OFD2, Penwyllt, South Wales

This was to have been a digging day, but the weather decided that this was not to be so - see dig page.  Adrian, Graham and John left to browse the bookshops in Hay on Wye and Brendan and Keith would have liked to have joined them, but the new boy pleaded with us to take him caving so a short trip in top entrance was hastily arranged.  The route included Big Chamber, Bagpipe Chamber, Arête Chamber, Edwards Short Cut, Frozen River,Shatter Pillar, Selenite Tunnel, The Trident and Judge.

Chris Webb in Bagpipe Chamber.

Chris Webb at the Frozen River.

See more OFD II photos here

Present: KEd, BMa & CWe

Brickworks Dig, Penwyllt, South Wales

The water slightly higher than 'normal level'.  Pumping took nearly all day.  When we got to the bottom of the extension passage it was noted that more infill had fallen out of the roof and had washed down to the dig face.  Also by this time the rain which had started when we started pumping had set in for the day and was falling heavily.  More .....

Present: KEd, BMa, GSm, JSm, ASt & CWe

Rescue Practice, Secret Underground Location in the Midlands

A scenario involving two causalities - both stretcher cases.  In total four awkward pitches needed rigging for rescue including a haul up a cliff face. A very successful day.

Present: PAn, MBa, DBo, RBr, MCa, MKa, ACr, KEd, AGr, BMa, MNo, EPo, GSm, JSm, Ast & CWe + Dave from Wolverhampton & members of SCMC

GCRG Rescue Practice, Miss Grace's Lane, Tidenham Chase, Chepstow

Several scenarios were investigated on the day mainly involving stretcher handling in the pitch bypass crawls. MCl & EPo worked on moving a stretcher from the first chamber through the connecting crawl and up the scaffolded climb, the rest of the DCC members investigated rigging the traverses below the third pitch and the pitch itself. 


Present: From DCC: - MCl, KEd, BMa, EPo + Dave from Wolverhampton

Peak Cavern, Castleton,

A trip through the infamous Colostomy Crawl into Speedwell then via Whirlpool Chamber to Main Rising followed by a look at the pitch at Cliff-hanger then the lower reaches of the Lower Bung Streamway pausing only to take some photos at the Bung Waterfall - all in relatively high water conditions. Verdict: - tiring and wet. 

Keith Edwards at The Bung

Keith Edwards at The Bung

Present: KEd & BMa

Swildons Hole, Priddy, Somerset

A trip for the club novices to the sump and back.  Party 2 also took in the first part of the 'Short Round Trip' via Tratman's Temple to the first of the 'Troubles' which was completely sumped.  Peter was the only one brave enough to dive the sump.

Peter climbing up the Wet Way.

Del climbing up Double Pots.

Present: Party 1 - MCl, EPo & DeWi + Dave from Wolverhampton.  Party 2 - KEd, PLi, BMa, JRa & DRo

Giants Hole, Castleton, Derbyshire

Present: SAn, BMa & CWe