Rob
Well-known member
The Eldon have been having some pretty tough trips in the Giants Oxlow system these last few years, but none of them quite prepared me for Sunday?s epic!
Due to the demanding nature of what we had planned we rallied around and mustered together a team of 11 in total. This also included a very experienced handful from another club, and although their gear was a little unorthodox their enthusiasm was high.
I was happy to know everyone had been in to these far reaches within the last 6 months, so were very familiar with the terrain. Also everyone knew each other very well so we were ready as a team to handle the tough challenges ahead.
Water levels were very low for this time of year and we were happy to make good progress towards our primary target. Significant digging has improved some of these sections which used to be desperate. Beyond there is a series of climbs, including a number of bits where we had to help each other up, then some narrow cracks to squeeze through. Moral was high as we delved deeper into the dark.
We arrived at the most difficult section which many of the group had never attempted before. Dave and Brendan led the way, showing the team that it could be done either head first or feet first. The newcomers showed good bravery at first, but unfortunately the small and arduous nature of this tight section rose too much caution in them, leading to a notable decline in their happiness and ease. It was clear they were not going to make it through, and as the tiredness kicked in they realised they may have pushed a little too far into the system.
We all grouped together to pool resources and came up with a plan to get us all out quickly and safely. This involved the weakest three of the team to be carried most of the way out, whilst two more were assisted by hand for a large portion. Particular attention was paid to one member as she kept losing consciousness for much of the trip out.
Once back at the surface moral was improved. One person still needed to be assisted horizontally back to the car. A quick chat with some of the locals then a rush back for the apr?s-caving curry.
Due to the demanding nature of what we had planned we rallied around and mustered together a team of 11 in total. This also included a very experienced handful from another club, and although their gear was a little unorthodox their enthusiasm was high.
I was happy to know everyone had been in to these far reaches within the last 6 months, so were very familiar with the terrain. Also everyone knew each other very well so we were ready as a team to handle the tough challenges ahead.
Water levels were very low for this time of year and we were happy to make good progress towards our primary target. Significant digging has improved some of these sections which used to be desperate. Beyond there is a series of climbs, including a number of bits where we had to help each other up, then some narrow cracks to squeeze through. Moral was high as we delved deeper into the dark.
We arrived at the most difficult section which many of the group had never attempted before. Dave and Brendan led the way, showing the team that it could be done either head first or feet first. The newcomers showed good bravery at first, but unfortunately the small and arduous nature of this tight section rose too much caution in them, leading to a notable decline in their happiness and ease. It was clear they were not going to make it through, and as the tiredness kicked in they realised they may have pushed a little too far into the system.
We all grouped together to pool resources and came up with a plan to get us all out quickly and safely. This involved the weakest three of the team to be carried most of the way out, whilst two more were assisted by hand for a large portion. Particular attention was paid to one member as she kept losing consciousness for much of the trip out.
Once back at the surface moral was improved. One person still needed to be assisted horizontally back to the car. A quick chat with some of the locals then a rush back for the apr?s-caving curry.
