1987-1988
Richard Collcott, Dave Wilson, Paul Huggins (Huggy), Tim Flack, Pete Hambly, Tim Palmer, Phil Hay, Rob Chaddock, Chris Birkhead, Harry Lock, John Harrison, Andrew Pugh, Mark Aspinall, Herman Herz, Chris Shaw, Gunter Siddiqi
I typed these up in 2025, and sometimes I chose to leave out sentences or words I deemed offensive. I usually thought these were sexist or racist. These decisions were entirely my own. Typos, incorrect attempts at transcribing handwriting, and misattributing trips to cavers who share names are also my mistakes.
Fiona Hartley
Fresher Trip - Mendips - 16-18/10/87
Richard Collcot, Rob Chaddock, Dave Wilson, Pete Hambly, Andrew Pugh, Philip Hay
Well only one freshers but we had an ace time - Gerald [Richard]
Friday
Left the union at 7pm, no traffic work delays, got to MNRC, then a few beers at Horse and Jockey (Mendip Cider 54p a pint).
Saturday
Swildon SRT: all six plus venture scout leader - Richard Collcott, Dave Wilson, Pete Hambly, Phil Hay, Rob Chaddock, Andrew Pugh
Got to cave early and met a nearly 50 S&G type venture scout leader who asked to join us. Trip was going well, ducks quite high and sporting unfortunately at Blue Pencil our SuperScout fell and hurt his shoulder. Insisted on the rescue being called out!!!! So leaving Dave and Pete with him, the rest of us departed at speed. Rich phoned for the rescue. Things went smoothly with Rich and Rob re-entering with the rescue. Super Scout was out by 7pm ish.
Moral: never go caving with strangers, no matter how experienced they claim to be.
Spent evening in the New Inn Priddy and the Horse and Jockey.
RJC
Sunday
Longwood August: Richard Collcott, Dave Wilson, Pete Hambly, Phil Hay, Rob Chaddock, Andrew Pugh
Again out 6 intrepid cavers (minus super scout) enjoyed themselves exploring bits of the Longwood August system. (some more than others!) Nice easy trip.
Stop off at pub near Cirencester and back to Union before midnight.
RJC
Fresher trip - South Wales - 23-25/10/87
Richard Collcott, Tim Flack, Rob Chaddock, Dave Wilson, Pete Hambly, Chris Birkhead, Rob Goh, Chris Shaw, Sanguan
Friday
Left union at 6:30pm, very bad journey, long jam on M4, got lost in South Wales - got to hut 1am.
Saturday
Cwm Dwr: Richard Collcott, Dave Wilson, Pete Hambly, Chris Shaw
Or = "Didn't we have a lovely time in the boulder choke." Well what can I say, once more I failed to find a way thru the blasted boulder choke. Though from later consultations it was close. Dave did well and I felt confident he'd found the way, but alas no, we ended up back on the same side - well maybe third time lucky eh? Anyway a good fun trip - though Chris's knees took a battering (hardens the oul - blah blah blah).
RJC
Top Entrance: Tim Flack, Rob Chaddock, Chris Birkhead, Rob Goh, Sanguan
In order not to outdo Richard and the boys, Chris deliberately(!) forgot the route on from the Trident (so did I). Spacious, cathedral-like chambers gave Rob and Sanguan an impression (false- wait till tomorrow) of what it's like underground. A fun trip all the same. Went mushroom hunting on the way back to the hut - no success (where's Clog?) where we met the other party.
R.I.C
The Red Lion
Yes once more IC3 spend another evening of carnage in this quaint quiet rural Welsh pub.
"The bastards didn't open til 7:10pm" -Rob
Once again we just managed to get out before we was chucked out. Brill evening, Rob attempted GBH on the road on the way back by headbanging it - not too smart eh Rob??
RJC
Sunday
Ogof Fechan: Richard Collcott, Pete Hambly, Rob Chaddock, Chris Birkhead, Rob Goh, Sanguan
nice Sunday trip, all dived duck one escept Crhsi and Pete (boo hiss - wimps blah blah!!!!). Out in under five hours, just as van arrived with the grade zero cavers (who had walked Pen-y-Fan, swirling mist blah blah snorezzzzzzzz)
Stopped off at Cirencester at the pub again then back to the Union quite early (before 12am anyway).
RJC
Yorkshire 6-8/11/87
Richard Collcott, Tim Flack, Pete Hambly, Mark Aspinall, Philip Hay, John "Marsh" Hooson, Henry, Rob Chaddock (just to Leeds)
Good drive up, got to hut just after 12pm, after dropping Rob in Leeds.
Saturday
Bull Pot: Richard Collcott, Phil Hay, Mark Aspinall
After a mega purchase session in Inglethief, and teaching Phil SRT basics in the Trog barn, decided to take our poor fresher on his first SRT cave. Not underground til nearly 5pm!! Already a group of 7 venture scouts in the pot. Had to double rig on second pitch. Used third pitch alternative (really need 30m rope rather than our 25m). At fourth pitch encounter venture scouts on exit having great difficulty in passing knots, so decided to leave rather than wait to descend due to the lateness of the hour. Exited without problems. Phil performed admirably considering it was his first trip with SRT.
RJC
Simpsons Pot: Tim Flack, Pete Hambly
Following Inglesport, SRT practice the team headed up onto Kingsdale moor, which was cloaked in typical mist. The first shake hole we came to proved to be Swinsto's; after about half an hour we found Simpson's, getting underground finally just before five. The trip in was fairly straightforward (if rigged), although we seemed to always be a little short of rope length for comfort. A couple of short ropes making the short climb easier. Aven very impressive - took the low entrance to Slit pitch. This was very tight, and even worse returning. The guide book, which says passage is possible for even fat people must be lying, or I have become an alcoholic. The proper way is throught the roof. Trip out fast - ropes useful for giants steps. Out half past midnight. Good trip. Pity about the beer.
Pete H
Sunday
Didn't get up till very late, breakfast at 11:30am!! Henry and John left, Tim decided to do some project work, so Rich, Mark, Phil and Pete went up Ingleborough. Caving - what's that?? Good walk even in the mist.
Got to Leeds at 6pm went for a really economical curry (£3) "But not as good as Bradford" the lads. Meet Rob in the Hyde Park pub, had a couple of drinks and got back to London just after 11pm. Pete and Rich driving suicidally on the M1 considering poor weather conditions - but you're only young once.
RJC
Yorkshire 20-22/11/1987
Richard Collcott, Tim Flack, Rob Chaddock, Dave Wilson, Pete Hambly, Philip Hay, Sanguan, Chris Shaw, John "Marsh" Hooson, Clair Marsh
OK drive up, stopped at Leeds for a couple of beers in the 3 Horseshoes. Got to hut before 1am. John and Clair arrived Saturday morning - Clair dipped on the caving and arranged to meet John at the Marton Arms (to Wife him on Sunday as per norm).
Saturday
Marble Steps: Richard Collcott, Phil Hay, Rob Chaddock, John Hooson
After another training session at the Trog Barn headed over to Masongill to do Marble Steps and Ireby Fell. Good weather and got to cave entrance in good humour. One party was down one route so we went t'other way. Rich was about to start rigging when... "Oh S--t" (mimicking guess who); as bounce bounce bounce, Rich's Ecrin tumbled down the first pitch - Rob took over whilst Rich pleasded for him to hurry so his Ecrin could be recovered. Fortunately Ecrin intact (honest - Joe safe). Caught up with the other team - a group from York and after a chat we arranged to go down their ropes. On the way out Phil had stomach cramp problems but was OK "apparently" when we got back to the van. John derigged.
RJC
Ireby Fell Cavern: Dave Wilson, Tim Flack, Pete Hambly, Chris Shaw, Sanguan, Chris
At entrance met another group from M'cr using ladders. First pitch, 2xladders and normal SRT, also Elliot Route. Went Elliot way, but 'dry shaft' deviation way very wet, so retreated due to impossibility of supervision and went down normal SRT. We used gear in place and I stayed behind to guard/rerig ropes if necessary. Eventually, rope group got back and started derigging, so Pete climbed ladders to inform me that our lot were waiting for rerigging at pitch. Whilst I rigged, M'cr lot arrived with one poorly equipped bloke very bad from advancing hypothermia. All ok but a bit busy - we'll have to get up earlier next time.
Dave Wilson
Sunday
Rowten: Richard Collcott, Dave Wilson, Phil Hay, Sanguan
Bottom of 45m, then out again.
DW
Jingling: Tim Flack, Pete Hambly, Rob Chaddock, Chris Shaw, Chris
Usual mega Sunday trip = down the interesting (possibly anyway) way i.e not direct drop. The tree looked as healthy as ever, and 70m rope went easily to the bottom. Trip was easy - Chris now got the hang of deviations. In the bottom were signs of a dig of sorts underway. Trip out much the same as the way in. Good training trip.
Pete
Yorks Xmas Tour
Van (all week): Dave, Rich, Pete, Sanguan, Rob G, A Pugh, Harry
Train (all week except Sat): Rob Ch
Cars (various times): Chris Bi, Neil A (old lag), Tim P, Penny G
Swift and uneventful journey in nice quiet BLR (i.e. Pete didn't drive)
Saturday (too wet for Penyghent)
Marble Steps: Richard Collcott, Chris Birkhead, Neil Avery, Rob Goh
What a trip!! Neil was blowing the rust off his SRT technique and Rob Goh hadn't even done any. A training session was held in the trees surrounding the pot - but rain and wind detracted from this. The trip was a real epic but Pete hasn't left room for the write up.
Rich
Meregill: Dave Wilson, Pete Hambly, Tim Palmer, Harry Lock, Sanguan
Dryish trip. Pete had trouble finding bolt holes for first pitch. Second pitch dry - rope extended down two short drops next cascade - useful on way out. Third exposed pitch very wet below rebelay, so Pete turned round - just as well - the water level was rising fast. Two short drops cascade difficult to get up without the rope.
Pete
PS. it seems there are further bolts below the double rebelay bolts further away from water
RJC
Sunday
Jingling: Richard Collcott, Dave Wilson, Sanguan, Rob G
Training trip - got there just before Bangor lot who got lost in mist. OK
DW
Hunt Pot: Pete Hambly, Tim Palmer, Rob Chaddock, Harry Lock (and Chris walked)
Not very successful - found hole after looking in wrong field. Rob and Harry descended first pitch - could not find dry enough way on. Pete and Tim stayed on surface. Chris had a good walk.
Pete
Monday
Notts (LH route and Adamson's route): Dave Wilson, Pete Hambly, Tim Palmer, Chris Birkhead, Sanguan
Adamson's dry; rigging ok, not much else to say. Final pitch too wet.
Pete
'Climb' before Birthday Pot does not require rope, despite what Elliot Says.
Left hand route: wet in 'Classic shaft - the best in Notts' - required extra rebelay off flake under overhang - pitch still wet at bottom despite this.
DW
Rumbling: Richard Collcott, Rob Chaddock, Harry Lock, Rob Goh
Great trip, very very wet, difficult to get out of the water. Rob Goh decided after the previous day (Saturday) epic to not go beyond the first pitch due to the high water. The rest just failed to get to the bottom of the last pitch as Rich couldn't rig it dry (wimps!!).
Rich
Tuesday
Lost Johns: Pete Hambly, Tim Palmer, Andrew Pugh
Classic SRT trip, Battleaxe traverse sweaty; got out at sensible time for once. Did not descend final short pitch due to lack of rope left at Battleaxe traverse.
unknown [Pete?]
naughty naughty
DW
Gavel: Richard Collcott, Rob Chaddock, Chris Birkhead, Sanguan
Yes we got to the bottom - great eh! Another grade III/IV ticked off. Last two pitches quite wet - lots of deviations necessary. Rob hurt his shoulder rigging the penultimate pitch, so unfortunately Rich had to take over. All in all a good trip.
Rich
Alum via Long Churn: Dave Wilson, Harry Lock, Rob G
Easy trip, but last pitch wet and couldn't find belays. Cave full of random SRT no-hopers with no idea what they were doing. Quick trip (and impressive for relative freshers)
DW
Wednesday
Valley Entrance: Richard Collcott, Rob Chaddock, Harry Lock
Well we got wet - very wet. What fun grovelling / swimming in kinky rubberware. Rich dived the first Rowen sump (5' long) but chickened out of rest. On return met Harry who had been down Yordas.
Yordas: Harry Lock
Bull Pot: Pete Hambly, Chris Birkhead, Sanguan
Classic pre dinner trip, went dry rift way, got out in plenty of time.
Pete
Walk: Dave, Rob G
Along plateau past Rowten, ofc to Yordas thence, back along road in time to see van driving off when we were 100 yards away.
DW
Mendips 1988 January
[Editor: made up the cavepeeps dates on this trip]
Rich, Rob, Chris, Paul, Mark, Phil, Pete, Dave, Tim, Gunter + bud, et Panel Van
Saturday
Swildons: Dave Wilson, Pete Hambly, Phil Hay, Chris Birkhead
To sump 2 and back, loads of randoms down cave, water level highish, so progress out slow (due to randoms). Chris kept on losing wellies, Pete got good at St Bemand rescue technique for wellies. A bloke got hypothermic (boilersuit brigade!!), had to be rescued in evening - the team were on call, and keen (six pints helped), but not needed.
Pete
Manor Farm: Richard Collcott, Paul Huggins (Huggy), Tim Flack, Rob Chaddock, Mark Aspinall, Gunter Siddiqi
Straight forward trip to curtain chamber - pitch out of chamber can be free-climbed (and was) to avoid direct very wet hang. Couldn't find NHSA gallery, so followed stream until a very low duck was met. Turned round there and exited in good (too good?) time for the pub, as it was shut when we got there.
Sunday
GB: Richard Collcott, Pete Hambly, Phil Hay, Rob Chaddock, Gunter Siddiqi
Classic big chamber cave, not vertical enough, [illegible], followed streamway down; way on to dig sumped. By passed pitch on way out, went to top of cave - found Blue [illegible] 1100....
Pete
Longwood August: Dave Wilson, Paul Huggins (Huggy), Tim Flack, Chris Birkhead, Mark Aspinall
Simple trip down to head of second pitch - lifelining first pitch was awkward. Water levels high, and second pitch was extremely wet - everyone did well, with no problems on the fairly constricted entrance series. Met a pre-Clog member of the club whilst changing at the roadside!
Everyone out in plenty of time to enjoy a leisurely meal stop at the usual place on the way back.
Yorkshire 5-7 February 1988
Dave, Rich, Pete, Paul, Phil, Chris, Gunter
Tim, Rob didn't come - wimps.
Saturday
Vesper: Dave Wilson, Paul Huggins (Huggy), Pete Hambly, Phil Hay, Paul
OK but left 1 rope behind after fell out of bag and noone noticed, so got to top of big pitch - ok trip out except constricted pitch head caused Phil some problems. A bit different for a first SRT trip.
Dave
Bull Pot: Richard Collcott, Chris Shaw, Gunter Siddiqi, Chris, Gunter
Trip riddled with problems. Gunter's light failed after the first pitch. On the fourth pitch, Gunter struggled for ages on the deviation, whilst Chris was hanging on his short cowstail at the top because the gate on the crab had buggered. In the end Rich had to climb and rescue us both! Not an ideal first trip for Gunter but he enjoyed it anyway.
Chris or Gunter
Sunday
Rift Pot:Richard Collcott, Dave Wilson, Pete Hambly, Chris Shaw, Gunter Siddiqi, Chris, Gunter
Rich went ahead and rigged, Met [illegible] random university Queens Belfast cavers, "you haven't gpt freshers with you?" Who appeared to be having minor difficulties with slightly tight bits i.e. [illegible] for section from second pitch to main low passage. Pete's carbide caught alight in tight bit, which caused some excitement mainly due to dense burning plastic fumes. Otherwise good trip.
Pete
Yorkshire February 19th-21st
Rich, Tim, Dave, Pete, Chris B, Mark, Gunter, Chris S, Rob, Herman // Tim, Penny, John, Henry
Transport:
- Van +7
- Chris's +3
- Tim and Penny already at NPC on Friday night
- John and Henry arrived Sat morning
Quick trip up - van and car met at 3 Horseshoes for couple of pints. Dave tested his new method of conserving fuel on roundabouts!
Saturday
Tatham Wife: Dave Wilson, Rob Chaddock
With 14 people and 13 SRT kits the logistics of trips were getting involved - fortunately [Colin] Boothroyd and Chalky [of the NPC] turned up needing 2 sherpas for their diving kit, unfortunately, they were SRT as well, so an extra kit was made with a standard Petzl for chest ascent, and a fig 8 for descender. Met in Bernies cafe.
Cave was pre-rigged by some ex LUSS gang. Trip down was uneventful despite presence of bottles and masks. Useful note, the duck CAN be bypassed by an interesting climb over smooth walled pit just up stream. During tackling up, Boothroyd's valve stuck open, losing half his air despite this, 'perhaps the toughest caver in Britain' (quote Dr A.C. Waltham) decided to press on through the tight gravel filled sump due to the promise of virgin passage through a boulder choke on the other side. Just before diving, the valve blew again, leaving the needle hovering on the edge of red.
Fortunately, with visions of the CRO, Boothroyd decided not to dive. The gear (except for the faulty valve and bottle) was left behind and we proceeded out uneventfully to a still daylight Ingleborough.
Recommended for a Sunday trip.
Rob (with one aside by Dave)
Rift Pot: Tim Flack, John Harrison, Mark Aspinall
Straightforward vertical cave with a series of interesting but short oxbows at the bottom. Could be done as a cross over trip with Long Kin East.
Henry started de-rigging but ascended the big bottom pitch without tying on the tackle bag so he had to re-rig the last pitch descend tie on the bag and de-rig again. Otherwise a straightforward trip no problems.
unknown
Juniper Gulf: Pete Hambly, Chris Birkhead, Chris Shaw, Gunter Siddiqi
Found it with no problems at all. Chris's method of descending the last pitch was a little fast - not to be recommended. Pete and Chris Birkhead continue on after the last pitch towards the sump, but didn't make it and got very wet. Chris's lamp failed on the way up which made the traverse more interesting. Spent 6 hours in all. A good trip.
CSB
Need rope for step ~ about 15m.
Pete
Jingling: Richard Collcott, Tim Palmer, Herman Herz
Bad day to go down thisone, lots of trips also down (well 2 others). Dani was around and didn't stop gassing so Rich opted out of a fancy rig and just went down off the tree followed by Penny. Decided to re-rig and go down the more interesting route, but our 60m rope was too short. Had some fun with Herman on the way out.
Rich
Sunday
Marble Steps: Tim Flack, Pete Hambly, Tim Palmer, Herman Herz
Found the trees easily, then went down wet way by mistake - so waited an hour and a half. Fresh assault down dry way was fairly slow, Tim P rigging - affected by a temporary blindness for red bolts. Found way into lower main chamber without difficulty. Give up at head of 90 - lack of time - in the interest of getting out before 10pm. Fairly fast trip out.
Pete
Alum Pot: Dave Wilson, Chris Birkhead, Chris Shaw, Gunter Siddiqi
Intended to go down Diccan but it was already being used. Easy trip - had a few problems trying to find the bolts for the final pitch. Cave was packed out with the knackers from outward bound.
[CSB?]
[Regarding final pitch bolts] Normal ones in use, so climb in left wall to reach series of roof bolts in washed-out bedding. Good hang but needs climb up.
DW
Magnetometer Pot: Richard Collcott, Rob Chaddock, Mark Aspinall
Really good to get down a "real" cave (quote CSB). No SRT, just good ole ladders. Lots of route finding problems early on but in the end we got as far as we expected due to lack of time on Sunday. Must be revisited.
Rich
Yorkshire 4-6 March 1988
Dave, Rob, Tim, Pete, Mark, Mike? (Mark's mate), Chris S, Chris Delaney, Andrew Pugh, +John&Henry (Sat) + Tim P (Sun)
V quick trip in Bucket van and Escort, leaving Union around 6:50, Leeds pub @ 10:05 (at least Escort did). Dave drove escort in his annual road warrior outing (where are the 10ps?).
DW
Pete was only 30 mins slower to Leeds - so there.
Pete
Saturday
All up at 8 o'clock, to enable the following trips.
Hardrawkin: Tim Flack, Mark Aspinall
King Pot: Dave Wilson, Rob Chaddock, Chris Shaw
Good trip, 10hrs, but it was the first Grade V of the year. Note a) Traverse pitch still rigged b) 1 bolt and 25m rope for entrance, 2 bolts and 15m for second, 1 ring and 16m for third, 4 bolts and krab for fourth (using 35m), Anne's still not there, likewise Jane's. Combined tactics adequate for Jane's. 30m and 1 bolt for Elizabeth Shaft. Usual trip, bottom stream section much nicer than top bit. Got out @ 9pm, chips and to New Inn by 10:20 for few beers. A good day
DW
Marble Steps: Pete Hambly, Andrew Pugh
Standard training trip after Inglesport Barn session. Notable for NO water whatsoever in cave - ground totally frozen above. Sump very low. Exited about 7pm after 5+ hour trip to chips, Marton etc.
Pete
Sunday
Pikedaw Calamine Caverns - a mega trip: Dave Wilson, Tim Flack, Rob Chaddock, Andrew Pugh, Chris Shaw
(Mike pissed off to hitch to London - was he frightened by my driving.)
Don't write in my trip space, you bastard!
DW
The Easter Tour - 1988
[Editor: I made up these dates based on Easter 1988 being on April 3.]
Dave, Harry, Chris S, Gunter, Phil, Paul, Pete, Andy P (2days)
Saturady - Barn Sunday - Stream Passage, Flood Ent (Wades) Monday - Lost Johns a & b, Long Drop Cave Tuesday - Large, Rowten Wednesday - Alum, Juniper Thursday - Rift (Allotment), Home
Saturday
Despite early start, it wasnt going to be a subterranean day - bad weather etc - so decided to do a full day in barn - self-rescue, improvisation techniques, etc.
DW
Sunday
Flood Entrance: Paul Huggins (Huggy), Pete Hambly, Chris Shaw
Stream Passage: Dave Wilson, Harry Lock, Gunter Siddiqi
A fine trip in this well rigged vertical system - must take some technical piccies next time. Just missed others after examining side passages on way to Main Chamber. A quick exit out. Some excellent pitchheads for rigging practice.
DW
Monday
Long Drop: Harry Lock
Lost Johns: Dave Wilson, Pete Hambly, Chris Shaw, Gunter Siddiqi
Centipede (Dave and Gunter): Usual blast down, using full Lawson/Elliot traverse. Water was high, so did traverse befor efinal pitch, rather than climb up at last minute (rope only just adequate). Messed around a bit in streamway, then swapped freshers and came out (I took out Chris via Centipede). A good trip, no problems.
DW
Tuesday
Large: Pete Hambly, Harry Lock, Chris Shaw
Rowten (thirteeth time?): Dave Wilson, Gunter Siddiqi
Very quick trip down due to lack of usual queue. Used deviations on first pitch (second one fixed) to avoid bridge crossing and save rope/time. Speedy exit and then walk to Masongill. Drove Gunter back to start cooking meal, then back to Large to wait for others. Spectacular sunset - good photos.
DW
Wednesday
Juniper: Paul Huggins (Huggy), Phil Hay, Harry Lock, Paul
Alum: Dave Wilson, Pete Hambly, Andrew Pugh, Chris Shaw, Gunter Siddiqi
Intended for Pete, Chris to rig Alum 220' direct, and do exchange with others in Diccan, however, Diccan first pitch impassable - maximum deviations kept you just on the edge of the waterfall - so we went down Alum as well. (Gunter didn't bother as he wasn't feeling too good and he'd done Alum already.) Speedy Alum trip with some photos at bottom (extreme bottom was too wet). I blasted out 3-jammer style (around 6 mins for 60m pitch) and left Chris, Andy to derig. ONE AND A HALF HOURS later they arrived and we set off back.
DW
Thursday
Rift (Allotment): Harry Lock, Chris Shaw, Gunter Siddiqi, Dani
The Margureis Tour, 4th-16th July
The Picos
The student component of IC3 headed back to Britain, meanwhile Chris, Rich, and Harry drove west via Nice/Arles/Montelimar/toulouse on the autoroutes, then to a campsite just North of the Pyrenees. Next day we headed over the Pyrenees, stopping at Pierre St. Martin to make fruitless enquiries about the caves ("Nous sommes speleos anglaise...") Drove into a thunderstorm as we crossed the border, made it to Pampetsa for a rought night in a wet, squalid, expensive municipal campsite. Next day we made it to th Picos (Los Lagos) via a supermarket in Santander. An uninteresting long journey, but the scenery of the Picos more than made up for it, being just slightly more impressive than the Margureis. Base camp at Los Lagos, with cars, bars, coaches and tents! Real wilderness stuff. Negotiated with 'The Oxford' to porter camping gear down "2/7".
2/7 - Deep beneath the limestone peak of Jultayu (1940m) with "The Oxford"
First team in was Rich with Gavin and Dave (2xOUCC), with Chris and Harry following later with Phil (1xOUCC). Quite an unrelenting cave with some very interesting rigging - rope protectors all over the place - most in totally pointless places! "Picos rigging blah blah..." The tight squeezes seemed OK on the way down and were negotiated OK on the return. Carried camping gear to the currently bottomed part of the still going cave (650m deep and clearly still going - 70m freshly discovered pitch with the roar of water below - "about equal to Easegill in flood" quote OUCC). Exited as a three leaving our OUCC friends to camp down and push the cave. The trip took about 12 hours the rift series proving quite a brake on a speedy exit (we kept de-kitting all the time for a laugh). Only route finding problem was walk back to camp when Rich lead the team in totally the wrong direction, fortunately Harry "in built compass" Lock managed to correct the situation.
Rich
Caving trips in the Picos
- Rigging the entrance - Harry, Rich with photo takers Steve, Ken (6 hours)
- Rebolting the entrance - Rich (5 hours)
- Rigging to the streamway - Harry, Chris with Angus (10 hours)
- Re-rigging the main shaft system - Rich with Kath (5 hours)
- Rigging in the streamway - Harry, Rich (16 hours)
- Taking gear down and rigging the bottom - CHris with Dani (25 hours)
- Solo tourist trip to sump - Rich (with Gerald) (8 1/2 hours)
- The dive - Harry with Rick and Steve
- Derigging the lower streamway - Rich, Chris (15 hours)
- Derigging the rest! - Harry with Steve, Dave (20 hours) - or "Test out your harness whilst prussicking 200m, with 1 full tackle bag AND 200m of wet "bluewater" hanging from you!!" blah blah
A bloody good summer's caving!
A-team vist Yorkshire 19-21 August
Richard, Chris, Dave, Harry - Rover
Rob - Fido (Renault 4)
Saturday
Classic Dales weather -rain/wind made us really glad we had come up. "Why weren't we warned" cries from public... Even Alan Steele thought it wasn't worth us stepping outside his door (I wonder why). Eventually settled on...
Dow Cave: Richard Collcott, Dave Wilson, Rob Chaddock, Chris Birkhead, Harry Lock
An enjoyable 3 hour stroll, investigating Hobson's Choice boulder choke and the passage beyond, also the interesting network of old mine passages. A great cave - definitely a good one for novices, with much impressive but easy caving! Cream tea etc in Kettlewell. Cooked a really delicious macaroni slop and stodge meal at Greenclose (just for a change). Evening spent at Marton and New Inn, followed by some drink driving (but it was raining officer)
Sunday
Nick Pot: Rob Chaddock, Harry Lock
Weather definitely better. Chris, Rich and Dave headed off to find Cherry Tree Hole, but didn't, and got chased off by an irate farmer. Rob and Harry did Nick Pot via traverse of the Gods and Thornber - a very good trip that made the weekend worthwhile. Out at ~5pm. Curry in Bradford, Good sleep on motorway (all of us)