In case you are not familiar with the term, “spelunking” is defined as the exploration of caves, especially as a hobby. (We will discuss the topic of real spelunking in length at a later date.) Urban spelunking (US), while related to its natural cousin, is nuanced in ways that make it a sport all its own. Indeed, for the Jacksonian, this is an easily accessible pass time, as there are several US entryways located within the city limits.
US is a rather easy hobby to get involved with as it only requires the participant to own a flashlight, and clothing they do not mind seeing absolutely destroyed. The art of US (as it is certainly not a science) requires one who is not afraid of tight spaces, standing or running water in said tight spaces, or small, sewer-dwelling creatures. The US environment is one of varying shapes, sizes, and construction materials. Often, the tubing used to build these underground passageways is large and made of concrete. In these instances, one's footing is usually quite stable. On the other hand, there are instances where steel and even reinforced plastic tubing is used in the drainage systems. If that is the case, the tunnels can be quite slippery and one must proceed with caution. In addition, many times standing water inside the tunnel networks will prohibit the spelunker from seeing the bottom of the tunnel. It is not uncommon to see water anywhere from ankle to waist deep, depending on the recent rain flow. Be careful as random debris can often be found lurking under the surface of the water.
Of course, I must provide a word of caution to anyone who is considering a US outing. This can actually be quite dangerous at times. Never go by yourself and do not go during a rain storm or very shortly after. Please keep in mind the nature or underground tunnels if you plan on goofing off in them.
In Jackson, there are several places where the interested spelunker can gain entry to a network of underground tunnels. The two most famous are found near Jackson General Hospital, and the shopping centers near Union University. For the sake of anonymity, I will not post exact locations to these entry points on this blog. However, someone interested in finding them should keep his or her eyes peeled for open drainage tunnels around heavily developed areas. Follow the path of rainwater and you will find where these tunnels slip in and out of sight. Also, keep in mind that Jackson is rapidly developing in places and these rain water drainage tunnels often change shape, direction, and new ones occasionally appear.
Happy Hunting.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Saturday, April 3, 2010
The Forked Deer River
The Forked (pronounced fork-ed) Deer River is perhaps one of Jackson's greatest unsung treasures. Once one looks past the murky water, the slimy mud bottoms, the unusually large amount of trash that accumulates along its bank, and the inconvenient fact that a waste water treatment facility dumps there exhaust water into it; then he or she will find a jewel of outdoor entertainment.
The Forked Deer River actually has three branches, the South, Middle, and North as they are called. The two branches of concern to the Jacksonian however, are the south and middle as Jackson sits conveniently between the two of them. You can find access points to the south branch in south Jackson and access points to the middle branch just north of town as you head towards Three Way or Medina.
If you are wondering why on earth you would even care about accessing this river, then let me tell you. During my time in Jackson, my cronies and I found many an adventure around the slowly moving, and faintly smelly waters, of the Forked Deer. For instance, if you travel down the 45 Bypass to Airways Blvd and hang a left, you will very shortly cross a bridge and see a little turn off to your right. The old path leads back almost a mile to a small clearing in the woods. Here is a great place for a campfire or to set up some tents for the night right next to the waters edge. It is a wonderful spot due to its proximity. It is only minutes from north or south Jackson, but feels like you are out in God's country.
An idea that is even more daring is the use of the river for water sports. The Ocoee has nothing on the tubing adventure you can experience on the middle fork (the one north of Jackson) of the river. There are two road access points to this branch of the river. One of them is directly up the bypass headed towards Three Way. You will see the bridge as it goes over the river. You can park one car here and then take everyone to the beginning of the trip. The second access point is on Old Medina Road north of the intersection with Ashport. There is a railroad bridge to the right and a large access to the river on the left. Park your second car here and unload people and tubes and float to the first car. It will take you about 2-3 hours depending how fast the water is moving. This makes a great after class activity to wind down after a long day of lectures.
The water level varies greatly on the Forked Deer. Spring and the early months of summer are the best time to attempt this feat. Any later and the river is too low to float your tube and you will find yourself on a two mile hike through mud back to the other car. Also, when it rains for several days, the water level can get terribly high and fast. In these conditions, tubers beware. Oh, and watch out for snakes.
The Forked Deer River actually has three branches, the South, Middle, and North as they are called. The two branches of concern to the Jacksonian however, are the south and middle as Jackson sits conveniently between the two of them. You can find access points to the south branch in south Jackson and access points to the middle branch just north of town as you head towards Three Way or Medina.
If you are wondering why on earth you would even care about accessing this river, then let me tell you. During my time in Jackson, my cronies and I found many an adventure around the slowly moving, and faintly smelly waters, of the Forked Deer. For instance, if you travel down the 45 Bypass to Airways Blvd and hang a left, you will very shortly cross a bridge and see a little turn off to your right. The old path leads back almost a mile to a small clearing in the woods. Here is a great place for a campfire or to set up some tents for the night right next to the waters edge. It is a wonderful spot due to its proximity. It is only minutes from north or south Jackson, but feels like you are out in God's country.
An idea that is even more daring is the use of the river for water sports. The Ocoee has nothing on the tubing adventure you can experience on the middle fork (the one north of Jackson) of the river. There are two road access points to this branch of the river. One of them is directly up the bypass headed towards Three Way. You will see the bridge as it goes over the river. You can park one car here and then take everyone to the beginning of the trip. The second access point is on Old Medina Road north of the intersection with Ashport. There is a railroad bridge to the right and a large access to the river on the left. Park your second car here and unload people and tubes and float to the first car. It will take you about 2-3 hours depending how fast the water is moving. This makes a great after class activity to wind down after a long day of lectures.
The water level varies greatly on the Forked Deer. Spring and the early months of summer are the best time to attempt this feat. Any later and the river is too low to float your tube and you will find yourself on a two mile hike through mud back to the other car. Also, when it rains for several days, the water level can get terribly high and fast. In these conditions, tubers beware. Oh, and watch out for snakes.
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