T.H.E. Cave, Hays County, Texas

July 2024

Gate Type: CUPOLA

We love landowners who recognize the uniqueness of their cave resources and want to protect then for the future. Such is the case with T.H.E. Cave. (Despite querying the original discoverers and mappers of the cave, we STILL don’t know what T.H.E. stands for!) We also love caves where there is exposed bedrock at the surface, since it makes anchoring the gate to the ground SO much easier! We almost had heat stroke building this gate, despite working in the shade and having a cover over the cutting station. We vow to do no more bat gates in Texas in the summer! All photos © Jim Kennedy.

The fissure-like entrance to T.H.E. Cave was originally “protected” by this sheet of cattle panel secured by rocks. Photo courtesy of Zara Environmental.
The steel arrives, so it’s time to get busy.
The initial frame starts to take shape, and the hangers are already accepting some bars.
The details of the corner hangers and the top edge closure are well illustrated in this photo.
We tried really hard to keep everyone in the shade as much as possible, including our cutter, Cesar.
Eric, of course, has the hottest job of all because he is wearing all those protective clothes and working near the heat of the arc and hot metal.
The view from inside clearly shows the expanded metal grating top.
We had a little visitor, Pseudouroctonus reddelli, a common troglophile in Texas.
The owners also requested a ladder to facilitate entry into the cave, so we obliged.
Just a few of the many speleothems decorating the cave.
We even put 8-year-old Kras to work one day!
Eric is welding the ladder anchors in place, while on rope. Truly a task that not just anyone can do!
The owners came to visit the last day of the project, and graciously agreed to pose with the finished gate.