Plodding through the entrance series we quickly reached the Step in the streamway and found water levels to be nice and low. We stomped up the streamway over the pots and into Boulder Chamber via Upper Flood Passage. Here we took the exposed traverse up to the start of the Waterfall Series, where we soon found ourselves bridging across a deepening trench with the Wet Way entering after a short while on the right.
Continuing to the end of the trench, a tight squeeze up through boulders led to the Dry Way and before long we arrived at the climb up to West Leg. Here we went up a somewhat exposed and polished 4m climb, with me reassuring myself that we didn't have to come back this way. Soon I found out that we did have to come back this way, as I’d misread the survey and led us straight past the connection to Highgate and Crystal Pool Chamber.
Nevermind; we reversed the climb down and soon found ourselves tackling the short - but fun - climbs up to the rift that leads into Crystal Pool Chamber. Having finished our business with the Waterfall Series, we headed back to Upper Flood Passage, this time climbing down the Waterfall rather than the exposed traverse into Boulder Chamber. But before doing so, I couldn't resist having a peek down the passage at the entrance (exit?) to the series that takes you high above Upper Flood Passage. This section of cave was very short, but led to a spectacular position; possibly a good place for a future photograph?
Before long we were climbing up into Lowe’s Passage and then up into the Rawl Series. Towards the beginning of this, a short, polished step up led to a long crawl that quickly gained height above the main passage below. We didn't follow this, but looking at the survey, I think this was Don’s Crawl that leads to Starlight Chamber. I was quite excited about identifying this, as I've seen impressive photos of the chamber and want to visit at some point.
Carrying on, we made progress to Roundabout Chamber, Shale Crawl and eventually Pi Chamber, spotting the squeeze down into the Subway en route. From Pi Chamber, things got really exciting, with the slither down the Elephant’s Arse to the start of Bolt Traverse over the main streamway. This is another spectacular position, accessed by a ladder and then a slide over the top of a large boulder suspended between the two sides of the canyon that takes the stream. This slide is a little awkward and exposed, and turning to Phoebe to advise her of this, I found that she had squeezed through an impossibly small hole between the boulder and cave wall. The benefits of being small!
After the Bolt Traverse, Phoebe opted for the Maypole Wire and chain back to the streamway rather than the Dugout. After a short walk down the streamway, we again found ourselves at the Step where we made our way back to the entrance series. Shortly after the Toast Rack I saw a side passage that looked like it needed exploring and dived down this. I dived a little too eagerly, however, as I quickly became separated from Phoebe. Several minutes later, after we had both wandered around shouting to find the other person, we met up and headed out of the cave.
All in all this was a fun trip, with Phoebe giving it a 7 out of 10. Although I've been in OFD1 several times before, I can't tire of the streamway, and the Waterfall Series and Round Trip are as enjoyable as they were the first time around.
Pictures and report: Dave
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