Jeff Moore, Alan Cressler, Ashley Chan, Brent Aulenbach

After Alan’s documentation we walked downhill to Lower Valley Cave.  I rigged the rope to a large mossy tree across from the pit and followed the line of cavers down the short, almost free-climable pit to a standing room.  To the left walking passage led to a small dome.  To the immediate right was a 6’ diameter hole in the floor that Jeff checked out.  Past that passage continued ahead.  Brent went to check it out and I followed when he said that he might not be able to get back up a mud climb-down in case he needed help.  The climb down ended up having enough foot holds that my aid wasn’t necessary so I followed Brent down into some more somewhat muddy passage which soon ended.  We retreated and I climbed back up out of the cave and was surprised to see Jeff sitting topside but no Alan.  Jeff leant Alan his helmet and Alan had snuck into the cave while I wasn’t watching.  Jeff and I waited for everyone to exit and then the 5 of us hiked back to the cars and drove to Sue’s Market.  I cranked the heat once inside Alan’s truck; I’d been almost uncomfortably chilly most of the morning.  To Byer Cave