Meet Al, your Trip Host
Hi, I'm Al and I'm excited to be your trip host for this trip!
I've been hosting hikes since 2012.
Hike Inside A Cave
Hike Inside A Cave
- GET 50% OFF THIS TRIP WITH A MEMBERSHIP. LEARN MORE HERE.
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BRING FRIENDS! ADD 3 OR MORE FOR AN AUTOMATIC 10% OFF YOUR RESERVATION 🙌
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Updated Sep 2024
FROM YOUR TRIP HOST
I've been exploring caves with groups since 2012 (account private). And in that time, I've learned that there are 3 important rules: safety first, safety second and fun third.
Before entering our cave, I'll do a safety briefing, including cave etiquette.
And you will be sent detailed instructions on gear you’ll need after you sign up. But don’t worry, you probably won’t need to buy anything new.
After this trip, you'll either love caving or not. But at least you tried it.
IS THIS A HOSTED HIKE?
Yes.
WHAT TO EXPECT*
This trip aims to introduce caving (aka spelunking) to a broader audience in a safe, responsible and beginner-friendly way.
This is rated BEGINNER to ADVANCED. You will have an experienced host with you.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE*
- 9am Arrive at destination, check-in, suit up
- 10am Begin trip to cave entrance
- ~12:30p-~1:30p Exit cave
- ~1:30p-~2:30p Rinse, change, conclude trip
*Subject to change
IMPORTANT DETAILS
- CAVING IS DANGEROUS AND SHOULD NOT BE ATTEMPTED ALONE. Please note that you're caving at your own risk and at some destinations we'll be visiting, you may be asked to sign additional waivers.
- HELMET, 2 OR MORE FLASHLIGHTS OR HEADLAMPS AND KNEE PADS ARE REQUIRED. You will receive a detailed list of supplies and instructions via Welcome email when you sign up to this trip.
- YOU MUST UTILIZE OUR ROUNDTRIP SHUTTLE OPTION. You will not be provided with directions to this destination.
- Guaranteed Departures require 4 or more guests. Invite 2 more friends for an automatic 10% off. Confirm number of guests for your date in chatbox below.
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A portion of the proceeds from this trip will go towards The Welcome Fund to support diversity and inclusion in the outdoors, with intended donation to the Northeast Cave Conservancy, who manage the caves you'll be exploring.
WEATHER
This trip occurs rain or shine. Check weather forecast here.
SEE PAST TRIPS FROM #WHATYOUMISSED ARCHIVES
General Trip Information
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Commercially insured, professionally hosted service, including safety checks (via trip scouting), extensive safety direction, support on a challenging trail, with setting up your tent, campfire, kayaks, etc.
- Tried-and-tested logistical support including detailed maps, accommodations (when applicable), packing lists, meal suggestions, meeting and pickup coordination, use of equipment like grills, headlamps, camp chairs, tables, crash pads, etc.
- In some cases, prices are inclusive of 3rd party gear rentals (i.e. skydiving equipment, specialized bikes, boats and safety equipment).
- Welcoming community because you wouldn't want to do this trip alone. Doing this trip with your outdoorsy fam guarantees you'll have an amazing trip.
- The most generous cancellation and refunds policy in the business.
AFTER YOU BOOK
All the details about your trip - including the most up-to-date weather, packing list and itinerary (especially for pickups) - lands in your inbox 72 hours prior to your trip date.
The sender will be "Al at Outerthere" and the subject of the Welcome email will be "Welcome to [name of trip]" and is only sent from info@ outerthere.com.
Here's what it'll look like in your inbox:
Please make sure you let your Gmail/iPhone know that this sender and email address are important.
Additionally, you should have received a confirmation for your reservation and a separate Thank You email with the subject, "You've reserved a trip on Outerthere!"
If your trip is within 72 hours and you still haven't seen any emails from us, please check your spam folder or "newsletters" folder in Gmail.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, ask us in the chatbox here or reply to any email you've received from our official email, info@ outerthere.com.
GEAR LIST
Updated Dec 2024
- TOP: Any top that you'd use to go to the gym. But dress in layers. The number of layers you bring should be based on whether you tend to run hot or cold. Below is a layers explainer video.
- BOTTOM: Flannel, denim, corduroys, tights whatever you already have in your closet works as long as it doesn't restrict movement. Same explainer video as above, but cut to the pants.
- FOOTWEAR: Sturdy, waterproof boots or trail running shoes that drain or dry quickly if they get wet. Below is a footwear explainer video.
- ACCESSORIES:
- Face covering.
- Insect repellent.
- Sun screen.
- Favorite sunnies.
- Trekking poles.
- Tote bag or day pack for your belongings and trash - please no littering. Use Trashmap.org to find the nearest trash bin.
PICKUPS
SoHo
Astoria Queens
ABOUT YOUR SHUTTLE
Updated June 2024
We work with 3rd party providers to ensure that your trip host has access to suitable vehicles for their trips. The rental fees for 3rd party providers are paid by each passenger, allowing your trip host to access vehicles easily and conveniently.
Your vehicles are 15-seat passenger vans with up to 460 cubic feet of interior space.
On occasion, your vehicle may also be privately-insured 7-seat minivans with up to 144 cubic feet of interior space.
Your vehicle is able to go places where larger vehicles cannot and are better suited for smaller groups.
The interiors of your vehicle will be cleaned and sanitized before every trip by your driver.
If you have any questions or concerns about your riding experience, don't hesitate to ask using the chat box below.
FAQs
Can I cancel my shuttle ride after I've reserved it? As you may already know, we have an awesome refund & cancellation policy and your shuttle fee can be refunded with advanced notice.
However, if you change your mind on the day of your pickup; or you appear physically unable to ride in our vehicle (i.e. you're sick or intoxicated); or if your behavior is threatening or harmful to other passengers and you are not permitted to enter the vehicle by your driver, we unfortunately will not be able to refund you.
And hey, it's OK if you do not feel comfortable for any reason, and we won't take offense.
ABOUT TRIP RATINGS
Guidance by Outerthere, Updated August 2023
PACE
Everyone goes at their own pace and regardless of the pace you're on, you will never get left behind or be made to feel as though you’re slowing down your group. Whether you’re coming out for fitness or to just enjoy nature, the pace of the group can accommodate you.
BEGINNER
Beginner trips and activities are for anyone physically active at least one to three times per week, including kids ages 5+.
Beginner hiking trips, for example, may cover 0 to 3 miles in distance where you will be walking across unpaved, natural terrain anywhere between 2 to 4 hours with plenty of breaks or an experience will include basic training.
Elevation is within 1,000 feet. And some features may require you to use your hands for leverage, balance, and even getting up or down.
Beginner trips are generally labeled "Easy" or "Beginner-friendly" and in the case of water-based trips (i.e. kayaking), will be on calmer lakes and slow moving rivers. For beginner camping trips, we may go from trailhead to campground without backpacking.
Regardless of the pace you're able to keep, you will not be left behind and will be supported with demonstrations or other instruction until you're comfortable performing the basic activity.
Beginner trips are recommended for anyone who little-to-no experience, but wants to get more acquainted with that activity.
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Like Beginner trips, but with more consideration to kids and pets. (For example, other parents/nannies will be present and are happy to support your kid, expect activities your kids will enjoy, baby changing stops and areas are considered, area is walkable with carrier or stroller).
INTERMEDIATE
Intermediate trips are a bit more challenging than Beginner trips, but completely doable for anyone active 3 to 5 times per week, including pre-teenagers.
An Intermediate trip may cover 3 to 7 miles, during which you'll be moving anywhere between 4 to 8 hours with breaks.
If you're participating in an Intermediate trip, you will be expected to have had some basic experience with this activity. You may already own some gear and/or equipment specifically designed for the activity and will be OK with unexpected weather.
And you may even be asked to support Beginners transitioning up to Intermediate.
Elevation is within 3,000 feet. And some features may require you to use your hands for leverage, balance, and even getting up or down. You'll feel it in your calves, quads, hams, shoulders, back, and arms next day.
Intermediate water-based trips (i.e. kayaking, rafting) generally assume you're comfortable in open water and/or with fast-moving water. Although you don't have to know how to swim, if you're participating in an Intermediate trip, it's recommended.
You will need to focus and stay alert at all times for your safety.
When you’re done, you may say to yourself you’ll never do a trip like that again, but afterwards, you’ll look forward to the next one.
These trips are recommended for anyone interested in stepping up their outdoor game or anyone about to start a training program.
ADVANCED
Advanced is intended for anyone (including teenagers) who is active almost every day and could probably put together their own trip, but prefers going in a group with other Advanced fam.
They may cover 7 or more miles during which you'll be moving 8+ hours. Destinations, elevation and weather will be challenging.
If you're participating in an Advanced trip, you will be expected to have had some basic experience with this activity. You may already own all gear and/or equipment specifically designed for the activity and are knowledgeable with how to use it.
Advanced water-based trips (i.e. kayaking, rafting) will require you to comfortable in all types of water. You should know how to swim.
These trips are recommended for anyone thinking about DIY trips and need some additional guidance, anyone training to do epic, multi-day treks, and/or anyone interested in mixing up their normal weekly workout.
IMPORTANT HEAD UP ABOUT ADVANCED PACE: Please be aware that some fam will attend a trip convinced that they are prepared for an Advanced trip, including maybe you. However, they may have discovered on that trip that they are not as Advanced as they expected. That is perfectly normal and in no way reflects a miscommunication or misunderstanding by anyone. Like it says in Welcome emails, sh_t happens and your trip host can manage.
If that's the case, and you or someone else on your trip is having a challenging time, other fam may be asked to support anyone who is having a challenging time maintaining an Advanced pace. This can mean that someone is going at a slower pace due to injury, dehydration, affected mental state, anything. In any case, trips are safe spaces and no one will be made to feel as though they are being a burden or left behind.
SCOUTING
Scouting trips are meant for us to "test the adventure" (like breaking gadgets on purpose to see if they'll hold up to regular use) and figure out all the risks before planning a safe adventure for everyone else.
That said, since we won't always know what to expect, sometimes these scouting trips are very easy and even boring.
Or they are very challenging and extremely dangerous. We won't know until we try it.
Either way, they're fun for anyone who has already participated in Intermediate or Advanced trips, are open to anything and don't mind the unexpected inconveniences (weather, car issues, whatever) that come up on the way to a new experience.
These trips are recommended for anyone with advanced outdoor skills, lots of experience in the outdoors and a variety of outdoor gear.
DISCLAIMER
TIME, DATE & DESCRIPTIONS POSTED HERE ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE FOR ANY REASON. Details regarding your trip will be emailed to you after you book.