1990-1991
Dave Wilson, Janet Cotter, Pam Murphy, Rob Knell, Pete Hambly, Tim Palmer, Phil Hay, Rob Chaddock, Dave Mountain, Chris Birkhead, Harry Lock, Dewi Lloyd, Bronwen Ley, Alva Gosson, Clive Orrock, Debbie Armstrong, Jo Wright, Dave Vickers, Frank Cooke, Richard Chaddock, Herman Herz, Monaghan Tindale, Simon Lawes, Wendy Rooke, Gideon Smith, Caroline Fletcher, Glenn Rogers, Christophe Marchand, Philip Murphy, Dave the American, Oliver Graydon
I typed these reports 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
Mendips October 12th-14th 1990
Freshers Trip MNRC
Rob Knell, Pam Murphy, Bron Ley, Simon Lawes, Alva Gosson, Janet Cotter-Howells, Tim Palmer, Rob Chaddock, Pete Hambly
Freshers: Patrick Bulla, Eric Markowitz, Ralph Grover, Shaun Roe, David Borman, Matthew E. Bergsedt, Glenn Rogers, Jo Wright
Saturday
Manor Farm: Janet Cotter, Pam Murphy, Pete Hambly, Alva Gosson, Eric Markowitz, Ralph Grover, Patrick Bulla
A jolly nice cave. Not too smell. V. good formations. After first and second pitches lots of undering and overing (wriggling) and a few climbs down what would have been waterfalls but very dry at the moment.
The second pitch is very narrow and the last (and first) people need to free climb part of the way which is fairly easy and the only way to avoid getting one's bum stuck (re: Log Book '89-'90 October Mendips trip).
Good freshers trip but needs people who aren't going to have many problems climbing etc.
No idea
(2nd pitch - ladder gets stuck in rift, if possible it needs someone to hold it out.)
Pam
Swildons I and II: Rob Knell, Rob Chaddock, Bronwen Ley, Matthew Bergsedt, Dave Borman
At last I've made it to this infamous cave, but the start was delayed not only by troops in shiny red helmets and green oversuits, but Rob C's desperate search for the river, so with bemused faces and empty carbides we headed down Swildons. Even though every shelf was well polished, the cave decoration was still impressive. Sump 1 was a duck, and sump 2 had air space for between 5-10 feet... and still no-one was tempted?!!! We headed out early a nice short trip and visited Wells, the caving expedition and cathedral, and Cheddar gorge. BRILL!
Bron
Driest I've ever seen it - no water at all before the 20! 'stounding!
Rob K
Stoke Lane Slocker: Tim Palmer, Jo Wright, Simon Lawes, Glenn Rogers, Shawn
Great cave but unfortunately cut short before the pretties by a light failure. No problems on way in. Simon Glen and Shawn got through the sump when Jo's light failed and it was decided to err on the side of caution and retreat. However everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and seemed very keen to go down another cave the same day.
PS. SLS seemed to be the only cave on Mendip with any water going down - there was lots - it was great.
Simon
Sunday
G.B: Pam Murphy, Pete Hambly, Alva Gosson, Patrick
After about half an hour trying to work the lock, we had a very pleasant Bimble along. This is a great trip for Sunday afternoons with a hangover - pretty, very impressive chambers, lots of variety, but not exactly challenging. Got to the ladder extensions, there was a ladder there but it looked a bit squashed at the top, so we didn't bother!! There was even someone climbing who had a worse ladder technique than I do - I was dead impressed! Nice trip.
Pam
A good trip even without a hangover. One day I will achieve two things - (1) the ability to open the door easily (2) find the way round the free climbable pitch first, second or even third attempt. Saw many very pretty formations on route.
Pete
(I say it was dead easy, but I did enjoy it)
Pam
Longwood/August: Bronwen Ley, Jo Wright, Simon Lawes, Glenn Rogers
Good trip with everyone seeming to be very enthusiastic. Didn't manage to go down second pitch as a bit of trouble getting down entrance (surprise, surprise!). Nervousness on some of the free-climbs meant that a lifeline was needed which ate into our time quite considerably therefore we were underground longer than necessary. A point to bear in mind is that for a fresher trip is is worthwhile either cutting down numbers or having more experienced people. Novices seemed much impressed and all of them will probably be back.
Simon
Stoke Lane Slocker: Rob Knell, Rob Chaddock, Richard Chaddock, Eric, Matthew, Ralph
Excellent trip - after some route finding problems we hit the sump, dived it, spent a long time looking around. CB chamber etc. big, Bone chamber HUGE (for Mendip), - got to the throne room - totally awesome. Came out.
Rob K
There wasn't any scrumpy in the Hunter's!! :<
Pam
Mendips 19th-21st October
Freshers trip MNRC
Rob, Pam, Bron, Simon, Alva, Rob C (from Saturday night), Tim, Dave the American [2025 Editor - I think Dave the American is David Borman]
Freshers: Joanna Phillips, Pippa Chapman, Mat Harper, Dave Vickers ('Alva's mate'), Raoul Mansukhani, Douglas Kirk, Oliver Graydon, Dave Mountain ('Bron's Bit'), Alan, Christophe Marchand
Saturday
Stoke Lane: Pam Murphy, Rob Knell, Dave Mountain, Dave Vickers, Christophe Marchand
Very useful fact for future trips - the West London Caving Club have a hut right next to the entrance, so if you chat them up and show them they way, they'll make you lots of cups of tea when you get out (this is especially useful if you did the cave in dry gear cos you're mean and hard and tough like me!).
A very nice trip - I feel sorry for the guys who did it last week and didn't get past the sump because it really is very pretty - but up till the sump it's all grotty crawling. Everyone seemed to enjoy it and noone seemed the last fazed by the sump ( - except one of the WLCC guys who's been caving for 10 years and our freshers were a lot calmer than him - ha!). All the freshers seem to have a good time, but I've said that already (sorry)
I'm not sposed to say it but there were a few route finding difficulties in a boulder choke, but Rob was a brilliant leader really, honest.
Pam
Swildons: Rob Knell, Rob Chaddock, Bronwen Ley, Matt, Jo, Pippa
Apparently the cave was far drier than usual ie no stream was flowing, and there were only a few puddles around until we got deeper. There weren't any problems with the pitch. Sump 1 had a 2 inch airspace and also posed no problems to the intrepid and courageous explorers. We carried on the sump 2 where we turned around and headed back (having eaten our rations). Lots of love,
Matt
Manor Farm: Tim Palmer, Bronwen Ley, Oliver Graydon, Alan, Raul
A dry cave. It actually was as well. No problems on the way down really. Got to the boulder ruckle but couldn't find the NHASA chamber despite extensive searching. The return journey proved interesting as the climb near the finish proved a trial for Raul. This was solved by letting down a ladder. The only thing then left was the last ladder which supergirl Bron did without a safety line. Good trip for us poor freshers.
P.S. BRON WAS GREAT
Alan
Stoke Lane Slocker: Bronwen Ley, Alva Gosson
The trip started out interestingly, getting completely lost on the way to the cave. Once we found it, Alan managed to put his wetsuit on inside out, removing most of his body hair trying to get it off. We were impressed with the water pouring over the cave entrance; it had gotten significantly wetter since Saturday. Once in the cave, we managed to double back in the infamous Oxbow. The directions Rob had verbally given seemed to have nothing to do with the cave we had entered. [It's dead easy finding the way if you know it - Rob. SMART ARSE!] We managed to explore every semi-likely path, but no one ever seemed to recognise any of the pathways as being the proper way to go. We found an impressive 'motorway' - two deep grooves in the clay where countless cavers had followed this dead-end passage, creating grooves from their knees scraping through this low area. After about three hours, we were getting slightly frustrated as we had not yet found the first sump. We sat on some comfortable rocks and talked for a while, as Bron dangled her legs through the very sump we were seeking. We decided we probably wouldn't find it, so we turned back, not knowing how close we were until we arrived at the MNRC and examined the map. On the way out, Bron noticed that Dave's nose was black. We realized at that point that Bron's carbide had been making loads of black soot, and our noses were full of the nasty black goo. The waterfall on the way out was good fun, and although we didn't get very far, we had a damn good time.
Love and kissez,
P.S. BRON WAS GREAT
Dave (the Yank)
Longwood August: Tim Palmer, Rob Chaddock, Dave Mountain, Dave Vickers, Christophe Marchand
<< worm's song >>
In Longwood August I was born
In Longwood August I will dieA trip report in French
In Longwood August I was born
In Longwood August I will dieChristophe
Swilly's: Pam Murphy, Rob Knell, Oliver Graydon
What can you say? Sump 2 is, um, a bit of a bitch.
Rob K
Pam didn't get stuck at all and didn't squeak once.
But then it was only swildons, and there weren't any rebelays.
Pam
Yorkshire November 2-4 Bonfire Weekend
Members: Rob, Pam, Jan, Bron, Dave W, Pete, Bron, Alva, Wendy, Phil (+ Sue), Paul Huggy, Rich, Harry, Chris B, Chris Shaw (+ Rachel), Cuddles Chaddock, Monaghan, Simon, Gideon, Dewi (+ Anne), Mark
New Members: Dave the American, Dave V, Dave M, Jo, Glenn, Oliver
Freshers: Brendan, Gertrude, Ethel, Adam
Saturday
Heron Pot: Rob Knell, Pete Hambly, Dewi Lloyd, Jo Wright, Brendan, Aam, Gert & Eth
After spending the better part of the afternoon searching for the entrance 8 yellow and 1 lone black suit disappeared down a hole. Our first experience of caving began. It was small - not really a cave! However we trudged on joyfully. The first pitch looked a bit hairy, but once assured we wouldn't die we enthusiastically crawled down next to the waterfall and got thoroughly soaked. The second pitch immediately after was even better. We had to swing onto the ladder and climb down 30ft into darkness - being drenched by another waterfall at the same time of course. Great fun!! The last leg was rather uncomfortable, crawling on hands and knees and wriggling on our bellies and lastly up to our necks with water (a duck) to squeeze out into the barren wilderness of darkness and open expanses. All in all we had a fantastic time and are just insane enough to do it again. Thanks a lot.
Eth, Gert and Adam x
Postscript
Whilst driving back down kingsdale we spotted a bright yellow Landrover and a couple of police cars outside Valley Entrance - being still kitted up I offered my services to Josh Pickup - not realising that I'm a student he accepted with a gruff "Aye - you can 'help carryin' t'hit down t'cave" - it turned out that someone weighing 15 stone had attempted underground parachuting without a parachute down Slit Pot - spinal injuries and lacerations. So carting a ladder and a vast wad of ultra heavy steel krabs I went down with a group of C.R.O. lads - this resulted in a speed caving competition which I can still feel in my knees. We took a wrong turning and went up Philosopher's crawl - more fun and demolition of my kneepadless knees. I deposited my gear at the bottom of the waterfall pitch and bogged off quick before Mr Big in his spinal splint and stretcher arrived.
Fascinating.
Rob K
Bull Pot: Bronwen Ley, Alva Gosson, Gideon Smith, Glenn Rogers
Spent most of the day driving to the cave by the scenic route (returning to Ingleton in the process - I was not supposed to mention this). We also went to Dent, and had to push the car up the steep hills in order to return to the cave. Once there and kitted up, and after we had walked up a field full of cows and found the cave entrance, we decided to go down the cave (for some obscure reason). By this time it must have been about 5 o'clock, and it took us another hour or so before we got down the first pitch, for various reasons, such as waiting for a couple of cavers to come up, rigging a rope and then discovering it didn't reach the bottom, etc etc etc etc. (plus finding the rope was damaged). The second pitch followed on almost immediately from the first, as did the second from the third, etc. Bronwen was rigging for the first time, by the way, and this was my first SRT trip - our excuse for taking a long time. As for the cave - there were no nice formations like the caves in the Mendips, but a number of fossils kept us amused while the pitches were rigged. There were five lovely pitches altogether, a couple of which were fairly long (by my standards) but were not difficult, so the cave was a good one for SRT practice. It's hard to compare the cave to the Mendips, but I really enjoyed it, especially as its the first time I've reached the bottom! Alva and Gideon did the derigging on the way out, while Bron and I went ahead, and froze to death outside (at half past midnight). However, as someone pointed out, at least we were the first people out of a cave on Sunday! THE END.
Glenn
King Pot Revisited: Monaghan Tindale, Simon Lawes, Marc
This was Marc's first time down this legendary cave and he was duly informed beforehand of all the traumas to be found (T shaped passage, miles of crawling blah blah blah). After getting up at 7am we finaly got underground at approx 11am after rediscovering just how cold the Yorkshire wind can be. We got to the bottom in good time with no problems although Marc conceded that the T shaped passage was not overrated. Whilst waiting above the second pitch Monaghan saw something flying above his head and after initial pisstaking above cave goblins and cave fairies I also saw it and it was identified as a bat. The way out proved to be no problem other than Marc developing character traits similar to those commonly associated with zombies. Surfaced at 10pm to go back to hut and get pissed and play around dangerously with fireworks.
Simon
Sell Gill: Pam Murphy, Rob Chaddock, Dave Mountain, Dave Vickers, Wendy Rooke
On the way to the cave we spotted Chris and Harry sitting in a pub and decided to join them for a swift pint - not a good move seeing as once we were all kitted up and up at the cave entrance everything had to come off again for bladder relief!
Rob rigged everything very efficiently, Wendy showed us all how to do it very efficiently, and then we followed (well I did) not quite so efficiently.
Excellent SRT practice (first time for me out of a tree) and a real chance to get some faith in all the equipment. Nothing as spectacular as the Mendips but obviously technically nevessary for future trips. A good day out.
PS. I've used all the long words I know so don't take the piss!
Dave Mountain
Those of us who were sensible and only had a swift half didn't need this bladder relief!
And Pam derigged really well.
PPS. Dave V reckons Pam should have a kind mention for helping me down all those tight pitches. Wendy didn't do all of it.
Pam
Sunday
Yordas: Dave Mountain, Chris Birkhead, Bronwen Ley, Alva Gosson, Dave the American
After a heavy SAT night none of the 'mean hard tough' cavers affiliated with the world respected IC3 were up to much, except DAVE (Yank), CHRIS and DAVE (as in BRON); BRON and myself having less of an excuse to feel fucked since we missed the partying as we were caving! Having entered 'cave valley' we arrived at YORDAS at the very respectful time of about 1400hrs. BRON rigged and we emerged partly hypothermic at about 1700hrs. Incidentally the cave is not that long and is wet so do wear a wetsuit unlike ourselves. There is a fairly big entrance pitch which meets the water, a crawl through the water followed by a wet pitch with a fucking cold waterfall; don't stand for an hour at this pitch head. The rebelay leads the rope straight into the obliquely running fall which runs as a stream into a vast show cave (which is boring) with a small exit. Good Sunday afternoon stroll. BRON and CHRIS derigged and we left the valley, for the second time that day!
Alva
Oh Alva, why on earth did you stand there for an hour?
Anon
There was a rock fall and we had to dig really! Bron was Ace.
Alva
Yorkshire 16th-18th
Members: Bron, PAM (obviously the most important people cos I'm in capitals - No just your name's short sorry to dash your misconception), Alva, Dave W, Monaghan, Pete, Clive, Tim
New Members: Dominic, Matthew, Joanna (Jo), Dave (Yank), Phil (Pam's big brvver who's not IC but still counts)
Freshers: Zo, Claire, Jessica, Caroline
Saturday
Nettle Pot: presumably Clive Orrock, Caroline Fletcher, Zo, Jessica, Claire
Bull Pot: Pam Murphy, Pete Hambly, Tim Palmer, Bronwen Ley, Jo Wright, Phil, Matthew
Can't remember what happened as it was months ago now.
Erm... the third pitch was very wet and Pete (rigging) hadn't got an electric backup that worked - so we left. By this time Jo had decided she'd had enough and headed out with Tim. That's it really. Interesting seeing the famed top-of-the-second-pitch after hearing Chris Shaw's descriptions.
Pam
Flood Entrance: Dave Wilson, Alva Gosson, Monaghan Tindale, Dave the American, Dominic
To get to the entrance up on the moor, as per last year, we had to perform the highly strenuous and knackering hike up the hill, the weather however was fine and it was rather enjoyable for once. Dave W rigged the first pitches while we waited up on top and the trip then commenced. There were no troubles and we stormed through to the big pitch. Monaghan rigged this one. As we lounged at the pitch head we were caught up by a group from Newcastle who thought they were following another group on a plan which had evidently failed. The rain of the passed [sic] few days meant that there was a fair amount of water down the pitch and we all got thoroughly soaked. It was noticed at this point that Dave was in some pain from his crotch! We took a crawl to the main chamber where we met an AWESOME right. All three opening were issuing forth vast quantities of water and mist, and the dying daylight just illuminated the main pitch and dihedral! WOW! We headed back to the 30m pitch after we had recovered from our spacing out sesh. We met the Newcastle crowd again along with half a million other cavers on the several motorways on the way back. they kindly offered to derig and so we pissed off with great hastle. Dave was in really great pain and he only discovered after the walk back to the NPC while he was unchanging that the 2 mars bars that he had carefully concealed in his dry suit had migrated to his more tender parts and proceeded to mould themselves into place. He looked much more happy in the pub.
This is the tale of the Flood Entrance trip Date 17/11/90
P.S. I did my first piece of rigging and everyone got in and out in one piece!
Alva
Sunday
The van didn't work so we had to call the AA (something about overheating) so no one got to go caving. Except that Tim said he'd only follow the van down the motorway if he was allowed to go caving first so:
Sell Gill: Pam Murphy, Tim Palmer, Dominic, Matthew
Pam's first ever rigging trip (trees in Princes Gardens don't count). Bad idea letting freshers go cos I took a LONG time. First pitch was easy, second was very wet, so I had to go further out and do a different rig. I thought it was fun (but scary). Matthew + Dom just froze, and Tim was just amazingly patient and helpful like always. Only me and Matthew went down the second pitch. I enjoyed it. No one else did.
Pam
Christmas Tour 14-22 December County Fermanagh N Ireland
Members: Rob K, Pam, Alva, Jan
Old Lags: Rob 'Cuddles' Chaddock, Herman, Tim
Never-been-members: Chris B, Bobbykins [Bobby Kynaston], Steve [Watkins]
After an eventful journey (driving as fast as possible while seeing nothing at all in the middle of the night in a very foggy Wales, being late) got to the ferry at Holyhead JUST in time. Sat up all night drinking and/or sleeping in the ferry bar. Arrived in an incredibly cold frosty and foggy Ireland. Had breakfast somewhere. Got woken up by a [] and a crash
Pam
Ireland - what I did - Alva
Day 1 - A series of well meaning but brain dead Irish Farmers led us in circles looking for Rayfad [sic]. However the moors are covered with unexplored shake holes and the mist made the walk through the Irish moorlands a particularly freeky and surreal experience. In a small cliff I also found an unreal cave full of decayed shoes - wow! It freaked me out also. Retired to [] Guinness - Tres Bon. Got pissed and stoned, stoned and pissed and...
Day 2 - don't so remember order so
Recied Prods pot and gave up
Did Prods pot day later. First full rigging and derigging trip for me. Really great fun. Chris I thought was getting impatient but I think the tip was that bad. At the bottom of the cave bimbled up and down the stream passage. nothing special that I remember.
Did Rayfad [sic] up Watts
Alva
Write up in ICCC newsletter 15
Jan 18th-20th 1991
Members: Bron, ave Vickers, Caroline, Jo, Pete, Chris Birkhead, Tim, Harry, Monaghan, "Cuddles"
Guest: Tommy
Saturday
Short Drop:Tim Palmer, Bronwen Ley, Tommy
Having limited experience in the sport of caving, especially the fact that before today SRT didn't exist on my "C.V," I was reassured by the very experienced and skillful cavers - Bron and Tim. After following a smooth and meandering passage (quite pretty), and trying to remember the way-out for the return journey, we reached the crawl. "No Knee-Pads, no nothin!" My apprehensions of the pitch to come and my first ever SRT experience soon disappeared as the teachers were brilliant! In a nutshell the trip was short but sweet, and I loved doing SRT!!
Cheers IC3. Love,
Tommy
Gavels Pot and Short drop (through trip!): Harry Lock, Caroline Fletcher, Philip Murphy
Jo and Caroline were first timers to SRT in a cave, which Harry found out at the entrance (he took it very well!). Luckily the first pitch was outside (just before the entrance) which was welcomed as an introduction to SRT. Danger signs warning of a collapsing shaft seemed to be everywhere but 'sir!', after investigating decided it was safe - which it was (we got back didn't we?!?. The second pitch was at the entrance and could be free climbed if experienced. After the shaft there was solid rock and we strolled on to the third pitch. I can't remember this bit as I could only think about the 'Danger signs' - I think I took them took seriously! Whoops! Harry started the third pitch but it was too wet to go on so we headed back. It was a fun cave but good to get out!
When we got back to the van and found no one there we decided more caving was required so off we popped to do short drop. This 1 hour trip turned out to be a wee bit longer as the exit was far from clear when its dark outside! As this was a through journey and we had already desccended the waterfall pitch - bringing two ropes with us we were past the point of no return. Harry was excellent at searching for the exit and after much climbing he found it, rigged up a rope line for Jo and Caroline who used their SRT gear for an unexpected climb. All I can say is Harry must be very Gut and his calm way of talking us through the difficult climbs was much appreciated. The only lesson learnt was never to cave in a boiler suit (always use an oversuit!) or you might get very cold!!!
Caroline
Rumbling Hole: Pete Hambly, Chris Birkhead, Dave Vickers, Monaghan Tindale + Paul Eastwood (NPC)
Pete and Monaghan were going up to the Ghyll for a patch of idiocy in Dis, but Pete wimped... so after much dithering joined Chris and Dave down Rumbling, Paul tagged along as well. Swift processm Eliot style was made to the bottom. The first pitch was very impressive, with the water thundering down the other side of the shaft. A brief section of lowish well watered streamway led to the 3 final pitches in rapid succession. The pitches are riggable clear of the water. The rebelay on the second pitch being on the other side of a narrowish cleft. The bottom was spray lashed and rather uneventful. The way out went well until Dave got stuck at the rebelay at the top of the main section of the first pitch. After several minutes of unsolicited advice Pete went down to have a look. After about five minutes of faffing about with the knitting, it was deduced that the reason the chest jammer would not release was the silly string used to pull on the ring was jammed between the cam and the body. Brute force, ie the application of a lot load the jammer unstuck things, and everyone fled the cave rapidly. An excellent trip.
Pete
Sunday
Brunskill Pot: Chris Birkhead, Harry Lock, Jo Wright
After a short look for the cave - a bit haphazard - we entered the cave starting with a short climb - chimneying down - I was a bit apprehensive but it wasn't really difficlt we then proceeded down the cave. There was a bit of nasty crawling and the head of one of the pitches was a bit constricted, in fact of two of them. We went down three pitches, Harry's carbide was leaking so he had to keep filling it up. But at the bottom of the third pitch there was no water. Chris crawled off and I hastened to follow him as Harry pissed in his carbode. Chris decided that the crawl was so horrible there was no point doing it just to bottom the cave so we just went out again - which was lucky as coming back through the crawl after Harry had been through... When we got out of the cave it was very foggy and we had a little difficulty finding the way back to the carpark - we didn't walk in circles very much!... - as I was entertained by stories of walking round in circles after caving for hours before finding the road. I rather enjoyed the cave though - and I didn't quake a lot!
Jo
Yorkshire February 1st-3rd Green Close
Superheroes and mega-people: Rob K, Pammy, Bron
Keen, enthusiastic but somewhat naive young things; Jo, Dave V, Dave the Yank, Rachel the St Mary's student, Bob Bron's mate, Cristophe, Dominic
Knackered old farts: Cuddly Rob, Tim the explosion, Pete the green person, Monagram the vom, Dewi the amble, Phil Hay no interesting features
Old hags: Herman
Random others: Phil Pam's bruv, Bobbykins
Saturday
Penyghent Pot: Rob Knell, Phil Hay, Rob Chaddock, Herman Herz, Dave the American
Drove through spectacular snowy scenery to near cave. Went in, climbed down to the crawl, which featured 4-6" of meltwater. So we became quadrupedal for a while, and rapidly lost all sensation in hand, feet and (thank God!) knees.
After a while we came to the first pitch, ready rigged by ILSA off a rusty bar. Nipped down, carried on second pitch, then missed the turning down the rift, so we popped out from a flat out crawl straight onto the pitch: tried to go down, the rope was too short, hung in the waterfall, a crock of shite, so having all got hypothermia we exited and went to the Golden Lion of a swifty. Next time, though...
[sketch of a caver reaching the end of the rope in a waterfall, exclaiming oh shit!]
Rob K
Bar Pot: Pam Murphy, Tim Palmer, Jo Wright, Christophe Marchand, Rachel, Phil M
Spent ages talking to a random at the entrance and finding out that Jo's thighs are incredibly fat compared to Janet's, so played musical harnesses. Took ages going down the first pitch (which was amazingly rigged by Pam, but snot difficult). Me and Tim couldn't remember anything about the cave and had no idea where we were going. Got to the top of the second and decided that with 4 inexperienced peeps by the time we'd gone down and back up we'd have no time to play around down there and so prepared to leave - then heard Monaghan's dulcet tones on someone else's ropes - he'd not rigged Flood but abbed down on someone else's ropes and was kind of relying on us to rig that pitch to get out again - it's a good thing we heard him, really.
Everyone seemed to have a good time, and it was a beautiful day to up to the Gill - snow and blue sky!!
Pam
Flood Entrance: Bronwen Ley, Monaghan Tindale, Bob
Gavel Pot: Pete Hambly, Dave Vickers, Dominic, Bobby
After c. one and a half hours wlaking around in the snow trying find Deaths Head we eventually stumbled across a 'random' cave, in a large shakehole. Realising that time was pressing we decided just to explore this cave - not really knowing what was in store.
The cave started with a 10m pitch leading to a traverse after which followed another short 5m drop to the streamway. Here, after all getting to the bottom, Pete and Bobby had quickly scouted out the area upstream and downstream and told us that there was nothing much of interest apart from a small chamber with a few formations some distance upstream.
Whilst myself and Dominic raced up through the vadose passages leading to the pretties Pete and Bobby waited at the bottom of the pitch.
A point worthy of note is that apart from a few stals in the chamber, there is a high waterfall splashing into a small pool - innocent looking but hiding a waist high pit which I promptly fell into on examining the waterfall - a feat which I later learnt Bobby had repeated.
On leaving the cave we headed off back to the van - a bit disappointed in not finding Deaths Head (we were only down the cave for c. 3 hours if that). Walking to the van we stumbled across what we thought to be D.H.H. (it later turned out to be Big Meanie as R Chaddock informed us in the pub). We started to rig it but soon abandoned the idea as it was getting on and we would have been pretty late getting out so we just went home.
Dave V
Sunday
While all the keen, enthusiastic and somewhat naive young things all wanted to go caving, the more blase among us decided the snow was more fun than the caves, and so formed the IC3 formation polybagging team, trying to find the most stable configuration of 6 people on the five Inglesport bags in the field behind the Old Hill Inn.
Pam
Everyone was blow out by a psychotic 9 year old though!
Rob K
Simpsons Pot: Jo Wright, Herman Herz, Monaghan Tindale
A somewhat abortive attempt at this cave. A short entrance crawl down the five steps and to a (via a nice vadose passageway) nasty traverse (Mon had forgotten about this until he met it) - rather exposed - above a 60ft drop. We decided that as we weren't making very good time we couldn't make the through trip. Either we could go to the head of the second pitch and come back or go straight out. So it was thought there wasn't much point in doing that (- going to the top of the second pitch) so we came out again - intending to play around in Valley Entrance for a couple of hours but we didn't (Monaghan was very cold in Alva's gear) and after walking a long way down the road towards the Marton we go picked up by an NPC sriver. Back at the NPC we sat around and drank tea and coffee, Monaghan and Herman ensconced ni their sleeping bags until the van arrived.
Jo
Lancaster: Dave Vickers, Bobby, Dominic, P Murphy (not Pam!)
Excellent cave! Started with a 40m straight drop, quite tight for the first 10m but opens out for the last 30 ending in a small boulder filled chamber floor. All of us were unsure exactly which way we had to go so we made careful mental and physical (i.e. moving pointed rocks showing the way out etc) notes so we didn't get lost coming out.
After leaving the pitch bottom and crawling around boulder strewn passage we eventually emerged to a massive chamber which needed careful steps over deep rifts between the boulders to get to the passage leading on to largest chamber offering a 20m ladder down to the lower levels. It is in this chamber that a plaque bearing the name of a caver lost in 1985 near to that area is mounted in the wall - it made us all think for a minute and hope our route retracing signs would serve us well!
Proceeding onwards we met a succession of impressive pools along the passage which seemed to get deeper with each one encountered. I decided just to wade straight through, though Bobby believed it to be 'principle' not to get wet and went out of his way to find routes around these pools without getting more than a welly full!
Unfortunately, at this stage, it was decided it would be wise to return. We were all keen to continue but we were expected out in an hour so it was time to retreat.
All in all, we all reckoned it was a 'sound' cave (Murphy's expression) and wish it didn't take so long to find so we could have spent longer down it.
Dave V
Feb 15-17...?
March 1-3 Yorkshire
Dave (the old one), Dave V, Alva, Pam, Tim P, Dominic, Pete, Jo, Herman
I guess I'd better write what I can, cos noone else is. Please fill in any gaps later.
Dave W
Notts Pot: Dave Wilson, Pam Murphy, Tim Palmer, Alva Gosson, Dave Vickers, Dominic
Left hand: Dave, Dave, Alva
Adamsons: Tim, Pam, Dominic (I think)
After half hour break at bottom of shakehole reengineering Tim's carbide, set off down. Parted from others at 3 ways chamber, such sweet sorrow, etc. Despite rigging the LH route a couple of years ago, was surprised by airy traverse in middle of pitch. Elliot guide doesn't seem quite right - use about half as many hangers and different (70/20?) ropes. Met up and decided not to bother with bottom as my lot needed to hack over to Masongill to meet the van (which had dropped us off earlier) by 9ish. Not too quick on return, but I hadn't been down since November. Got to van via Ireby and waited with Jo for return of the F team. Good night in hut with S. Thorpe and tail end of someone's barrel.
Dave W
March 15-17 Derbyshire...
March 22-29 Yorks
All week: Dave W, Simon, Alva, Mon, Dave B, Pete
23-28: Rob K
Jan, Tim P, Alan, Bron, Frank, Frank's mate, Bobby (NWCC), Debbie
Easy drive up (only 6 in van). Celebrated yet another caving brithday at midnight. As no one else is writing, I'm leaving space as best I can.
Dave W
Saturday
Juniper: Alva Gosson, Monaghan Tindale, Simon Lawes, Dave the American
Notts: Pete Hambly, Tim Palmer
Got up, sat around surrounded by wall of silence, went outside - same. Went back into hut to find breakfast gone and Juniper trip stitched up, only Notts (again). Turned round to find everyone fucked off to Inglesport, so set off for solo walk, which I wanted to do anyway, in shitty mood. Up Ingleborough via Newby, then down to Sunset, Meregill, B.S., Tatham Wife, thence to Ingleton. Sun finally came out for 5 mile back. Rescued a goose from A65. Got back still in foul mood to find bastards had gone of fin morning to buy me a card and present. (Thanks guys) So now felt guilty as well. Still, it couldn't get any more strange. Drinks in Marton, followed by sitting in van waiting for second half of Juniper trip. Pleasant midnight jog up to the Allotment (no, it was, honest) and thence to New Inn at 1am for more drinks, back to strained hut atmosphere (someone else's problem) and thence to bed. A very strange day.
Rob and Jan arrived during evening.
Dave W
Sunday
Simpsons: Alva Gosson, Monaghan Tindale, Simon Lawes, Dave the American
Black Shiver: Rob Knell, Frank Cooke
Lancs Hole: Dave Wilson, Janet Cotter, Pete Hambly, Tim Palmer
Pleasant trip down lancs along with 3 ropes, 1 ladder and a double lifeline on entrance. Down to main stream at Fall Pot. Down to sump and bottom of Waterfall Passage (I think). Water level v low. Upstream to boulder choke area and back to Fall Pot. Quick bimble to Stake Pot, and then out. Went to Kirkby, looked at bikes near bridge, and then snacked in cafe, thence back to hut. Pleasant trip. Back to hut. Met Simpsions crew, then Debbie arrived just as we were leaving to wait at Hill Inn for Rob, etc.
Dave W
Monday
Heron: Dave Wilson, Monaghan Tindale, Simon Lawes, Dave the American
After vegging all day, decided to go caving for the sake of M's ego. Set off from hut to delay even longer in Kingsdale. Mon's carbide base abandoned ship somewhere between van and cave, so had to use electric. Abbed thru' ok and only got a wet arm at bottom. Time - one and a half hours, not moving particularly fast, but it was one of those trips where time itself even seemed to have taken a day off. Much better without a load of moaning freshers.
Dave W
Tuesday
Dis: Monaghan Tindale, Simon Lawes
Lost Johns Megahard rigging: Rob Knell, Pete Hambly, Alva Gosson
GG Main Shaft - Dihedral: Dave Wilson, Debbie Armstrong, Dave the American
Easy walk up in 'bracing' breeze. Got all nice and professional looking to show off to grockles at entrance. Dry descent, but still v. hard to communicate on first pitch. Put in all 4 deviations on 50, but only 2 really necessary (except for backup). Noted left hand bolts gone at last 2 hang points on lower section. Very little water in main fall. Nipped along to Mud Hall to show Dave our second largest chamber. Steady trip up, but aforesaid comms problems on top pitch meant over-long waiting on ledge. I guess I should have given Debs my whistle for the ascent. Walk down with the last of the daylight. Good 3+hour trip. Someone should finish off those bad bolts, though.
Dave W
Wednesday
Flood: Rob Knell, Pete Hambly, Frank Cooke
Lost Johns' Derig: Dave Wilson, Bronwen Ley, Alva Gosson, Monaghan Tindale, Simon Lawes, Dave the American
Got up to top about 3 or 4ish. Some other cavers (with or without permit) from East Dorset Speleo Group were down Lost Johns', on their way out from a Dome route trip. After seemingly mandatory carbide servicing at entrance (Simon this time), set off down. Easy slide down Centipede Route, except for somewhat strangely rigged last pitch, where the traverse line could be gained a few feet from its end, the previous few bolts being about 5m above the normal route. Piss easy 8m or so hang, with very mild spray, was made more 'technical' by a uselessly long deviation about 6 foot off the deck - Hmm.... Aqueous stomp to sump, amanging to keep dry wedding tackle in low-ish water conditions. Bron fell in at sump. Got to master cave entry point to meet others. 'Last one to the pitch head derigs' shouted Mon, and then he shot off at full waddle, up the main passage. Taking advantage of this own goal, the rest of us started on out the proper way, after sending Alva to retrieve him. Got from bottom of last to daylight in 32 mins, Simon close behind. Sat in van watching the last of the day, on the misty hills whilst waiting for the others to arrive, as they eventually did. Nice little trip, if a bit on the short side.
Dave W
Thursday
Diccan/Alum: Dave Wilson, Bronwen Ley, Alva Gosson, Simon Lawes, Dave Wilson, Bronwen Ley, Alva Gosson, Simon Lawes
Decided on this as too many [] here at weekends. it seems that whoever put nice big plate hangers in only put them in where they felt like it (first pitch start / main hang / ledge hang / end of traverse line / last: start of traverse, initial hang), rather than where they were, and still are needed, namely the second drop, and the START of the second rope where the 2 backups are nonexistent. The ones newly put in are by NO MEANS the most needed locations. Next time I'll have to do something myself about the second rope.
Dropped straight down final pitch from chockstone rebelay bolt, as I've got bored with the unprotected traverse to the almost-Alum final hang and it wasn't too wet. Bron slipped off initial Alum [] climb and landed on Simon's foot. Despite Bron having my whistle, still had communication problems on big Alum hang, and hence LONG wait at bottom for me (who else...). Fairly smooth exchange, with little waiting for S + A, cos they bottomed Alum only a few mins before I arrived. OK.
Dave W
Friday
Nipped up A65 to M6 to drop Bron off for her hitch Northwards. Got back, levered Simon out of bed. Ate at Clapham cafe, then the 3 of us (me, Simon and Alva) packed van and drove back to London. Unpacked van, if anything more easily than with the usual crew of randoms. End of tour.
P.S. Could someone else write something now?
Love,