Lost Johns rigged

[Getwet]

I was down Lost Johns recently, the centipede route was rigged and noted from the rust on the mallions that it had been there for some time.

Am curious to know how long its been there

Also on a different subject of etiquette, what are peoples views on utilising such rigged equipment for a quicker and easier trip?

 

[AndyF]

Also on a different subject of etiquette, what are peoples views on utilising such rigged equipment for a quicker and easier trip?

As an absolute rule, no. There are many reasons...

a) You get half way down a pitch to find the rope hanging by a thread, you couldn't see this from the top
b) You are down, and someone comes to the top to recover the rope they had to leave the previous week
c) You are wearing out someone elses kit.
d) You are down, when the owner party appears. They are force to wait whil you exit with them, even though it is near closing time (!) Need I say more!

 

[dunc]

Am curious to know how long its been there

Also on a different subject of etiquette, what are peoples views on utilising such rigged equipment for a quicker and easier trip?

It was about 1 year ago I was last in there and it wasn't there then! :?

As for using it, I would agree with what AndyF says unless of course you find out who owns it and ask if they don't mind you using it and to make sure its not being removed etc.. And even then I would proceed with caution in using gear thats left in a cave..

 

[Limestone_Cowboy]

I was in there at new year and it wasn't there then. Like the others say if it ain't yours don't use it! You never know the condition of it and it might get removed.

 

[MSD]

On the other hand, leaving fixed ropes down a cave for ages can also be a slight nuisance for other parties. For example, Penyghent Pot is full of shagged ropes at the moment (2 sets on many pitches, plus some extremely rusty ladders). Whilst it's not impossible to rig a further set of ropes it does cause some confusion and awkwardness. There is also always a risk that someone will accidentally rely on a rope which is far from sound. Granted most of the ropes in Penyghent are coiled at the top of the pitches, which reduces the problem. However, a clear-out seems overdue. A hacksaw to remove the rusty maillons might be a handy tool to take! Tip: use stainless maillons and ladders if you are rigging a cave for a long period of time.

Mark

 

[Getwet]

Must admit I fully agree with the made comments here regarding use of rope left in a cave

The reason I raised the question was that on two occassions recently I have had more experienced cavers than me suggest that..."as the cave was rigged at the moment, due to a dig etc, then it was a good opportunity to use the gear and do the trip with less hassle" As I understood it these people did not know who the gear belonged to etc.

I was rather surprised by the comments, and wondered what the general view was.

 

[littletitan]

They belong to Tim Allen. He has it rigged for digging up in Lyle Caverns. You are all welcome to use them as long as you don't complain

They will be there for some weeks to come.

 

[Getwet]

Thanks for the offer.

Unfortunatley I have recently dislocated my shoulder again, so any SRT trips are not on the agenda for a number of weeks.