The Dudley chose Ogof Draenen for their September trip, with Mel, Loz, George, Paulina, Bartek and Dave on the roster. The Geryon was our proposed destination, however after route-finding problems, slower than anticipated progress, and losing Bartek between Snowball Passage and the Last Sandwich, we decided we would turn back and leave it for another day.
Not to worry; we still enjoyed plenty of great caving, with the beautifully decorated midwinter chambers and the Snowball being particular highlights. Wyvern Hall was also impressive to see, and a visit there helped cement a little bit of knowledge of the long round trip.
A less delightful part of the trip was The Last Sandwich. Although it wasn't that bad at all, it was more miserable than I remember from last time. The rock seemed particularly painful on the knees, and it was hard, dry work that felt somewhat interminable. However, once we arrived in MS&D, I was buoyed by the thought that it was time to turn around and start making our way out.
As is often the case, Bartek was our photographer extraordinaire and decided that getting an interesting shot of the Snowball was necessary. To this end, the following conversation took place:
Bartek: “Dave, I need you to lie flat on those rocks over there.”
Dave: “you mean the sharp, jagged ones?”
Bartek: “yes, those are the ones.”
Dave: “why?”
Bartek: “so I can get a picture of your head on top of the snowball. You'll look like a snowman.”
Dave: “I see. Can't someone else lie on the sharp, jagged rocks?”
Bartek: “no, it has to be you.”
Dave: “why?”
Bartek: “because in Poland, a snowman is someone who's an idiot. You fit the bill perfectly.’
Dave: “ah, I see. Hang on while I get into position…”
Despite this cruel abuse, this was another thoroughly enjoyable trip. There remains much for us to explore in Ogof Draenen, and I'm sure club members can look forward to several return trips.
Trip Report: Dave
Photos: Bartek
Cavers: Bartek, Paulina, Loz, Mel, Dave, George
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