Episode 126: Val McNamara
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In Episode 126 of The Caving Podcast, host Matt Pelser welcomes Val McNamara, a longtime caver and treasurer of the Central Indiana Grotto, for an intimate and reflective conversation. Val shares her journey from her first cave trip at age 10 at Laurel Caverns to becoming a central figure in the caving community, including her pivotal role in organizing the 2026 NSS Convention in Indiana. She recounts her early days caving with Greg, her transition into more technical caving, and the profound personal and physical challenges she faced—such as nearly being killed by a falling log in Montana and witnessing Greg’s severe machete injury in Mexico. After a long hiatus to raise her two daughters, Val returned to caving in her 40s, driven by fitness and a renewed passion, eventually becoming a key member of the Fern Cave resurvey project. Her story is one of resilience, community, and the enduring joy of caving as both sport and sanctuary. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, documentation, and finding a personal niche within the caving world.
Maintain physical fitness to sustain caving at a high level, even after long breaks.
Keep a simple log of trips—date, cave, people involved—to preserve memories and aid future recall.
Find a mentor early; the caving community thrives on guidance and connection.
Always carry three light sources, water, food, a first aid kit, and warm clothing—essential for safety and helping others.
Volunteering and contributing to your grotto is essential; caving is a community effort.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Sponsor: Custom Cave Suit by Sophie Reapdress
Matt promotes Sophie Reapdress, a custom cave suit maker with pink hair, who will be at the upcoming NSS convention. She offers made-to-order suits with customizable features and colors, using durable Cordura fabric. A link to her website is provided in the show notes.
Caving Community & Convention Prep
Matt introduces the 2026 NSS Convention in Indiana, now over 500 registrants. He highlights the event’s scale—100 miles, 100 caves—and promotes volunteer opportunities, meal passes, and new workshops like 'Contingency and Caving'. He also shares the lineup of bands, including Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band.
Val McNamara’s Caving Origins
Val recounts her first cave trip at age 10 at Laurel Caverns, her move to Indiana, and how she was introduced to caving through a coworker at a bank in Bloomington. She describes her early enthusiasm for the camaraderie and sport of caving, not just the technical aspects.
The Early Years: From Tag to Hard Caving
Val details her rapid immersion into serious caving after meeting Greg at the 1992 Indiana Convention. She describes her first tag trip, a harrowing short-roped descent at Ferris Pit, and her transition into high-level caving with Greg and the 'hardcore crew' like Danny, Joe Oliphant, and Tony.
Life-Changing Expeditions: Bob Marshall & Mexico
“I screamed for the others. I don't remember seeing the wound. I don't know if it's your brain just doesn't want to see stuff.”
“If you would have asked me 10 years ago if I’d be caving at this level, I would have said no. But I actually feel like I’m a stronger caver now than I was back then.”
“I screamed for the others. I don't remember seeing the wound. I don't know if it's your brain just doesn't want to see stuff.”
“Caving is one of those things that can really keep you, if not young, then at least feeling like you're still capable of something really significant physically.”
Host
Guest
Val McNamara
person
Matt Pelser
person
Greg
person
2026 NSS Convention
other
Fern Cave
other
Central Indiana Grotto
organization
National Speleological Society
organization
Capers
other
Danny
person
Tony
person
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