Before I saw the light and became a mine explorer I used to potter about in the caves and windypits of the North York Moors. This culminated in my co - writing "Moorland Caver" the area guide. The one bit of "caver speak" that still amuses me is my description of Bogg Hall cave:
"The Duck consists of a submerged slab lying across the passage. Although there is an airspace above the slab, the best (and most entertaining) way to pass it is a short, 1m free dive under it (mask useful). It is best tackled thus: Remove helmet and hold it under the slab with the right hand, insert legs under the slab, place left arm under the slab and grab the far side of it , lie back and raise legs, take a deep breath and pull yourself through with your left arm. It is possible that the first pull might not get you through, if this happens a shove with the right hand usually does the trick. Try not to surface too enthusiastically as you will crack your head on the low roof - not recommended. From this point things start to get sporting! Turn left into a low airspace (10cm - 15cm) canal known as The Drain. This looks frighteningly narrow but bells out under water. The Drain is best entered feet first on one's side, nose and mouth up in the roof. A helmet is something of an encumbrance here and is best held out in front. Use the lower arm to propel oneself along the passage , blowing water out of your mouth as you progress
(the return journey is easier as you are borne along by the water). This is not a place to panic - stay cool, lie back and enjoy the experience."
Note the use of classic guide book terms including "entertaining" and "sporting"; euphemisms for "desperate" and "life threatening" respectively. Also classic caver's half truths such as it "bells out underwater". Re reading the description fifteen years after I wrote it I can see why I became a mine explorer!
