The Dudley’s last official trips this year were planned to take place in Yorkshire. On the first day we put right some unfinished business, when we completed an exchange trip between Cow Pot and Lancaster Hole. (We had attempted this earlier in the year, but due to the Cow Pot party not having a description and being unsure of the route, they didn't want to commit to the +++tight squeeze after the first pitch, and wisely turned back).
This time, we were sure of the way on, and the squeeze - whilst certainly squeezy - yielded to some determined pushing. Thereafter, Jas and Jonny showed remarkable patience as Dave bungled the rigging by failing to locate the correct y-hang for Direct Route. After dropping down the pitch and finding himself too far away from the final y-hang, Jonny managed to correct the problem on his descent. Phew!
Dodgy rigging aside, this pitch down into Fall Pot was spectacular: a huge open chasm, at the bottom of which the lights of the Lancaster Hole party could be seen. After we had all dropped down the pitch, they started the long climb out, while we continued towards our (much shorter!) exit pitch. On arriving at Lancaster Hole, we took a quick detour into Slug World. This was very muddy and led to a tight, even muddier squeeze, which really didn't look worth going through. However, keen to redeem himself Dave popped through to see some very beautiful stalagmites. The others quickly came through, and were followed - much to the surprise of everyone - by a fourth caver who proceeded to announce that she had followed the lovely smell of clean, freshly-scented cavers up the passage. I never knew the Dudley smelt so good!
Thereafter, we retraced our steps to the bottom of Lancaster Hole where our friend rejoined her party who were prussiking up and out. A few minutes of sociable chit chat ensued while we waited our turn to exit the cave. On reaching the car, Loz, George and Phoebe weren't back, so we wandered back over to Cow Pot, where we found them all at the top of the first pitch. Apparently George had enjoyed a good struggle up the tight tube!
We rounded off the day with a delicious Italian meal, good company (in the form of Roo and George’s mum Lorelle) and a couple of pints in Kirkby, as well as the satisfaction of having another great Yorkshire trip under the belt.
Cavers: George, Jonny, Phoebe, Jas, Loz and Dave
Trip Report: Dave
Photos: Lorelle & Jonny
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