2024 Baker Quarry Kayak Trip Report
By Brent Jefferson, NSS 42662
(With the assistance of ChatGPT)
On a crisp, clear Saturday, August 24th, the 6th Annual Baker Quarry Underground Trip
roared to life with the excitement of 18 intrepid kayakers. Hosted in the enigmatic
depths of Baker, WV, this adventure promised a blend of rugged exploration and
underground splendor. With the sun warming the ground outside and an invigorating
chill greeting us inside, the stage was set for a journey that would blend history, nature,
and a touch of thrill.
Tom and Red from Tri-State
Grotto, along with their two
trusty canine companions,
were the gatekeepers of this
aquatic escapade. Under the
shade of a canopy tent, they
meticulously ensured each
participant had the requisite
waiver forms and safety gear.
Their attention to detail set
the tone for an adventure
marked by safety and
excitement. Doug Duncan,
the unsung hero of the day,
tackled the challenge of
clearing the rugged path to
the quarry’s entrance and
helped wrestle with the notoriously stubborn lock. With the gate finally open, our group
entered through the quarry’s gate, ready for the heart of the adventure.
Once inside the quarry
entrance, the kayaks
were carefully lowered
into the shadowy
depths below, and our
group followed, buzzing
with anticipation. The
transition from the
sunlight-drenched
surface to the cool,
mysterious
underground world was
like stepping into another realm. With the water’s edge just a few steps away, I led the
group on a thrilling walking tour across the quarry floor. Here, amid the large open areas
of this pillar and dome mine, I pointed out the launch sites scattered across three
distinct lakes, each a hidden gem of its own.
The quarry’s colossal ceilings ranged from a staggering 18 feet to a jaw-dropping 60
feet, and the water below varied from a shallow 1 foot to a more daunting 7 feet deep.
The spring-fed waters, though lower than usual, still offered a strikingly clear and
navigable expanse. We marveled at the interplay of light and shadow that danced on
the quarry walls, a testament to nature’s artistry.
The temperature contrast added to the adventure's
unique flavor: outside, the air was a comfortable 70
degrees, but inside the quarry, it dropped to a bracing 55
degrees. The water itself was a chilly 45 degrees, a
refreshing embrace that invigorated us as we paddled through this subterranean
wonderland.
Each stroke of the paddle, each
echoing splash, and each
moment of awe as we glided
through this underground
paradise made the day an
unforgettable experience. Baker
Quarry, with its hidden depths
and rich history, had once again
proven to be the perfect
backdrop for an adventure that
was as exhilarating as it was
memorable.
Until next year, when the echoes
of our laughter and the splashes
of our paddles will once again fill
the mysterious depths of Baker