Sunday 25 January 2009

OFD1, Penwyllt, South Wales

We diverted to OFD1 when an inch of rain fell overnight and made our planned trip to DYO impossible.The OFD1 stream was well up so we followed the escape route in and out of the cave.  This was our first trip to the impressive Starlight Chamber and we will return to take photographs.

Rachel in the bedding crawls approaching Starlight Chamber.

Rachel in the bedding crawls approaching Starlight Chamber.

See more OFD 1 photos here 

The Team: KeEd & BrMa + Rachel and Richard from WMCEG

Saturday 24 January 2009

Ogof Nant Rhin, Clydach Gorge, South Wales

Now this cave was recommended to me by another member of the club, so I decided I had to go and see what all the fuss was about. So there we were on a freezing cold Saturday morning, stood on a riverbank looking into what we hoped wasn't the entrance, as it was only a few feet higher than the river and had freezing cold water pouring out of it. It also looked fairly unstable with scaffolding holding up a fair amount of rock and soil. So of we went crawling headfirst into the unknown and by god that water was cold. A word of warning here - the guide book states not suitable for persons of larger than average build. What's average build? I'm 5ft 11 and weigh just over 12 stone, and I spent most of my time thrutching and squeezing myself along razor sharp phreatic shelves (don’t wear your nice new over-suit, it may get ruined) to get to Aven d`Oznog while Mel just whizzed along laughing, as she couldn’t see what all the fuss was about. mind you I must admit the lower level of the cave isn’t quit so tight, and has quite a few formations to see especially at the Garden of Delights. 


See photos of Ogof Nant Rhin here 


The Team: AnGr & MeWa

Sunday 11 January 2009

Parys Copper Mine, Anglesey

One of the largest turnout of members in recent years undertook an extensive tour of this fascinating and unusual system lasting nearly 5 hours.

Heather admiring some of the snotite formations.

Heather beneath a wall of stacked deads.

Heather, Keith and Rob by a flooded stope.

Team A: KeEd, BrMa, RoOl & HeSi + our guide Allan
Team B: MiCl, EmPo, GrSm, JoSm & DeWi + guides