Good to have the connection open again eh.
Ralf we forgot to remove the wood pulled out from the blockage it's half way down the passage best get it out before floods take it back in.
Also need Ralf and John to go up the inlet passage from base of First Window and remove blockage so water level falls where Eternal Optimist joins Lesser Stream - I will help from the other end honest guv - all being good you could exit that way!

5 Min job on our next visit are you free Thursday?

Yes John and I are both free Thursday -should be a good evening

Yesterday checked the Eternal Optimist connection.
The dam in the flood entrance is doing it's job just great. It has stopped the flood waters washing in debris but still allows some water to get in and wash the passage out.

The water entering has washed the passage out to such an extent that at present you no longer need to crawl flat out over the shingle. Now it is easy crawling all the way with a section washed down to the smooth limestone floor.

However in other parts the removed shigle has revealed boulders ready to be washed down to the climb/scaffold - ACTION - we need to pull back the boulders and stack them on the inside of the dam. The water will wash away the rest of the smaller stuff over time.

ACTION - we also need to crowbar the floor of the small chamber below the climb/scaffold as boulders and debris are lodged ther making the stream level very high - difficult to climb on down into Lesser Stream passage and keeping the water levels high in Manchester Hole.

Total taking two evenings or one afternoon.

Boulders removed by Ralf and I,
Yet to go back and crowbar boulders downstream of sump 2
Once done that hopefully should be a permanent solution and we do not have to go back.

Where is it blocked? went with John on sat and was open through to the rift where you drop down with the water just  after that coiled white pipe the other side of  sump 2, didn't go any further though.

Right whre you stopped the floor of boulders is now much higher and thr water from sump 2 is having to well up. Once this is done that hopefully should be the end of having to go back there - the sealed flood entrance using mesh and boulders is doing its job well. Nice to see the classic Goyden phreatic tube clear again eh! Did John enjoy his trip!

I went through there earlier today, and an excellent job has been done to clear it out again. It's a superb little route, and I hope that it stays open.

Despite the water levels being low in Manchester Hole, the bedding below the water rift (south side of Eternal Optimist) was a lot wetter than it used to be. The water used to disappear down a hole at the start, but it now carries on to the far side. However, it does now seems easier to pick a reasonably dry route down the stream way once below the bedding.

Thanks it took Ralf and I less time than expected to clear and should remain open now. Yes the water level downstream of sump 2 is high and that will be fixed when we egt round to it and like wise should be a permanent fix.
I too like the route - but am biased!!

Ralf we need to check out the conection here is still clear. We also need to crowbar boulders at the end so they fall down the slot - prevents water levels backing up into Manchester Hole and ensures the connection remians open.

Finally got round to makinga trip through Eternal Optimist connection. Noted the following.
1. The dam blocking the 'flood entrance' by Goyden main entrance has held well but the last flood have opened up a hole to the side of it. It needs work before the winter floods otherwise the connection may once again get filled with flood debris. Any volunteers to help? Access is via Lesser stream pot, turn right and at the bend see scaffolding on the right, that is where it needs shoring work/dam making.
2. The boulders downstream of Manchester Hole sump 2/Lesser stream still need to be removed with a crowbar to lower the water level.
3. The choke/climb further on has moved, seems reasonably stable but the access to the top and also at the bottom is a bit more restricted than it was before the floods

Brill solo trip and satisfying work completed.
1. There is now a dam completed the whole width of the alcove where the floods have previously entered the Manchester-Goyden connection.
2. The stream from sump 2 flowing along the rift and cascading into Lesser Stream passage - many of the boulders have been removed along the rift and the floor lowered considerably. Helps stop water backing up into Manchester Hole and also means trips through Eternal Optimist likley to be open even in wet conditions.
3. On this trip it was noticed that a section of wall has peeled away providing a new danger - see separate post. People be very careful going under this slab of rock