Have I had some serious problems or does anyone else remember the cave.  Maybe I have just had a bad dream.  I seem to remember several chumps and I from school going to a site and removing the objects covering a hole in the ground.  We then entered with flash lights and went on a journey.  What a friggin nightmare once in and walking in the cave and getting turned around and lost.  Man was I scared.  Finally found the entrance and got stuck trying to climb out had to be pushed and pulled to get out.  Did this really happen.  What a thing to do.  Oh well, hope it was true and not just losing my mind.

Paul

There was and is a cave at the intersection of Cave Lane (in Northwood) and Nacogdoches.

When I was a child growing up in Northwood--I was warned probably a million times to NEVER go near that cave. At that time anyone could just walk up to it and crawl in. Is that the one you are talking about?

My sister tells me that now it is owned by the people that bought the house next door and also bought that lot. If you drive by you can see how they have landscaped that area and put benches around it and covered it--it is now closed to my knowledge.

Kathy,

     Yes, that does definately sound like the cave.  The location you gave makes alot of sense.  I do remember that it was not too far of a drive.  I wish I could remember who I was with when we made the journey.  I will never forget it.  Walking on the edge and looking down with the flashlight and seeing nothing but a deep deep hole.  I sure do appreciate your response.  Thanks alot.  Hope to see you at the re-union.

Paul

Yes, Paul--I always heard it was scary! Can you believe that so many went into that cave so easily back then? I am amazed we did not hear of anyone getting lost in it.

A few years back a bunch of UT students went into a cave that runs under what is now Lamar in Austin. They got lost and had to be rescued by a group that studies the caves in this area.

See you at the reunion!

Kathy

 Here is a link to info on the cave I think you are talking about

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/environment/34126804.html

Was not to far from where I lived.  Heard a lot about it never went.

Tony

Anthony,

     Thanks alot for the info.  Article was very interesting and confirmed my thoughts involving the cave.  Hope to see you at the re-union. 

Paul

I'll throw in that Kathy ID'd the cave and Tony remembered that it was recently (re)opened - and much appreciate the link Tony provided - I was going to have to chase it down.  I lived on Hillview for two years (Alamo Hts, Woodridge).  Cave Ln was next over and ended at Nacogdoches, right at the cave.  Indeed, we kids were all warned, abmonished, scolded and threatened to stay clear forever and ever.  As a parent - I can now relate.  As my mom passed on a few years back, I can now tell the I went into the cave several times - wouldnt ya figure.  Gee - it was just right there - it was wide open - and we were kids, specifically boys.  This was 4th and 5th grade - perfect for Sawyering behavior.  I can recall there were several ropes around that others had used to keep orientation - and it was quite a decent and difficult initially.  There were a couple of large chambers.  There was a lot of graffiti and trash. We went in there once after some strong rain and it was unstable and there was a water-flowing echo - we hurried out of there.  I havent been over there to go back in legit - and should go.  We always referred to it as The Robbers Cave.  I dont really know of any other caves close in town - so I think this is the one of your topic.  Professionally, I had Concealed Space training, where you are advised to have a buddy, a light, ventilation - all that.  I can tell ya - I thought about the cave a lot and I'm glad ma didnt have to pull me out the bad way.  Chester..

Was in the old neighborhood today and on impulse pulled into the alleyway off Nachodoches at the location of the "Secret Cave".  The cave opening is surrounded by a small fenced off park-like area with a wrought iron gate entry with a "Robber Baron Cave" sign.  The gate was open and I strolled in.  There were a couple of signs detailing the history of the cave and all it's scientific significance.  I believe the site is managed by a state agency that has oversight over Texas caves.  There was a rugged, descending, spiral stairway of dirt and rock which I did not descend as I was not dressed for the occassion, which was just as well because at my advanced age and half-assed physical condition, I would not have been able to negotiate it easily.  There were no warning signs so I assume that further down the hole there was some kind of barrier to deny amateur entry.  I wish us "Lantana Boys" had known about the cave when we were kids...we would have dove in headfirst...just like Chester and his buds.   All in all the place looked too civilized,  not like something out of Huck Finn, which it should.  Like most things from the past, the "experience" is no longer available .....except in memory.