Basic SRT training

Some basic SRT training was provided by Mike and Emma at Total Access, including going up, going down and changeovers. 

Jessica at a re-belay being supervised by Emma

Those who took part: MiCl, EmPo, AnGr, HeSi, JeHa & JaHa

Brickworks Dig, Penwyllt, South Wales

We have started to back-fill some of the passage as well as removing the railway track from the main sump pool and partially filled it in. The dig is now about 3 feet longer - we have begun to dig out below the arch that we discovered last time. It is also a few feet deeper. More details on the dig page. 

The Dig Team - Sunday 16th September 2007

Left to Right - Chris Webb, Keith Edwards (rear), Heather Simpson, Derek Robertson, John Smith

The dig team: KeEd, BrMa, DeRo, HeSi (Sun only), JoSm & ChWe + Piers from SWCC (Sat only)

Tunnel Cave and OFD 2, South Wales

Chris and myself took the opportunity to join the WBCRT practice in Tunnel Cave. Four hours were spent bringing a casualty through the cave and then out of the show cave. After having ice cream and tea, Chris and myself headed up to Top Entrance to search out and explore the Bedding Chambers.

Chris views the formations in Shale Chamber.

See more OFD 2 photos here 

The Team: BrMa & ChWe

Eldon Hole, Derbyshire

This was arranged as a SRT training trip for Mr Webb, who unfortunately couldn't make it on the day - something called 'work' got in the way. Marris and Edwards decided to carry on anyway as we both needed to do some shopping for new shinny caving gear as well as needing to bush up our SRT skills. We descended the main shaft and also ascended the inner chamber, but decided against ascending Damocles Rift. Brendan rigged and de-rigged which meant that Keith got to use his camera! You will notice that Brendan is sporting his new caving helmet and speleo lighting system. Keith is sporting his new over-suit but as Brendan is a less experienced photographer than Keith he seems to have got him in silhouette!

Brendan on the descent of the West Wall.

Keith Edwards on the ascent.

The Team: KeEd & BrMa

Dan Yr Ogof, South Wales

Having completed many trips in DYO neither Marris nor Edwards had ever managed to visit a area of the system known as Dali's Delights. This situation was rectified on this trip. The route to Dali's involves going through the lower series to the Abyss after the Long Crawl. A rope climb near to the Abyss leads up to this region of the cave which is renowned for its rock sculptures. The area also has a number of very tall avens.

Keith in Dali's Delight - Dan Yr Ogof.

Keith in Dali's Delight - Dan Yr Ogof.

Keith in Dali's Delight - Dan Yr Ogof.

Keith in Dali's Delight - Dan Yr Ogof.

See more Dan Yr Ogof photos here 

The Team: KeEd & BrMa

Gaping Gill, Clapham, Yorkshire

After a trip down the Main Shaft courtesy of the Craven Pothole Club winch, the route we followed was: Mud Hall (to experience the mud traverses), Mud Hensler's Crawl (to show Del wat real caving is all about), Hensler's Stream Passage (very nice), Hensler's Passage, The Blow Hole (an entertaining squeeze), New Hensler's Crawl, bottom of Bar Pot, Sand Cavern, some of North West Extension (more mud) and back to the Main Chamber for a ride out.

The Main Chamber during the winch meet.

Derek in Hensler's Master cave

Derek in Hensler's Master cave

Derek in Hensler's Master cave

The Team: KeEd, BrMa & DeRo

The Great Oxbow Series, OFD2, Penwyllt, South Wales

A trip to a very pretty part of the cave along with a short excursion to explore passages between the corkscrew climb and Swamp Creek. Rigging the sky-hook pitch provided entertainment for several minutes, but it was well worth the effort as the photos show.

Derek viewing formations in the Upper Oxbow.

Derek viewing formations in the Upper Oxbow.

Derek viewing formations in the Upper Oxbow.

Derek viewing formations in the Upper Oxbow.

See more OFD 2 photos here 

The Team: KeEd, BrMa, MaRo, DeRo & ChWe