Valerie and I joined Diana Northup, Ken Ingham, Penny Boston, Paul Burger,Gus Frederick and Gen Frederick on a research trip into Spider Cave (well, some of us were mostly gawkers).

Our accomodations were first rate - the research hut in Carlsbad Caverns National Park where the beds are at least unusual:

Starting off with a good breakfast is important (Ken, Penny and Diana) before you enter the cave: