RestingCaver
New member
Having proven a few facts about Marble Sink, I think it would be helpful to comment about the 2 trips I have made into the cave. The first was on a freezing Saturday in January 1983 when there was no advice given about going feet first from the entrance to the first pitch. The first pitch was laddered before I got to it, but during my attempted acrobatics trying to turn around at the pitch head to descend the ladder the right way up, I found myself quickly and unintentionally at the bottom. Needless to say, it wasn't a comfortable landing and to cut a long story short, CRO had to be asked nicely to come and pick up some of the pieces and get me out again. Rescue from the the bottom of the first pitch is therefore possible although difficult and painful for all involved.
My second visit some 15 years later was a bit more successful and I bottomed the cave with a group from OUCC quite easily this time without any breakages but still plenty of acrobatics. It seems that aspect of my caving must have improved.
So, my advice. Enter feet first. Use SRT. Don't create a need for rescue. And enjoy what is a very special cave, for me in particular.
My second visit some 15 years later was a bit more successful and I bottomed the cave with a group from OUCC quite easily this time without any breakages but still plenty of acrobatics. It seems that aspect of my caving must have improved.
So, my advice. Enter feet first. Use SRT. Don't create a need for rescue. And enjoy what is a very special cave, for me in particular.
