Attendees were Mr Fell, Mrs Fell (surface support & walking), Frog, Rachel & Cavedrone assembled in Inglesport cafe this morning and headed off for Illusion. This had been billed as the last quick trip before Xmas. While it was a cold but overcast day in the Dales, there were plenty of others out and the cafe was packed first thing.By the way Salty the dog was there too - but he declined a walk and opted for a snooze in the car instead.
Its at least ten years since I had viisted Illusion and on the way in the ladders in the entrance shaft seemed in reasonable fettle and we were soon all down at the bottom ready for the off. I couldent remember if any tackle was needed or not once at the bottom of the shaft, so we took a ladder and some rope, just in case - but in the end this was not necessary.
We soon got covered in mud along the passage to the duck and skittered about a bit on the climb up just before the duck itself. The long legged had no problems here and on the way back Rachel discovered an alternative way of getting over the hump. I nearly got a wellington in the earhole as a result.
We halted at the duck and considered our prospects. Cavedrone, Rachel and myself all had a turn at daring to see if we would `go all the way' - but in the end there was only about an inch of airspace left about three quarters of the way along the duck - so it was agreed that we would make a return visit in the summer - when there will be no excuses whatsoever - spindles or no spindles eh Cavedrone !
Back to the cafe after washing off the mud in the river. Almost as muddy as Mistral this place ! Salty got shouted at in the cafe, and although it was still packed the cheese and tomato sarnis (with side salad) were excellent as usual. Merry Xmas cavers. Rachel`s new years resolution is to take her mother up Ingleborough in high heels !!
Its at least ten years since I had viisted Illusion and on the way in the ladders in the entrance shaft seemed in reasonable fettle and we were soon all down at the bottom ready for the off. I couldent remember if any tackle was needed or not once at the bottom of the shaft, so we took a ladder and some rope, just in case - but in the end this was not necessary.
We soon got covered in mud along the passage to the duck and skittered about a bit on the climb up just before the duck itself. The long legged had no problems here and on the way back Rachel discovered an alternative way of getting over the hump. I nearly got a wellington in the earhole as a result.
We halted at the duck and considered our prospects. Cavedrone, Rachel and myself all had a turn at daring to see if we would `go all the way' - but in the end there was only about an inch of airspace left about three quarters of the way along the duck - so it was agreed that we would make a return visit in the summer - when there will be no excuses whatsoever - spindles or no spindles eh Cavedrone !
Back to the cafe after washing off the mud in the river. Almost as muddy as Mistral this place ! Salty got shouted at in the cafe, and although it was still packed the cheese and tomato sarnis (with side salad) were excellent as usual. Merry Xmas cavers. Rachel`s new years resolution is to take her mother up Ingleborough in high heels !!
