Rhino Rift exchange trip

[cap n chris]

Andy S, Tom and Cap'n'Chris

A nice little SRT trip; I'd not done the right hand route before and so it was a good learning curve to rig it while Andy and Tom went down the traditional route.



Tom rigging the first pitch while I hang around and enjoy the view from my cosy stance on t'other side.

The deviation on the first pitch was a bit of a lean out for me and I was thankful Biff had left this rigged - thanks! - mind you it still needed extending with a sling to make it a more user friendly. Then down to begin rigging the second pitch up the traverse while T&S did their thing....



View down the traverse where I was rigging looking into the abyss where Tom was sorting out the rigging of the second pitch - it's a long way down....

An interesting pendulum manoeuvre is then required on my route which brings me to an angled ledge dropping off into yet another deep abyss (I know it's a long way down but just ignored it); running out of hangers by now but just about have enough to finish it off before abbing down to the ground in time to see Tom on his way down....



Abbing down the third pitch (final one for today)



We then have a breather and a natter before coercing Tom into returning up the right hand route with me following to derig while Andy derigs the traditional route. All straightforward stuff. Mind you, it's a damn good pendulum back from the ledge between 3rd and 2nd pitches on the return!

Up and out. 3hrs30min altogether.

 

[Tree Monkey]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

I did it with the Bracknell chaps a few months ago!

Your have to get your name on the list for a BERGER trip! :tease:

Then your have one over on Whitelackington!

 

[cap n chris]

I have concerns about organised club trips to G. Berger on the grounds that:

a) the dates are set months in advance and therefore trip(s) may coincide with poor weather; if you lived locally to the cave you wouldn't dream of attempting to go in without knowing what you were taking on and yet.... if you've travelled a long way (the Yorkshire Syndrome "We've come all this way so we'll go down anyway") the pressure is on to make a decision and in marginal conditions it could well be an unwise one - where's the fun in getting killed?

b) no-one is in overall charge and surely there's a risk that "he who shouts loudest, wins"

c) there's no yardstick of knowing the abilities, fitness and people you're caving alongside

d) it seems like a classic Abilene Paradox scenario

e) I'm not much of a club caver, frankly

 

[Melanie lloyd]

Looks like good trip there Chris but..

You lot are still obviously not doing your... WARM UP first... tut. tut. 

 

[cap n chris]

:-[

 

[Justcantstop]

Hi!

The photos turned out well!! Nice cave, and definitely one of the best and most challenging SRT trips i've done, and great to do some rigging (under Andy's patient guidance). Thanks again to Andy and Chris for a great day of caving.


Tom