For over twenty years caving was the defining activity in my life. I went caving every weekend, and often on weeknights. My personal calendar revolved around caving events. I would drive great distances to spent a few hours underground. Just about all my friends were cavers, and if they weren't, I tried to turn them into one.
I remember driving towards Climax Cave (a six hour jaunt) with Jim Naninga, who told me that he enjoyed caving but wouldn't want to spend all of his time doing it. He also liked other things, like backpacking and canoeing. What a wimp, I thought. Real cavers wouldn't waste their time sitting around in a canoe, or hiking in the woods unless a cave waited at the end of the trail.
Twenty five years later, though I haven't seen him since, I now understand what Jim meant.
If you're looking only for thrills, stay away from caving. Done properly, cave exploration is no more dangerous than crossing the street. Either one can get you hurt if your'e careless. If you find caving is overtly dangerous and exciting, you're probably doing it wrong. Caving is dirty and perhaps--like many things in life--pointless. It's definitely not a sport for the masses. But if you're going to be a caver, if you've got "mud in your blood," then take a minute to read my advice, join a group like the NSS, and learn how to do it right before you do it at all.

Caving Links
Yeah, we got 'em. But I really want you to read my Advice Page first.

Photographs:
Title: Entrance to Virgin Falls Cave
Left Side: The 160 foot entrance drop in Conley Hole