Topic

During my short visit of Mendip, we had a chance to stay one extra night at Wessex and at Hunters. To our surprise, upon the come back from the pub we discovered Jason and Emma at Wessex and since we didn't have any plans for Friday,our plans were made by them. Priddy Green sink trip felt apart and new plan has been established. Free diving sumps in Swildons... Well, we are drunk and I fall asleep hoping that the plans will change once we are sober...

No. The plan is still the same. But our day starts very nicely at Priddy Good cafe with a Farmers Wife Due to a lack of wetsuits the plan is to go down to Sump 1 where Stu and Keith will wait for me to free-dive sumps 1 and 2 and then Jason and Emma can carry on to Sump 9. The trip goes more or less smoothly. I feel so scared for the whole trip that I'm unable to climb even some easy climbs and slow down the whole group. But once we get to the sump 1, the fun is over. Emma quickly disappears and is my turn. I manage to sneak through the small letter box - it feels much tighter than last time - and emerge on the other side quickly followed by Jason. After another 5 minutes we are at the second sump. I still feel like that I can quit but the people around me don't ask... I have to get stripped off, put some wetsuit on, lead and goggles. Emma without saying much just disappears. I go on my knees and for a few seconds I watch the water in front of me. ''Is this really happening?'' I just can't believe it. But everything seems to be arranged. After one attempt I just go for it. The free dive is quite smooth until the end where I bang my head on the roof and have to dive even deeper. But then it's over. I emerge on the other side, hug Emma who is already getting cold. The way back seems to be even more horrific. On the other side Jason just gets all the gear he needs from me and without any glory just carries on. I just have to walk back on my own and free dive the sump 1.

Stuart and Keith are already getting cold but I feel so happy to see them again! On the way back we fly just to get warmed up. Tea and medals are waiting at the hut. All is left now, is my fame at Hidden Earth!

Trip time: 1:30
Party: Jason M, Emma H., Keith, Ales & Stuart

Well done Ales!! ... I will keep practicing at the edge

To be honest, it is hard mostly psychologically. Once you decide to go for it, there is nothing else to do than keep following the rope.

Another good trip report Alës, we shall miss them