Topic

A refreshing change not having to drag a drill and meters of rope through a cave. Unfortunately having picked up some sort of bug (might just be that I hadn’t recovered from working the previous 10 days?!!) I was actually impeded more than usual. So having met Rich and Nigel (high / only turnout for the YSS trip) for a leisurely 10 am for a brew in Bernies we eventually got round to kingsdale for a blustery change and slog up t hill.

Rich agreed to rig, so me and Nigel just followed. The entrance series is easier than vespers until splutter which Nigel wisely choose to retreat on and Rich took 2 attempts at (1 forward crawl, 1 backward). Having spluttered through we eventually descended from the tight pitch head and progressed to the 8 min crawl (15 mins, we're not of Weare dynasty).

Rich battled with the dodgy spits while I attempted to summon some strength. Having achieved to make the safest use of rope and spits, Rich descended with me following into the abyss. Hearing voices below we decided to head down towards the final pitch (in case they wanted to do an exchange). Time against us and no having the enthusiasm we retreated back through the cave not doing the final pitch to find Nigel at the car ready with food and drink (shame no alcoholic). fortunately we had learnt lessons on way in and had just enjoyable battles with the crawls.

All in all a good trip, cheers to Rich for rigging, wish I had some more energy for it.

Sam

Sam and rich 5.5 hours?
Nigel 1hour?

Sorry to disappoint Damian after his usual \"mind games\" as we left the school to suggestions of an afternoon in the café

In hindsight I think the drop at the end of sputter would be ok as a head dive, but that's easy to say now! Was glad there was only two of us with all the loose choss below Dodd’s pitch and on the very mobile great rubble heap.