiths and Damien Nightbane as we headed towards Toronto, and the third time was an overnight camping trip and failed Capture the Flag game (too much time getting there and setting up made everyone tired).
This place is freakin' huge! And it's a great location for taking long-exposure
shots with lots and lots of candles.
The sandstone caves are very condusive to exploring, wandering, and
just hanging out. The confusing semi-grid pattern loops around in many
different "blocks" which confused my normally good direction sense, but
even with the unknown miles of tunnel it's pretty easy to find your way
back to the entrance. A few cracks and crevices offer some climbing opportunities,
and in some places there are short sections of upper level tunnels.
Base camp for the CTF game was a large intersection, where we
also mounted an expedition to ascend to an upper level tunnel using a homemade
rope ladder and some scraps of PVC pipe. Civil Defense water barrels from
an old fallout shelter cache made good tables and in one case, a bed.
Several people attempted to climb to the upper level before we were
finally sucessful. Further exploration needs to be done on this extensive
high-level tunnel system.
This is either a chunk of radioactive waste, or a slave flash next
to a water bottle.
Perkins is the eating establishment of choice among refined midwest
UE'ers.