"Because a class of 20 is too large to go as a single group through narrow passages, I ask the class to nominate two students, who are level-headed and respected by their peers, to help me," said Dr. Kenneth Long, professor of chemistry emeritus at Westminster College.  "The class chose Joseph Becker and Laurajane (Lj) LaVerde."

On the first evening of the trip, Long takes the two student leaders into New Trout cave.

"We explore the cave together, learn about the rocks, and speleothems (formations), while I teach them how to get safely get around the uneven floor," continued Long.  "Late in the afternoon of the second day, I divide the class into two groups.  The leader of each group leads them through New Trout, while I led both groups into Hamilton Cave, a network maze that is highly decorated with speleothems."

For more information, contact Long at (724) 946-8055 or e-mail longkm@westminster.edu.

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