GG Winch Meet Aug 23

[snebbit]

Just a quick one if any CPC members are reading this and know - are there plans to rig Marilyn, and if so, is it already rigged?

 

[Jon]

Plus, which other entrances will be rigged?

 

[Ian P]

Just a quick one if any CPC members are reading this and know - are there plans to rig Marilyn, and if so, is it already rigged?

Yes. Marilyn will be rigged ready for “opening day” this Friday. (Not currently rigged)

 

[Ian P]

Plus, which other entrances will be rigged?

For sure: will be the “standard” routes.

Bar
Stream
Wades/flood
Dihedral ( Not during winching)
Small Mammal
Marilyn

Others maybe, but not “guaranteed”

Updates will be posted here.

 

[Jeanrr]

Which entrances are rigged now?

 

[snebbit]

Yesterday Dihedral, Stream, Wades and Small Mammal were all rigged

Thanks to all involved for putting it on as per usual

 

[Ian P]

Which entrances are rigged now?

Bar. (Including the “Pulpit” route)
Stream Passage
Wades/flood
Dihedral ( Not during winching)
Small Mammal (including flowstone chamber)
Marilyn is “going in” tomorrow (Thursday)

 

[rm128]

Yesterday Dihedral, Stream, Wades and Small Mammal were all rigged

Thanks to all involved for putting it on as per usual

I would definitely echo Snebbit’s sentiment. Thanks to all involved in rigging these routes for the benefit of all cavers. Your efforts (and those of BPC earlier in the year) are very much appreciated. Thanks, in particular, to Ian P for his very helpful advice yesterday.

 

[Ian P]

The winch has been inspected today by Bureau Veritas and given the green light to start winching the public on Friday.
Some pictures from the setting up below

 

[Cantclimbtom]

There's a maybe 40% chance I can make it up there some point, so please may I ask a silly question about the meet that I couldn't find from RTFM (i.e. CPC website). Suppose someone fancied Bar Pot (or other pre-rigged routes), check in and ask nicely clearly, but how does it work, is there a one-way system in place to avoid congestion of people wanting to ascend when others want to descend or do people book it for their whole trip (which for a solo caver would be really wasteful!). On the subject of solo cavers, would someone get the Elf and Safety book thrown at them if they admitted that?

 

[rm128]

Report in at the appropriate tent (beside the main shaft). They have a whiteboard on which to write important details - how many in the party, contact number, expected route, expected time out etc... There is no one-way system or (as far as I know) restriction on number of parties doing certain entrances/exits. Just use common sense if you meet another party at rigged sections.

The CPC folks up there are always very friendly and helpful. You can even walk up in normal clothes, change up there and leave a bag with your dry stuff while you're underground. All very civilised... in a caving sense.

As for solo caving, there's absolutely nothing wrong with it... as long as you take the usual precautions, e.g. always take 2 completely independent sources of light, let someone responsible know your intended route, call-out time etc... To be honest, the winch meet is a great time to do solo trips. You will almost certainly bump into other parties down there for a nice chat, helpful advice etc... If you were so inclined, you may even find another party to tag along with.

Have fun.

 

[Ian P]

Marilyn / lower Dis went “in” today.

The stage is set, please come along and have a great time.

As mentioned, please “book in” at the reception tent (NO COST for normal caving trips).

Please come say hello and have a chat up at the tea tent (it will be nice to have a change of conversation 😂).

Last years “code” words of “Any chance of a brew” are still valid and should result in a brownish warm liquid.

Bringing cake and biscuits is always welcome.

Hope to see lots of cavers this year 👍

Ian
On behalf of the CPC

 

[bwant]

I've never been to the winch meet before, how likely is it I'll find someone to go down Stream with or will I have to go it solo? This is also an advert to join me, I intend to head underground between 8 and 9 am on Saturday. Also do you allow someone coming up the winch to change callouts for people?

 

[Ian P]

I've never been to the winch meet before, how likely is it I'll find someone to go down Stream with or will I have to go it solo? This is also an advert to join me, I intend to head underground between 8 and 9 am on Saturday. Also do you allow someone coming up the winch to change callouts for people?

It maybe possible someone is around to go through Stream with you, call up at the tea tent and ask around.

We have a telephone connection from the chamber to the booking in tent so alteration’s are possible, just speak to one of the “winch crew” in the main chamber.

Don’t forget biscuits 😃

Regards

Ian

 

[Ian P]

There's a maybe 40% chance I can make it up there some point, so please may I ask a silly question about the meet that I couldn't find from RTFM (i.e. CPC website). Suppose someone fancied Bar Pot (or other pre-rigged routes), check in and ask nicely clearly, but how does it work, is there a one-way system in place to avoid congestion of people wanting to ascend when others want to descend or do people book it for their whole trip (which for a solo caver would be really wasteful!). On the subject of solo cavers, would someone get the Elf and Safety book thrown at them if they admitted that?

The “booking in” is not “booking” a route, people can go where they please, there is definitely no “one way system” in operation.

By “booking in” at the tent you can see what other groups are out on trips and which areas so may help you plan your own trip if you wish to avoid the “crowds”.

Absolutely no issues with solo cavers, you will likely see other people on your trip and definitely see people in the main chamber 😱

Ian

 

[Ian P]

A quick note.

If you are coming just to cave and have NO need to use the chair, please just come direct to the booking in tent. (I. E don’t queue with the public)

Ian

 

[Cantclimbtom]

Hi CPC folks, it's looking fairly likely that I'll be up in the Dales got GG, *But* not until Sunday 20th. Is it likely that Bar Pot would still be rigged on the Sunday?

Thanks

(I could unrig afterwards and drop at Clapham cave rescue if that helps)

 

[Ciaran T-H]

I've never been to the winch meet before, how likely is it I'll find someone to go down Stream with or will I have to go it solo? This is also an advert to join me, I intend to head underground between 8 and 9 am on Saturday. Also do you allow someone coming up the winch to change callouts for people?

Hi Ben, great caving with you yesterday! We've got a few photos of you descending Stream and also in Main Chamber. Feel free to reach out and I'll send them across. PM me with your number and I'll WhatsApp them over 👍

 

[Cantclimbtom]

Hi CPC folks, I'm still hopeful that I'll be around GG on Sunday 20th, despite the not so great weather forecast

I realise this is 1 day later than the last winch meet day (19th). Does any know the order/schedule of de-rigging please? This is a bit cheeky... but is it likely that Bar Pot might still be CPC rigged if I'm about on Sunday?

Thanks in advance...

 

[Pitlamp]

Hello Tom,

Ian P can probably give you a definitive answer (when he eventually sees your question; bear in mind that getting a decent signal / internet access is a bit hit and miss on the 'Boro).

But I'll try to help meanwhile. The last day of winching is Friday 18th. It's possible that at least some derigging of entrances to the system will have started by that evening. Everything relating to the winch will be dismantled on the Saturday, with further derigging of entrances likely. All entrances will have to have been derigged by the time the final trailer leaves the fell on Sunday 20th (which I'd tentatively think would be mid afternoon?). These timescales suggest it would be better not to have visiting cavers in the system on CPC ropes during Sunday I'm afraid.

This probably isn't what you wanted to read - but it's possible that Ian P may tell you something different, of course.

Just trying to help . . . .