Over a Christmas meal the idea of searching out and photographing an amazing array of helictites, last seen by Clive Westlake in the mid 70s was discussed. A trip was planned for January in the hope that Richards upper arm, broken in an August fall in Daren Cilau would have healed enough to allow him to go caving once again. With cakes baked, photo gear packed and video gear prepared we headed off to OFD2 and Pendulum Passage. Rachel was sporting a super bright DIY lamp and Richard was feeling fit enough to make this his first caving trip since the accident. The trip went like clockwork and we were soon climbing out of the OFD main Streamway and up into the lower reaches of Pendulum Passage. Some interesting climbs and routes through boulder collapses led to an area of long but mud encrusted helictites that we had photographed on a previous trip to this area in 2007. Alas on the previous trip we had not found our way through the boulder collapses beyond this area.
Keith pioneered the route and we were soon in the last 30m of passage where the finest arrays of helictites are located.
Keith viewing some of the helictites
Richard viewing some of the helictites
We split into two groups to photograph and video the helictites as the delicate formations are contained in narrow rifts and alcoves, after an hour, film had run out, batteries were dead and memory cards full, it was time to make our way back.
Despite the horrendous gales on Saturday morning, the intrepid trio Graham, Mike & Em descended into Eldon Hole (although someone, who will remain nameless, got his north and south mixed up!). At times it was like being in a wind tunnel as we hung on the rope, but being a small team meant that we could at least move quicker. Afterwards, we headed to the new Derbyshire CRO HQ for a meeting and have got lots more ideas now!!
Present: Emma Porter, Mike Clayton and Graham Smith
Had a good weekend with Shepton Mallet CC (including Jo C and Keith B, ex-DCC members) in Derbyshire. A quick visit down Rowter Hole for us, Knotlow for some on Saturday, followed by training at Total Access on Sunday.
A great turnout of 35 at the MCRO rescue practice held on Sunday. Thanks to everyone that attended the event and a big thanks to those who provided the training.
