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What with lashings of overnight rain and distinctly dark foreboding clouds in the morning, Sundays cave leaders bagged for the flood prone Ireby. Nigel had departed from the Helwith when this decision had been made due to his much needed (I think you will all agree) annual (not anal) beer abstention. He believes it was suggested in order to keep a tight hold of those excellent Odds in the YSS/Ireby CRO call out stakes, but I am sure Rich and Stu will beg to differ. By the time we were ready for the pleasant but considerable walk to 'the cavern' the wind had whipped up and the rain began to tentatively drop. A quick descent down Mr Weston's superb ladder (not bladder) and we were in the comfortable confines of this excellent cave. The pitches were rigged beautifully by Mr Rae, we were soon down to the almost dry duck where Emma was having a moment of indecision. Mr Weston kindly talked her through the obstacle (you have missed your calling Stu) and we were all soon bounding down Duke Street with gay abandon. Quick look at the sump, we all had to convince Ales free diving was a bad idea and drag him screaming out of Duke Street. A quick exit out of the cave and to Inglethief for cheesy chips. A fabulous end to a fabulous trip, in my view one of the Dales finest. Thanks to Rich for rigging and Stu for de-rigging. The water levels in the cave were not alarming but I felt that they were on the up as we made our way out.
Time 3hours 30 mins
Players: Emma Beecroft and Rich Rae (her betrothed) Stu Weston, Ales, Paul Horner and Nigel Steel

I still haven't figured out whether it was Rich or Ales who thought the best way to 'encourage' me to continue with the cave (despite my concerns about the rain) was to withhold the car keys from me Either way they've got a lot to learn from Stu! Or else the promise of cheesy chips might just have done it - we missed out, as headed straight for the M6 and home, where it was sunny! Never mind, thanks to all for a nice trip (some of it enjoyed more in hindsight) and good training for my canyoning trip next weekend.

I gave you the clue while leaving home!: ''Rich, you owe me a beer!''

I was very surprised by the cave's beauty....truly nice place to be....in a dry weather

Ales wrote:

I was very surprised by the cave's beauty....truly nice place to be....in a dry weather

There are several YSS members who can tell you what it's like when it is wet!

Add this to your do list: www.yssuk.com/forum/9-General-Discussion/125-cripple-creek-ireby-ii.html#125 (You only have to do it one way as you can now come back via skylight passage - where the rope was hanging down near the sump)

I can tell you what it's like when it's really wet